Makoto Kurosaki VG7 Damascus 13.5cm Japanese Craftsman Utility Knife

Makoto Kurosaki is a craftsman whose workshop is located in Echizen, Japan. It is located in an emblematic place for artisanal cutlery: the TakefuKnife Village. This place brings together numerous blacksmiths with ancestral know-how, who share their experience, techniques and equipment. It's an ideal place for training future generations of Japanese blacksmiths.

He is the elder brother of Japanese blacksmith Yu Kurosaki, a renowned cutlery craftsman!

In fact, Kurosaki San was trained by master blacksmith Hiroshi Kato, a renowned figure who has been forging knives on an almost daily basis for almost 50 years. He is also one of the founding members of the Takefu Knife Village. It was during his apprenticeship with him that Makoto Kurosaki learned forging methods for making exceptional knives.

Kurosaki is an expert in sharpening, and gives a special finish to the cutting edge of his Japanese knives to satisfy the most demanding cooks!

A damask knife with an elegant blade

This Japanese utility knife features an elegant damascened blade: this method consists of forging a rigid steel core surrounded by several layers of softer steel. This technique protects the core of your Japanese kitchen knife, while balancing the hardness of the blade.

The core of this Japanese knife is made from VG7 steel produced by the renowned Takefu Special Steel. This alloy contains around 1% carbon for a hardness of 61HRC on the Rockwell scale. The result is excellent edge retention for efficient cutting performance!

This alloy also has a high tungsten content of around 1.25%, which increases its durability. It also contains 14% chromium for enhanced corrosion resistance. Originally, this steel was intended for use in high-quality scissors, but with all its advantages, some blacksmiths have started using it for their Japanese kitchen knives!

To complete the damascus finish, several layers of softer stainless steel have been added around the core to make your blade less brittle in use. You can see the superimposition of the different steels all over the surface of the blade, creating elegant and unique patterns!

Finally, a satin finish is added to your blade for a refined effect that highlights the unique damascus. Hand-engraved kanji add an extra touch of authenticity to your Japanese kitchen knife.

A quality wooden handle for this Japanese kitchen knife

This damascus knife features a handle made from ebony, a precious tropical species appreciated for its elegance. Ebony is a high-density wood that is resistant to humidity and therefore difficult to warp. It has a dark color and a unique dark veining on the handle.

To complete the handle, a black pakkawood bolster is added to link it to the blade. This is a composite material made from laminated wood and resin, all heat-compressed for 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, especially when you're in the kitchen for long periods!

Finally, wood putty has been added where the blade joins the handle to fill the small gaps. This ensures a watertight seal and prevents water or small food items from seeping inside.

To care for your Makoto Kurosaki knife, wash by hand only with a non-abrasive sponge, avoiding getting the handle wet. Once washed, it should be dried immediately to remove all traces of moisture and stored in a dry place. Never put in the dishwasher or leave to soak in the sink.

Discover other knives by Makoto Kurosaki on Knifeleader.eu!