Our in-depth range review

First Impressions

When you first open the wooden presentation box and unpack the knife from its sleeve, it'll take your breath away! The mirror and diamond polished finishes are stunning and the full tang handles in either white stag horn or turquoise compliment the blades beautifully.

Right out of the box, the edges on these knives are superb, the attention to detail and quality of the finish are absolutely top class.

Beauty

We're lucky to be able to sell a lot of amazing knives and the variety of design and finish across all our knives is great but my word, these stand out in a crowd! 

The damascus finish is spectacular and you can see and feel the layering of the steel across the highly polished blades. 

Truly these are works of art.

Durability

The R2/SG2 steel core is a widely used and popular choice thanks to its excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance.

Ease of Care & Maintenance Tips

R2/SG2 is easy to look after and with a stainless cladding these beautiful knives are durable and easy to care for if you follow our normal care instructions.

For long term care, we recommend a Japanese Knife Care Kit bundle. 

Our Verdict

It's reasonable to classify the knives in this range as a "considered purchase" because of the price tag but if you're looking at just the price then you might be better looking at one of our many other excellent knives in the same shapes. 

These Saji damascus knives straddle the line of exceptional performance (and they are exceptional!) and collectors pieces for those who want to appreciate the outstanding craft and skill that goes into making such a knife in small batches. 

If you're looking for a very high quality finish and a visually stunning piece for you kitchen collection and one that's finished and sharpened to an excellent standard all round then look no further.

Meet the maker

Takeshi Saji

Takeshi Saji is a master bladesmith from Echizen in Fukui Prefecture, one of Japan’s most historic knife-making regions. As a third-generation blacksmith and one of the founding members of Takefu Knife Village, Saji-san has been instrumental in preserving and promoting the Echizen tradition while inspiring a new generation of craftsmen.

Renowned for his bold designs and exceptional craftsmanship, he combines traditional forging techniques with modern creativity, producing knives that are both functional tools and works of art. His mastery of damascus, VG10, and high-carbon steels allows him to achieve exceptional sharpness, balance, and visual beauty in every piece. From vibrant handles to intricate blade patterns, each knife reflects Saji’s passion for innovation and his deep respect for materials and tradition.

Today, he stands as one of Japan’s most respected and influential blacksmiths, embodying the spirit of Takefu Knife Village craftsmanship.

View all Takeshi Saji products