Our in-depth range review

First Impressions

This is a knife that draws the eye immediately, that damascus finish is striking but it's one that also cuts smoothly and the polished finish offers good food release.

Beauty

Stunning looks, the polished damascus finish running down to the core steel and simple but classy single piece octagonal oak wa handle are a joy to look at.

In Hand

It's a relatively light knife, the balance across the range is comfortable and makes for a nimble feel in hand and the octagonal wa handle is comfortable. 

The finish along the spine and heel of the knife is good and has been subtly rounded so any contact with those parts of the blade while holding it are comfortable.

Durability

Treated to around 61HRC, the VG10 core is hard enough to offer good edge retention between sharpening and robust enough to not stress too much about chipping (assuming you're still cutting with care of course!). 

It'll take an edge quickly and easily and is a solid and common steel choice for many knives for this reason.

Ease of Care & Maintenance Tips

Follow our normal care instructions and this is a knife that will serve you well for many years as it's a stainless core clad in stainless steel so there's not too much to worry about here.

Our Verdict

The VG10 Damascus sits at a competitive price point where you have a lot of options, steels and styles to pick from.

We're impressed with the quality of the edge out of the box and it cuts smoothly with good food release.

It's certainly one to consider when making your choice of a new knife especially if you're looking for easy care, a steel that's quick to take an edge and finally - stunning looks you can show off!

Meet the maker

Tsunehisa

Tsunehisa is a respected Japanese knife brand that represents the skill and consistency of Sakai and Tosa’s regional blacksmithing traditions rather than a single maker. Working with a network of experienced craftsmen across Japan, Tsunehisa produces high-quality kitchen knives that balance performance, value, and practicality for both professional and home chefs.

Tsunehisa’s product range covers a wide variety of steels and styles - from carbon steel gyuto and petty knives to stainless and Damascus series using VG10, AUS10, and Ginsan - all designed to deliver excellent edge retention and a comfortable, well-finished feel.

Each Tsunehisa knife reflects a blend of traditional Japanese handcraft and modern manufacturing precision, offering reliable sharpness and performance that embody the enduring quality of regional Japanese knife-making.

View all Tsunehisa products