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By Takeshi Saji

Takeshi Saji VG10 Rainbow Damascus Diamond Polish

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