Kurokage means dark shadow in Japanese - and the name fits. The combination of a tsuchime (hammered) finish and a smooth black Teflon coating over the stainless cladding gives this line a visual identity unlike anything else in the Sakai Takayuki catalog. The Teflon coating does real work beyond aesthetics: food releases from the blade surface with minimal resistance, and cleaning requires almost no effort. VG10 stainless at 60-61 HRC at the core, san mai construction, octagonal wenge handle. Made in Sakai - one of Japan great knife-making cities with over 600 years of blade production behind it.
The bunka format combines the versatility of a santoku with a reverse tanto tip for precision work a flat-tipped blade cannot handle cleanly. At 161mm blade length and 45mm height with 2mm spine this is a nimble all-purpose knife with good board coverage and a fine tip. The Tokyo-style machi gap in the handle installation is a traditional detail that references Japanese sword construction. Double-bevel grind, even 50/50, works equally well for right- and left-handed cooks. Tokyo-style machi gap. Hand-chiseled kanji engraving. The VG10 edge is fully stainless and low maintenance. Clean with a soft cloth - the Teflon surface handles fast.
What Customers Are Saying: Two reviews averaging 3.5 stars. Both reviewers praise the blade quality and the overall performance - one calls it a great blade and says he is very satisfied with the purchase. Both note the wenge handle has a raw, unfinished feel compared to more polished handle materials - wenge is a naturally open-grained wood and this is a characteristic of the material rather than a finishing error. One reviewer questioned the bevel - this knife is double-bevel even 50/50, confirmed by Sakai Takayuki across the entire Kurokage line. The blade performance draws clear praise from both buyers.
Care Instructions: VG10 is a fully stainless steel - low maintenance and resistant to corrosion. Hand wash and dry after each use. Avoid the dishwasher. The Teflon coating provides excellent food release and is durable under normal kitchen use, but avoid abrasive scrubbers or steel wool which can damage the coating over time. Sharpen only on the polished VG10 edge - not on the Teflon-coated cladding. Use quality water stones or a ceramic rod. Avoid bones and frozen foods.
The bunka format combines the versatility of a santoku with a reverse tanto tip for precision work a flat-tipped blade cannot handle cleanly. At 161mm blade length and 45mm height with 2mm spine this is a nimble all-purpose knife with good board coverage and a fine tip. The Tokyo-style machi gap in the handle installation is a traditional detail that references Japanese sword construction. Double-bevel grind, even 50/50, works equally well for right- and left-handed cooks. Tokyo-style machi gap. Hand-chiseled kanji engraving. The VG10 edge is fully stainless and low maintenance. Clean with a soft cloth - the Teflon surface handles fast.
What Customers Are Saying: Two reviews averaging 3.5 stars. Both reviewers praise the blade quality and the overall performance - one calls it a great blade and says he is very satisfied with the purchase. Both note the wenge handle has a raw, unfinished feel compared to more polished handle materials - wenge is a naturally open-grained wood and this is a characteristic of the material rather than a finishing error. One reviewer questioned the bevel - this knife is double-bevel even 50/50, confirmed by Sakai Takayuki across the entire Kurokage line. The blade performance draws clear praise from both buyers.
Care Instructions: VG10 is a fully stainless steel - low maintenance and resistant to corrosion. Hand wash and dry after each use. Avoid the dishwasher. The Teflon coating provides excellent food release and is durable under normal kitchen use, but avoid abrasive scrubbers or steel wool which can damage the coating over time. Sharpen only on the polished VG10 edge - not on the Teflon-coated cladding. Use quality water stones or a ceramic rod. Avoid bones and frozen foods.
- Maker: Sakai Takayuki
- Location: Sakai, Japan
- Construction: San Mai
- Edge Steel: VG10 Stainless Steel
- Cladding: Stainless Hammered Tsuchime
- Coating: Black Teflon
- HRC: 60-61
- Finish: Hammered Tsuchime with Teflon Coating
- Edge Grind: Even 50/50 Double Bevel
- Handle: Octagonal Wenge Wood
- Handle Installation: Tokyo-Style Machi Gap
- Weight: 5.1 oz (144g)
- Blade Length: 161mm
- Total Length: 315mm
- Spine Thickness at Base: 2mm
- Blade Height: 45mm
Reviews
2 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval)
Nice, March 7, 2025Posted By: Blake Bennett
38 people found this review helpful
Handle does seem unfinished, advertised as double bevel, but it came as a single bevel. But all in all good knife, just 3 stars for the false advertising.
38 people found this review helpful
Handle does seem unfinished, advertised as double bevel, but it came as a single bevel. But all in all good knife, just 3 stars for the false advertising.
It's double bevel. They don't make single bevel knives.
Bunka
