Name: Sakai Takayuki - VG2/VG10 Coreless Kengata Gyuto 190mm
Brand: Sakai Takayuki
SKU: SAK-0066-##
Price: 225.0 GBP
Availability: InStock

First Impressions

An impressive laser profile and thin behind the edges on the knives across the entire range. The coreless damascus is not just about the looks, that very thin profile and minimal taper glide through food.

Beauty

Forging the VG2 and VG10 steels together to create the coreless damascus has resulted in a knife that unlike more traditional constructions of core + cladding means the damascus pattern runs right to the very edge of the knife.

On close inspection you can on some knives see where the wider suminagashi pattern of VG2 steel meets the more horizontal markings of the VG10 and it creates a great looking knife for sure.

In Hand

Well finished and comfortable in hand with a smoothly polished heel and spine and for the bunka fitted with a wa handle a particularly lightweight knife and the knives fitted with the full tang micarta yo handles they still feel light and nimble.

Durability

In practical terms, the working edge of the knife is treated to around 60-61HRC so in line with many other comparable Japanese knives made with a VG10 core and offers a good balance between durability and ease of care.

Ease of Care

This is a stainless knife so easy to look after by following our normal care tips. For long term care and maintenance we'd recommend a Japanese knife care kit bundle.

Our Verdict

An interesting range from Sakai Takayuki where a lot of the focus might initially be on the coreless aspect and forging two traditional core steels together to make a knife in an alternative construction rather than the more typical san-mai core + cladding but it undoubtedly creates some interesting and beautiful looking knives.

It might be easy to initially overlook the performance because of this but a few minutes with the knives in this range reveal a selection of very thin, laser profile knives with an impressive level of out of the box sharpness and performance at a very competitive price point.

If you've been looking for a mix of performance and a bold look then definitely one to add to your shortlist.

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: 195mm (Measurement of the cutting edge)
Total Length: 338mm (Blade tip to handle end)
Blade Height: 51.5mm (Heel to spine)
Blade Thickness: 2.02mm (Spine width above the heel) 1.87mm (Measured halfway along spine) 0.87mm (Measured 15mm from tip)
Total Weight: 198 grams
Core Steel: VG10
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

View all non-reactive knives

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RECOMMENDED Japanese knife care kit
Cladding Steel: VS2
Hardness: 60-61 (HRC)
Handle Style: Various
Handle Material: Octagonal wenge / black micrata
Left or Right handed: Either (Double Bevel)

Product SKU: SAK-0066-##

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

Due to the height of the blade we recommend a 240mm magnolia saya and the large gyuto size (27x5.5cm) blade guard.

Saya & Guards Knife Racks & Storage Sharpening & Blade Care

Meet the maker

Sakai Takayuki

Well known and respected, Sakai knives are created by a skilled team of craftsmen and as a company have been creating knives for more than 600 years.

Sakai Takayuki - VG2/VG10 Coreless Kengata Gyuto 190mm