Takeshi Saji VG10 Rainbow Damascus Kurozome

Takeshi Saji’s Rainbow Damascus VG10 line is a beautiful set of knives manufactured in Echizen, and these knives come in two different finishes. The polished version is finished in a similar way to Saji san’s classic Diamond damascus: shiny, smooth surface that is low in maintenance. The Etched version though, is almost a different species: bold colour and strong contrast catches your attention at first glance, yet this surface is more delicate and demands more care.

The fundamental construction of two lines is the same, a VG10 core cladded by stainless steel damascus cladding interweaved with copper and brass. The varying colour between different materials leads to the “rainbow” look that we see. However, utilizing the “Diamond Polish” would yield a clean, shiny surface, but this treatment would make the colour of the copper and brass look faded. The etched version sandblasts the surface of the blade instead, following it with an acid etch to further increase the contrast. As a result, the core steel, cladding steel, brass, copper and the nickel layer are clearly revealed, leading to a much more complex look compared to the polished version.

The profile of the knife carries noticeable characteristics of the Echizen knifemaking. Combining a low spine thickness with outstanding blade geometry, it leaves almost no thickness behind the edge, and the transition in thickness across the bevel is rather smooth, this ensures minimal drag when entering food, and the thin slice would be encouraged to fall off at the convexing junction between the bevel and the flat zone. If there is anything that can reduce the cutting smoothness of the knife, it would be the rough surface that is designed for the special appearance.

This knife fits well in the shelf of collectors and enthusiasts, as well as those who want a special looking item in their kitchen. It bears a rather unique look, and like often we found people are attracted to people looking for a gift with some wow factor. Like the Anmon series from Nigara, this rainbow damascus line doesn’t sacrifice practicality and performance for the appearance, the stainless core makes them rather easy to look after, as long as you take good care of it in use and avoid scratching its surface, this is a pretty beginner friendly line in the higher price range.