Knife Type: Santoku 

Steel Type: VG10 (stain-resistant)

Blade Hardness: HRC 60-61

Blade Length: 170mm

Handle Material: Black Pakka wood

The Masutani Hamono VG10 Damascus Santoku is one of the knives I most often recommend to people purchasing their first Japanese knife.

Handcrafted in Echizen, Fukui Prefecture—one of Japan’s most respected knife-making regions—this knife offers an outstanding balance of sharpness, ease of use, durability, and value.

Made with VG10 stainless steel, the blade provides excellent edge retention while remaining easy to maintain. It is highly stain-resistant and suitable for everyday use, making it a practical choice for busy home kitchens as well as professional environments.

One of the first things people notice about this knife is its beautiful Damascus finish. The flowing layered pattern gives the blade a unique appearance that many knife enthusiasts love. A beautiful knife makes cooking more enjoyable, and often inspires people to spend more time preparing food at home.

The 170mm Santoku is considered one of the most versatile knife shapes in Japanese cutlery. Its wide blade makes vegetable preparation easy, while the pointed tip is ideal for handling meat, fish, and detailed cutting tasks. For many households, this can be the only knife needed for everyday cooking.

The lightweight Western-style handle provides excellent balance and comfort, making the knife easy to control even for those who are new to Japanese knives.

Combining exceptional cutting performance, beautiful craftsmanship, and remarkable value, the Masutani VG10 Damascus Santoku is a knife that I confidently recommend to both home cooks and professional chefs looking for a reliable everyday companion.