Name: Hatsukokoro Hayabusa VG5 Santoku
Brand: Hatsukokoro
SKU: HAT-023
Price: 105.0 GBP
Availability: InStock

Hatsukokoro Hayabusa VG5 Santoku

£105.00

First Impressions

The VG5 like the other knives in the Hayabusa series from Hatsukokoro which are made in a variety of steels (SG2, ZDP189 and HAP40) all share a common profile and an impressive thin grind so even at the lower price point of the VG5, it's a sharp knife with a thin laser profile that cuts well right out of the box.

Beauty

It's a subtly finished knife with a quality migaki finish on the stainless cladding that runs down to the core steel. Paired with the black pakka wood full tang handle it's a very Japanese take on the familiar Western chef knife design.

In Hand

Depending on your selection the Hayabusa VG5 is available fitted with either a traditional octagonal wooden wa or full tang yo handle.

The full tang yo handle is comfortable and a typical shape many people will be used to and while we'd perhaps like a little more smoothing along the spine and around the heel of the blade to make it a bit more comfortable. At the price point this is not an unusual compromise to find and it's something that can easily be done at home with some high grit sandpaper if it really bothers you.

Durability

VG5 is a stainless steel and this range is hardened to about 59-60HRC so it's hard enough to offer good edge retention, it's also going to be quite forgiving and have a lower risk of chipping in less practiced hands so it's an ideal first Japanese knife in this respect.

Ease of Care

Just follow our normal care instructions and you'll be good. As it's a slightly lower hardness than a lot of the knives we stock you might find that with regular use at home that giving it a quick sharpen on a whetstone and finish with a honing rod/strop every couple of weeks will give you the best results for keeping that thin edge singing.

You can add a Japanese knife care kit to your order which would give you the tools required for the job.

Our Verdict

We did find the petty knives in the range would perhaps benefit from thinning a little on a whetstone to bring the true sharpness up a bit but as you move to the larger knives (santoku, gyuto etc) the bevel and overall grind is much closer to a laser out of the box and performs very well.

Great value and unfussy the VG5 is a perfect sidekick in any collection and ideal for those who want sharpness but not to have to worry about being a little heavier handed.

Product Quick View

Want to see a little more of the knife? Check out what the knife looks like in hand and up close.

Product details

Blade Length: 182mm (Measurement of the cutting edge)
Total Length: 300mm (Blade tip to handle end)
Blade Height: 47.2mm (Heel to spine)
Blade Thickness: 1.7mm (Spine width above the heel)
Total Weight: 157 grams
Core Steel: VG5
Care tip – Stainless Steel

This knife is made from a stain resistant steel and so is a great choice for ease of care and it won't react with your ingredients like a carbon steel knife.

Looking after stainless steel

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RECOMMENDED Japanese knife care kit
Cladding Steel: Stainless
Hardness: 59-60 (HRC)
Handle Style: Various
Left or Right handed: Either (Double Bevel)

Product SKU: HAT-023

Our aim is to measure and photograph our products as accurately as possible but due to many items being handmade, finished or using natural materials, there can be minor variance in measurements and things such as blade or wood finishes can vary. We will always endeavour to provide the most accurate measurements, photos and descriptions of our products.

Some measurements such as HRC are provided by manufacturers and should therefore be used as a guide.

Protection & care for this knife

We recommend a magnolia santoku saya for this knife.

Saya & Guards Knife Racks & Storage Sharpening & Blade Care

Meet the maker

Hatsukokoro

Based in Seki city, Hatsukoroko employ a range of techniques and work with a selection of master blacksmiths working entirely by hand and for some ranges, they make use of modern machinery to combine craft with extreme precision.

Helping you find the perfect knives & accessories

Cutting Edge Knives is a family run business established in 2011 and based in the picturesque town of Holmfirth, West Yorkshire. We love the history and craftsmanship that goes into making Japanese chef knives and accessories and the excitement and enjoyment you experience when using a truly sharp knife in the kitchen.

Over many years we've helped thousands of happy customers find their dream knife and look forward to helping you too.

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