Sakai Jikko “Wa-Santoku” VG-1 Steel Hammered Finish with Magnolia & Buffalo Horn Handle 18cm

Sakai Jikko is Kaz's signature knife brand. Established in 1901, Jikko has more than 100 years of technology of Japanese knife making.

Their products are preferred by a number of professional chefs because of its superior sharpness and durability. To date, Jikko has made hundreds of thousands of knives and is widely trusted brand in Japan.  

What is Santoku Knife?

The meaning of Santoku is “Three virtue” or “Three usage” in general. This knife enables you to cut variety of food items such as meat, fish, vegetables, etc. It is suitable for your first knife or general-purpose home use.

Wa-Santoku, Fusion of Traditional Japanese and Western Style

The main characteristics of Jikko Wa-Santoku Series is its design. It is suited to use as a usual Western knife but has traditional Japanese style handle.

Light and slim blade, different to conventional hefty knives

Compared with normal Western knives, this Wa-Santoku knife has much lighter blade. It is suited for those who take on more small sized ingredients rather than chunky food items.

• Weight: You’ll need to try several knives to find your ideal knife weight. One school of thought believes a hefty chef’s knife cuts through foods easier because it “falls” with more force. Another thinks a lighter chef’s knife flows more freely and lets you maneuver the knife more skillfully. Choose the style that feels right to you. (quoted from "fine cooking")

Left - Wa Santoku blade (105g)
Right - Damascus Santoku blade (160g)

Hammered Pattern Blade

The Damascus steel material is struck with a handle to give a hammered pattern. Because of the hammered pattern, another feature is that cut ingredients don't easily stick to the blade.

Blade: VG1 (Stainless Steel, double edge)

Sharpness　★★★★☆ (4/5)

Hardness/durability　★★★★☆ (4/5)

Edge retention  ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Ease of sharpening　★★★★☆ (4/5)

Rust resistance　★★★★★ (5/5)

VG-1 (also known as V Gold 1 steel) is a high Carbon, Molybdenum, stainless steel manufactured by Takefu Special Steel Co.,Ltd. It is not the same steel as VG-10 but has very similar characteristics .

VG-1 has a Carbon content between 0.95-1.05 %, Chromium content between 13.0-15.0 %, Molybdenum content between 0.2-0.4 % and contains less than 0.25 % of Nickel.

VG1 is one of the highest quality rust-resistant material. Not only it doesn't easily corrode, it has excellent durability and sharpness.

It is double edged knife, suited for both right and left handers.

Handle: Buffalo Horn and Magnolia, chestnut shape (suited for right handers)

Buffalo horn is used on the top of Handle (the black part). As using, it leaves traces of finger grips that gives it extra comfort. It is all hand made by experienced craftsmen. 

Each knife comes with an individual knife box, which is good for a storage when not used and is presentable for gift purposes. Use of knife sheath is recommended only when you take the knife outside.

All the knives are pre-sharpened to the optimal result. They are ready for the first cut!