Takeshi Saji VG10 Kuroshiage Santoku 180mm (Blade Only)
The Workshop (Knife Builder)
Need a visual? Try our newly launched Custom Kitchen Knife Builder — see your blade and handle combination come to life in real time.
SPECIFICATIONS
Knife Style: Santoku
Steel Type: Stainless Steel
Blade Material: VG10
Blade Finish: Black Damascus
Blade Hardness: 61HRC (+/-1)
Bevel: Double
Handle: None ➛ Choose yours
Blade Length: 180mm
Heel Height: 51mm
Spine Thickness: 2.15mm
Weight: 102g
Crafted by one of the absolute legends of the Takefu Knife Village, this masterfully forged piece showcases the distinct, rugged artistry of Master Takeshi Saji. As a certified Traditional Craftsman with over fifty years of experience in Echizen, Saji is world-renowned for blending traditional multi-layered forging techniques with modern, high-performance steels. His work is instantly recognizable for its bold, rustic aesthetics and exceptional geometry, making his blades highly coveted by professional chefs and serious collectors alike.
This 180mm Santoku arrives as a bare blade at our request, offering the ultimate canvas to pair a master-level forge with a custom handle of your own choice. Forged with a premium VG10 stainless steel core hardened to 60-61 HRC, it delivers an incredibly crisp, long-lasting edge without the demanding maintenance of a high-carbon blade. At 180mm, the versatile "three virtues" profile provides ample heel height for knuckle clearance and a smooth belly curve that transitions effortlessly between precision slicing and heavy board work.
The standout feature of this model is its striking Kuroshiage finish, where the dark, unpolished scale from the forge is left intact and etched for heightened contrast. This textured, rustic surface doesn't just give the knife its powerful visual character—it also creates pockets of air that help food release cleanly while cutting. With its thin grind and rugged elegance, this blade perfectly balances master-class performance with a dramatic, low-maintenance aesthetic.
Kakushin can handle the blade-to-handle assembly for you at our shop. If you're new to the custom knife world and want to confirm the fit and sizing of a handle with a specific blade, feel free to reach out!
