Tojiro Santoku DP Damascus 170mm (6.7″)

TOJIRO Santoku DP Damascus 170mm (6.7″) definitely ranks the highest among high-quality Japanese kitchen blades in a lower price range. Blades in TOJIRO’s DP Damascus series are composed of 36 layers – the core is made of VG-10 steel which is clad in 35 layers of softer steel for easier sharpening and more comfortable use. VG-10 steel is synonymous with efficiency and durability and it’s extremely easy to maintain since the blade is completely stainless. 

BLADE SHAPE:
Santoku is the most widespread shape of Japanese kitchen knives as it makes working with it very simple. San means “three” in Japanese and santoku literally translates to “three virtues” or “three uses”. It’s perfect for preparing vegetable, fish and meat dishes while employing various cutting techniques. The blade tends to be wider and will excel at chopping vegetables on a cutting board.

STEEL:
VG-10 (V for Vanadium, G for “gold” as in “gold standard”) is made by Takefu Special Steel Company, a relatively small steel company that around 60 years ago managed to find just the right balance of different elements to create the most popular Japanese knife making steel today. VG-10 steel is stainless steel with relatively high Carbon (C) content (1%), 15% Chromium (Cr), 1% Molybdenum (Mo), 0.3% Vanadium (V) and 1.5% Cobalt (Co). The combination of Cr, Mo, and V forms a lot of hard carbides, making the steel abrasion resistant, which translates to long-lasting, smooth sharpness.

LAMINATION:
The core layer consisting of the harder VG-10 steel was sandwiched between 35 layers of softer steel. This technique is called san-mai and is used to protect the hard (but delicate) core from outside factors and physical impacts, which could lead to breakage. 

GEOMETRY:
It has a double bevel (50/50 symmetrical) blade.

BLADE FINISH:
The blade sports a beautiful Damascus finish.

HANDLE:
Complemented by a classic Western handle (yo) with three metal rivets, the knife is a little on the heavy side but TOJIRO made sure that it is perfectly balanced and ergonomically shaped. The black Micarta handle offers a safe, firm grip and prevents your hand slipping towards the blade, while the stainless-steel bolster provides a smooth transition between the handle and the blade. As with all Western handles, the balance point is exactly at the middle where the handle and blade meet, so the knife is very easy and comfortable to use, even during several-hour sessions in the kitchen.

ABOUT THE BLACKSMITH:
TOJIRO is one of the top 5 largest Japanese kitchen knife manufacturers, with headquarters in Niigata. They are renowned across Japan and internationally for their top-quality knives for a reasonable price. TOJIRO’s focus on advanced technologies, together with their insatiable dedication for constant improvements of their knives and materials, makes TOJIRO’s knives a must-have in any kitchen. For more info on TOJIRO and it’s master blacksmith Tomoo Matsumura check the video below.