VG10 Makoto Kurosaki Kodama 15cm japanese handmade utility knife

Makoto Kurosaki is a blacksmith based in Echizen, Japan. His workshop is located in the renowned TakefuKnife Village, an emblematic place for the manufacture of knives and cutting utensils. Here, talented blacksmiths perpetuate traditional techniques to preserve ancestral know-how, recognized even beyond Japan's borders.

Kurosaki San was trained by master blacksmith Hiroshi Kato San, an iconic figure who has been forging knives almost daily for over 50 years, and one of the founders of Takefu Knife Village. It was under his tutelage that Kurosaki learned the forging techniques needed to create exceptional knives.

An expert in sharpening, Makoto Kurosaki pays particular attention to finishing the cutting edge of his Japanese kitchen knives, meeting the expectations of the most demanding cooks!

The Kodama knife range literally means "spirit of the tree" and is perfectly represented on this damask knife: the satin-finish blade and the warm, colorful wood of the handle refer to Japanese forests and their folklore.

An elegant blade for this handcrafted Kurosaki knife

This all-purpose knife features a high-quality damascened blade: this technique consists of forging a rigid steel core which is then surrounded by several layers of softer steel. This process balances the hardness of your blade while providing extra protection to its core.

In fact, the core of this Japanese kitchen knife is made from VG10 Japanese steel, produced by the renowned Takefu Special Steel. This high-quality alloy contains around 1% carbon, which increases the blade's hardness. As a result, the blade boasts a hardness of 60HRC on the Rockwell scale: excellent edge retention for a high-performance cutting edge!

The VG10 alloy remains easy to maintain even with such hardness. You can use a sharpening stone when the need arises.

To complete the damascus finish, several layers of softer stainless steel surround the core to give your blade greater strength and make it less brittle in use. You can see the superimposition of the different steels all over the surface of the blade, forming unique patterns!

In addition to original damascus patterns, your handcrafted Japanese knife features a satin finish for an elegant look. What's more, kanji have been engraved to add a touch of authenticity.

The universal knife with an original, robust handle

Your damask knife has a handle made from elm wood, an exotic species renowned for its great strength. This wood is highly appreciated for its warm nuances and marked veining, which add a warm aesthetic touch. As wood is a living material, each handle is different, making this Japanese utility knife truly unique!

To complete the handle and link it to the blade, a green pakkawood bolster has been added. This composite material is made from laminated wood and resin for great strength and a natural look.

The handle is octagonal in shape to suit both right- and left-handed cooks! It offers an ergonomic grip for comfortable use, even during extended kitchen sessions.

Finally, wood putty has been added where the blade joins the handle to ensure a watertight seal. This fills small gaps and prevents water from seeping in.

To care for your handcrafted Japanese knife, wash it exclusively by hand with a non-abrasive sponge, avoiding wetting the handle. Once cleaned, wipe dry immediately to remove all traces of moisture and store in a dry place. Do not place in the dishwasher or leave to soak in the sink.

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