Tsunehisa AUS10 Hammered Damascus. This knife is a knockout! Beautiful hammer damascus with a mirror polish over top. The knife is made with AUS-10 steel which is relatively unused in the world of kitchen knives. AUS-10 is made by Aichi Steel in Tokai, Japan. It is part of a family of AUS steels that include AUS-4, -6, and -8. Each are high in chromium with reduced carbon content as the number decreases.
AUS-10 is a high carbon alloy with a content of 1.05%, similar to G3. To overcome the fragile nature of high carbon content, nickel, manganese, and silicon are added to improve the ductility and elasticity of the material. The upside is steel that is easy to sharpen when correctly heat treated. Other elements in this steel include vanadium, chromium, and molybdenum, which gives the steel its elevated resistance to corrosion.
The outstanding difference of this line is that they are virtual lasers with a lovely distal taper. They are thin knives from neck to tip, and as such are very lightweight.
The fine blade is matched to a really well-made handle constructed from solid oak. The overall fit and finish is of a high standard. Highly recommended.
Maker: Tsunehisa
Location: Tosa, Japan
Construction: Hammer Forged, San Mai
Edge Steel: AUS10
Cladding: Stainless
Finish: Hammered, Damascus, Mirror Polish
Handle: Oak Octagonal
Edge Grind: Even
Weight: 4.4 oz (124 g)
Edge Length: 186 mm
Total Length: 325 mm
Spine Thickness at Base: 2.2 mm
Blade Height: 43.1 mm