It's hard to believe that the skilled craftsmen at Masutani can create these high value kitchen knives using quality steels and materials for such amazing prices.
Using the very popular stainless steel known as VG10 as the core of the blade, they laminate the steel with an outer layer of a damascus finish soft stainless steel. Then they laser cut the knife from this pre-forged sheet and apply some very well done grinds and edges. Our customers and reviewers are already singing the praises of these knives, and rightly so.
The 165mm
santoku is a wonderful all-around knife for pretty much any chef wanting a shorter length blade coupled with a tall profile and robust stiff tip. These are knives that can replace a standard
gyuto or western chef especially where space or smaller cutting surfaces prevail. Santoku translates into 3 virtues, which are regarded as slicing, dicing, and chopping—duties that this knife will perform with aplomb.
This particular example is fairly average in its dimensions and weight, but certainly not in its outstanding value or performance. The grinds are very well executed. The heat treat is kept to a low 60 HRC to prevent chipping. And the well-made handle and bolster give the blade a secure and comfortable feel.
All around, this is an outstanding knife that would be a great addition to any kitchen or chef's knife roll, especially if one is looking for great bang for the buck and ease of maintenance characteristics. Highly recommended.
Blacksmith: Masutani
Location: Echizen, Japan
Construction: Laser cut, San Mai
Cladding: Damascus Stainless
Edge Steel: VG10 Stainless
Edge Grind: Even
Handle: Yo (Western) Black Pakka Wood
Edge Length: 170mm
Blade Height: 47mm
Weight: 4.7oz
Spine Thickness: 1.6mm