Sakai Takayuki Grand Chef Seigaiha Damas 45 layers 16cm Japanese kengata santoku knife

A technical Japanese knife with a refined design

The 16cm Sakai Takayuki Seigaiha Grand Chef santoku knife is ideal for those seeking versatility in the kitchen. Made in Seki, Japan's cutlery stronghold, it combines cutting performance, aesthetics and Japanese traditions.

Its damascened blade features the Seigaiha motif, a traditional Japanese design that appeared in the 6th century to represent the seas and oceans on nautical charts. "Seigaiha" literally means "blue sea and waves". This undulating pattern represents the waves on the blade on the high seas, giving each knife a unique appearance, a symbol of continuity and serenity.

An efficient blade for all your ingredients

This Sakai Takayuki santoku features a 16cm blade with a kengata shape, which means "sword-like" in Japanese. This blade profile is a little narrower and slightly curved, favoring a rocking cutting motion, particularly pleasant for repeated cuts of vegetables, meat or fish.

The blade features a core of Swedish Böhler stainless steel, an alloy renowned for its purity and strength. It is then enveloped by 44 layers of stainless steel, forming a superb 45-layer damascus. This multi-layer structure guarantees flexibility, protection and performance.

The blade'sflat cutting edge ensures clean, precise cutting. The blade achieves a hardness of around 60 HRC on the Rockwell scale, ensuring excellent edge retention over time. The mirror-finish enhances the Seigaiha pattern and makes it easy to glide over food.

A hybrid handle designed for comfort

The 10.7cm handle is made from black Pakkawood, a composite material combining heat-compressed wood and resin. Pakka wood is moisture-resistant, pleasant to the touch and very stable in use.

Its hybrid shape combines two traditions:

• Western oval shape: at the bolster, for a comfortable, fluid grip
• Japanese octagonal shape: towards the heel, for a firmer hold and better control.

A stainless steel bolster and heel complete the handle for added strength and optimal balance, even during long cutting sessions. The knife is suitable for both right-handed and left-handed users.

Knife features and benefits

• 16cm blade in 45-layer damascus: performance and aesthetics
• Traditional Seigaiha pattern: unique undulations, a strong symbol
Core
• in Swedish Böhler stainless steel: sturdiness and long-lasting edge
• Kengata shape: perfect for balancing movement
Hardness
• ~60 HRC:
• excellent edge retention
• Mirror polish: improved glide, brilliant blade
• 10.7cm black Pakkawood handle: comfort and strength
• Hybrid shape: ergonomic and ambidextrous
• Made in Seki, Japan: recognized cutlery expertise

How to care for your Japanese knife

This knife is not dishwasher-safe. It should be washed exclusively by hand with a soft sponge and lukewarm water, then dried immediately. Don't leave it to soak in the sink either. Store it in a case, block, box or on a magnetic bar to preserve its sharpness and damask pattern.

Sakai Takayuki, between tradition and innovation

Sakai Takayuki is one of Japan's leading cutlery brands. It draws on the ancestral know-how of Sakai, the cradle of sword forging, and the technical innovations of Seki, the capital of modern cutlery. This Seigaiha Grand Chef santoku knife reflects this philosophy: a high-performance blade, a meaningful design, and quality worthy of the finest cookware.

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