Tojiro VG10 Zen Series

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

The Zen series is Tojiro's take on the everyday kitchen: a Gyuto, a Santoku and a Nakiri, each precision ground and sharpened to a razor-sharp edge out of the box.

The core is VG10 stainless at HRC 60, clad in stainless in a sanmai build with a Tsuchime finish, and VG10 holds its sharpness for extended periods, which reduces how often you need to reach for the stone. The blade is thin along its length, around 2.2 mm of spine from heel to mid.

The handle is ho wood, also known as magnolia, a traditional Japanese handle material that is lightweight, water-resistant and comfortable through long prep sessions. At 135 to 158 g these knives stay nimble in both professional and home kitchens. Being fully stainless, they are simple company: wash, dry, done.

Pros

Excellent performance
Ideal for the household
Easy to look after

Best For

First-timers
Pro chefs
Household

Construction

Sanmai - Stainless Clad

Surface Finish

Tsuchime

Cladding

Stainless Clad

Steel

VG10 / Stainless

Origin

Tsubame, 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