Sakai Takayuki Kurokage VG10

Sanmai - Stainless Clad Tsuchime VG10 / Stainless Stainless Clad Sakai, Japan

Kurokage VG10 is Sakai Takayuki's stainless workhorse line for everyday use. Each blade pairs a Takefu VG10 stainless core with a hammered finish and a Teflon coating the maker says gives superb food release.

VG10 is a well balanced stainless steel, easy to sharpen and able to hold a working edge through extended use. The profiles are a touch thicker behind the edge than our finer Japanese lines, but that is a sensible trade here, since it gives the edge some forgiveness while a new user settles into waterstone sharpening.

Every knife in the line comes on an octagonal wa handle, with the santoku, gyuto and petty in wenge joined by a K-tip (kengata) santoku and gyuto for those who prefer a straighter edge and a sharper point for tip-led work. A good first step into Japanese knives that stays low maintenance.

Pros

Budget friendly
Easy to look after
Ideal for the household

Cons

Not the thinnest geometry

Best For

First-timers
Household
Gift buyers

Construction

Sanmai - Stainless Clad

Surface Finish

Tsuchime

Cladding

Stainless Clad

Steel

VG10 / Stainless

Origin

Sakai, 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