Name: Shigeki Tanaka VG10 Damascus Santoku with custom handle
Brand: Shigeki Tanaka
SKU: CUS-0019
Price: 270.0 GBP
Availability: OutOfStock

Shigeki Tanaka VG10 Damascus Santoku with custom handle Purchase options

A real understated beauty that combines the best of all worlds, it's VG10 core clad in an easy to maintain stainless mean performance is excellent and the polished finish provides a visual treat when it's stored on your knife rack.

Well balanced and nimble we think Tanaka san has created an excellent knife for a wide range of cooks and collectors and we've asked UK craftsman @letshandlethis to pair the blade with a spectacular one-of-a-kind custom handle made from a purple and pink boxelder with gold/black resin.

A magnificent piece for any knife collector to own.

First Impressions

The consistent grind on the VG10 is impressive and out of the box the sharpness is as good as you'd expect from a top level blacksmith. This is a knife that's ready for business!

Beauty

Definitely a good looking knife, we pair it a traditional wa handle in teak and black buffalo which creates a nice contrast with the beautiful exposed layering in the cladding steel all the way down to the core cutting edge.

The cutting edge is highly polished and then fades to a more matt like migaki style finish so this knife would suit someone who is looking for a good amount of visual interest in their knives but perhaps not something that screams too loud for attention!

In Hand

This is a light and well balanced knife if you're using a pinch grip. It's very nimble and the balance point just around the bottom of the kanji works well and creates a nimble and easy to use knife.

Durability

The VG10 core clad in stainless steel is a classic combination for good reason. It's got a good balance of edge retention and sharpness and is easy to look after.

Ease of Care

Caring for the knife and maintaining its sharpness is as easy as rinsing and drying after use and periodically honing it with a ceramic rod to keep the edge in top condition.

We do also recommend you store it on a knife block or rack if possible.

Our Verdict

The VG10 will suit a wide range of people and uses because it covers a lot of bases. It's well made and finished by a master blacksmith and uses a classic steel combination that retains and edge but doesn't need a ton of maintenance and it's at a price point that makes it very accessible.

We're delighted to stock this and think it offers great value for money from a top class blacksmith.

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: 321mm (Blade + Handle)
Blade Thickness: 2.76mm (Measured level with heel)
Blade Height: 48.15mm (Heel to spine)
Total Weight: 137 grams
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.

Read the Japanese knife care guide
Add a knife care kit
Core Steel: VG10
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.

Read the Japanese knife care guide
Add a knife care kit
Cladding Steel: Stainless
Hardness: 62 (HRC)
Handle Style: Japanese
Handle Material: Octagonal wa teak and black buffalo horn. Custom handles also available.
Left or Right handed: Either (Double Bevel)

Product SKU: CUS-0019

Our aim is to measure and photograph all our products as accurately as possible but due to the handmade nature of many items, please be aware that there may be some variance in the measurements and that things such as blade and knife handle patterns can vary and presentation boxes may differ from those shown but we will always endeavour to provide the most accurate measurements, photos and descriptions of our products.

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

Protection & care for this knife

A photo of various protective guards for Japanese chef knives

We recommend either the magnolia santoku saya or Oster Rob pear wood saya for this knife.

Saya & Guards Knife Racks & Storage Sharpening & Blade Care

Blacksmith Profile

Shigeki Tanaka

A fourth generation blacksmith, Shigeki Tanaka and his small workshop based in Miki City are highly regarded for their skill and experience which has been passed down through the generations.

View all knives from Shigeki Tanaka

Shigeki Tanaka VG10 Damascus Santoku with custom handle