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By Takeshi Saji

Takeshi Saji VG10 Rainbow Damascus Diamond Polish

Sanmai - Stainless Damascus Clad Migaki VG10 / Stainless Stainless Clad Takefu, Japan

Takeshi Saji’s VG10 Rainbow Damascus was a unique creation at its time, being one of the first makers who took advantage of the copper/brass laminated VG10 billet, Saji could create these knives with a stunning look and great practicality. 

The surface finish of these blades are rather simple, there isn't any etching or sandblasting that used to increase the contrast between the steel, copper and brass, and the polish just left the texture of the damascus on the surface. This finish is named “Diamond Migaki” and it has been used by Saji extensively in his SG2 Damascus lineup. We found this is a particularly good finish for the cutting smoothness as there is very little friction and sticking due to the combination of low evenness and high smoothness.

As for the geometry itself, these knives still hold up their standard as a Takeshi Saji knife, the spine is on the thinner side and it comes down to the edge that has almost no thickness in a slight convex grind. This design has been proven as one the smoothest cutting geometry and when paired with the aforementioned Migaki finish, can guarantee you a very pleasing experience when preparing your next meal.

For a knife with great performance and great look forged by a rather famous blacksmith, this VG10 line does come in at a relatively high price point. For the same price, you could easily find some other options with better steel like SG2. I would recommend this line to those who truly love beautiful and unique items, and are willing to pay a little extra for a work by a legendary blacksmith.

Pros

  • Excellent performance
  • Great artistic
  • Thin behind the edge

Cons

  • High budget

Best For

  • Pro chefs
  • Enthusiasts
Construction
Sanmai - Stainless Damascus Clad
Surface Finish
Migaki
Cladding
Stainless Clad
Steel
VG10 / Stainless
Origin
Takefu, Japan

Frequently asked questions

Who is Takeshi Saji?

Takeshi Saji (佐治武士) is the third generation of Saji Uchihamono (株式会社佐治打刃物), the Echizen workshop founded in 1916.

The national register of traditional craftspersons lists him in the Echizen forged cutlery division, certified as a traditional craftsperson (伝統工芸士) on 25 February 1994. We carry a wide range of his work.

Reviewed by James Zhang

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

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