Nigara VG10 Tsuchime Damascus

Sanmai - Stainless Damascus Clad Tsuchime VG10 / Stainless Stainless Clad Aomori, Japan

The VG10 Tsuchime Damascus line offers an appealing blend of affordability and aesthetics.

The series introduces a unique hammered pattern (Tsuchime), adding an extra layer of visual allure. Renowned for their exceptional fit and finish, the VG10 series competes strongly as the top choice for an ultimate stainless steel knife in its price bracket. Featuring a forged VG-10 core steel hardened to 60-61hrc, VG10 offers a balanced stainless steel option ideal for a wide range of kitchen tasks.

Pros

Budget friendly
Excellent performance
Workhorse grind
Easy to look after

Cons

On the thicker side

Best For

First-timers
Pro chefs
Enthusiasts

Construction

Sanmai - Stainless Damascus Clad

Surface Finish

Tsuchime

Cladding

Stainless Clad

Steel

VG10 / Stainless

Origin

Aomori, Japan

Frequently asked questions

Does VG10 rust?

Yes, it can. Takefu, which makes VG10 (V金10), lists it among its stainless steels, and the JSSA notes that stainless strictly means rust-resistant, not rust-proof.

Takefu lists VG10's chromium content as 15% and describes its corrosion resistance as excellent. We recommend drying the knife after washing.

Published by K&S Education Desk; staff review pending

What is the difference between VG10 and SG2?

Both are Takefu blade steels, and they differ in class and in what Takefu publishes about each. Takefu lists VG10 as a stainless steel with 1.00% carbon, 15.00% chromium, 1.00% molybdenum, 0.25% vanadium and 1.55% cobalt, at a hardening hardness of HRC 60 or more.

Takefu describes SG2, its Super Gold 2, as a blade steel created by powder metallurgy, lists its composition as not disclosed, and SG2 runs 61 to 65 HRC depending on the maker. Takefu also calls SG2 a powdered stainless high-speed steel.

Published by K&S Education Desk; staff review pending