Kai Shun Classic Damascus Santoku Knife 18 cm
Kai Shun Classic Damascus Santoku 18 cm — the knife of three virtues
The Kai Shun Classic Damascus Santoku 18 cm is the Japanese all-purpose knife par excellence: a VG-MAX steel blade clad with 32 layers of Damascus steel, hardness of 61 (±1) HRC and a black pakka wood handle. In Japanese, santoku means “three virtues”: slicing, mincing and chopping fish, meat and vegetables on the board with a single precision tool. Handcrafted in Japan.
Key features
- VG-MAX steel blade clad with 32 layers of Damascus steel
- Double-bevel edge on both sides, following Japanese tradition
- Black pakka wood handle, a composite of wood and heat-stable resin that resists moisture
- Handcrafted in Japan with a VG-MAX steel core known for exceptional stability and wear resistance
- 18 cm length makes the knife especially agile for cutting small and medium-sized ingredients
Samurai tradition and modern metallurgy
The Kai Shun Classic series combines the age-old art of Japanese forging — the same handed down by samurai masters — with technically advanced production processes. The VG-MAX steel core, known for its exceptional stability and wear resistance, reaches a hardness of 61 (±1) HRC: well above the average of European stainless steels (typically 56–58 HRC), with a finer edge that lasts longer.
The 32 layers of Damascus steel alloy that wrap the core create the characteristic wavy satin pattern, unique to each blade. The edge is double-bevelled on both sides, in keeping with Japanese tradition.
18 cm: manoeuvrability and total control
The 18 cm length makes the Kai Shun Classic Damascus Santoku particularly agile: ideal for professional chefs working at a fast pace and for demanding enthusiasts who want precision when cutting small and medium-sized ingredients. Suitable for both the professional kitchen and high-end home use.
The black pakka wood handle — a composite of wood and heat-stable resin — offers an ergonomic, balanced grip that resists moisture, with a secure hold even during intensive work.
Technical specifications
- Type: Santoku knife (Japanese all-purpose knife)
- Series: Kai Shun Classic Damascus
- Blade length: 18 cm
- Blade material: VG-MAX steel, clad with 32 layers of Damascus steel
- Rockwell hardness: 61 (±1) HRC
- Edge: Double-bevel (both sides)
- Handle material: Black pakka wood
- Production: Handcrafted in Japan
Care and maintenance of the blade
Cleaning
On first use, rinse with warm water. After each use, wash immediately with a neutral detergent and dry with a soft cloth. Rinse off any highly acidic food residue straight away. Always wash and dry from the spine towards the edge to avoid cuts. Never put the Kai Shun Classic Damascus in the dishwasher: hand washing preserves the blade and the pakka wood handle.
Sharpening and storage
Pakka wood handles should not remain submerged in water for long; oil periodically with neutral vegetable oil or camellia oil. Due to the high hardness of VG-MAX steel, do not use conventional sharpening steels: use only Japanese whetstones or systems designed for high-hardness blades. Store in a knife block, on a magnetic bar or in a drawer with a blade guard, avoiding contact with other metal objects.
Kai Shun warranty
All Kai Shun knives are manufactured in Japan and leave the production centre in perfect condition. Any defects in materials, construction or manufacture will be repaired or replaced free of charge within 10 years of the purchase date. Normal wear and improper use are excluded.