Higuchi VG-10 Damascus Santoku 180mm – Forged in Mino City, Japan
⭐ Chosen by Sharp Knives Malta
Selected for cooks who want premium Japanese craftsmanship, proven VG-10 performance, and a beautifully finished Santoku built for everyday precision.
The Everyday Japanese Knife, Refined
The Santoku, meaning "three virtues," is one of Japan's most versatile kitchen knives. Designed to excel at slicing, dicing, and chopping, it has become the go-to knife for cooks who want one blade capable of handling almost every daily kitchen task.
Forged in Mino City, Japan—a region renowned for centuries of blade-making tradition—this Higuchi Santoku combines modern stainless steel with traditional Japanese craftsmanship, delivering exceptional cutting performance in an elegant package.
Whether you're preparing vegetables, meat, or fish, this knife is designed to make every cut smoother, cleaner, and more precise.
Who This Knife Is For
Perfect for:
- Home cooks upgrading to a premium Japanese knife
- Professional chefs seeking a reliable everyday workhorse
- Enthusiasts who appreciate Damascus craftsmanship
- Anyone wanting one versatile knife for daily food preparation
Why You'll Love It
VG-10 Core Steel – A Trusted Japanese Classic
At the heart of the blade lies VG-10 stainless steel, hardened to approximately 60–61 HRC.
VG-10 has earned its reputation as one of Japan's most respected knife steels because it offers an outstanding balance of:
- exceptional sharpness
- excellent edge retention
- corrosion resistance
- easy maintenance
- reliable everyday performance
It allows the knife to take an incredibly fine edge while remaining durable enough for regular kitchen use.
Damascus Construction
The VG-10 cutting core is protected by multiple layers of stainless Damascus steel.
This traditional construction:
- reinforces the cutting core
- improves blade durability
- enhances corrosion resistance
- creates the flowing Damascus pattern unique to every knife
No two blades display exactly the same pattern, making each knife subtly unique.
Tsuchime Hammered Finish
The upper portion of the blade features a traditional tsuchime (hammered) finish.
Beyond its striking appearance, the hammered texture helps:
- reduce friction while cutting
- improve food release
- minimise ingredients sticking to the blade
It combines beauty with practical performance.
Traditional Walnut Wa Handle
The knife is fitted with a traditional octagonal walnut wood wa-handle, complemented by a black ferrule.
This handle provides:
- lightweight balance
- excellent blade control
- comfortable grip during extended prep
- suitability for both left- and right-handed users
The natural walnut finish pairs beautifully with the Damascus blade for a timeless Japanese aesthetic.
Built for Everyday Versatility
The 180 mm Santoku is ideal for:
- chopping vegetables
- slicing meat
- preparing fish
- mincing herbs
- everyday kitchen preparation
Its wide blade also makes transferring ingredients from the cutting board quick and easy.
Specifications
Brand: Higuchi
Knife Type: Santoku
Blade Length: 180 mm
Steel: VG-10 Stainless Steel Core
Hardness: Approximately 60–61 HRC
Construction: Stainless Damascus Clad
Finish: Tsuchime (Hammered)
Handle: Octagonal Walnut Wood Wa Handle
Origin: Mino City, Japan
Complete Your Knife Setup
Pair it with:
- Japanese Whetstone (1000 / 3000 Grit)
- HASEGAWA Cutting Board
- Leather Strop
- Magnetic Knife Holder or Wooden Saya
Why We Like This Knife
At Sharp Knives Malta, we recommend the Higuchi VG-10 Damascus Santoku to cooks looking for their first premium Japanese knife or anyone wanting a dependable everyday performer. It combines proven VG-10 steel, elegant Damascus craftsmanship, and a comfortable traditional wa-handle in a knife that's as enjoyable to use as it is to admire.
Final Word
A great Santoku should disappear in your hand and let the blade do the work.
The Higuchi VG-10 Damascus Santoku 180mm delivers refined Japanese craftsmanship, reliable VG-10 performance, and timeless elegance—making it a knife you'll reach for every day.
Versatile. Beautiful. Made in Japan.