Makoto Kurosaki Kaen Coreless VG10/VG2 Santoku Knife 170mm

Makoto Kurosaki – Echizen Craft Makoto Kurosaki is a knife maker based in Echizen, Fukui — one of Japan’s historic centres of forged cutlery. He trained under master Hiroshi Kato, developing a strong foundation in sharpening and finishing before moving into full knife-making. He is also the elder brother of Yu Kurosaki, and the two share a close professional connection. Makoto’s work is produced in small batches and is known for clean grinds, keen edges, and refined finishing. Santoku – The Japanese All-Rounder Santoku translates to “three virtues”, referring to its suitability for meat, fish, and vegetables. With a flatter edge profile and a relatively low tip, it naturally suits push cutting and straight up-and-down chopping. Typically shorter and slightly taller than a gyuto, it offers good board contact and control, making it well suited to a wide range of everyday kitchen tasks. Coreless Damascus – VG10 / VG2 Construction This knife uses a coreless damascus construction, meaning there is no distinct central core steel as you would usually see in san mai knives. Instead, layers of VG10 and VG2 are forged together, creating a patterned structure through the blade. The result is a distinctive look, less commonly seen than typical core-and-cladding constructions. Tsuchime – Hammered Finish The hammered (tsuchime) finish adds a subtle texture across the blade face. Alongside its visual appeal, it can help reduce surface contact between the blade and ingredients during cutting. Why We Like It We’re big fans of the distinctive tsuchime finish here — it gives the blade plenty of character. The coreless construction is something you don’t come across all that often, giving it a look that stands out on the board. The handle adds a bit of colour, which we always like to see, and with Kurosaki-san’s background in sharpening, edge performance is consistent and easy to maintain. Specification Blade Length: 170mm Blade Height: ~48–52mm Steel: VG10 / VG2 (stainless) Construction: Coreless damascus Finish: Tsuchime Handle: Octagonal wa handle Bevel: Double bevel Care Hand wash only. Dry thoroughly after use. Although stainless, it should not be left wet for extended periods. Use a wooden or soft plastic chopping board and sharpen on whetstones to maintain performance. Age Verification This is an age-restricted product. Your age will be verified at checkout, and again by the courier on delivery. Orders cannot be left in a safe place or with neighbours — someone over 18 will need to be present to receive it.