Traditional Japanese craftsmanship with a bold, contemporary identity.

The Sakai Takayuki Nanairo Santoku 180mm combines everything that has made Japanese knives respected around the world—premium VG10 steel, elegant Damascus cladding, and exceptional cutting performance—with a truly distinctive feature: the beautifully finished Nanairo handle, inspired by the centuries-old art of Echizen lacquerware.

Designed as a versatile all-purpose knife, it excels at preparing vegetables, meat, and fish while bringing colour and individuality to the kitchen.

Handcrafted in Sakai, Japan

For more than 600 years, Sakai has been one of Japan's most respected knife-making centres.

Professional chefs continue to rely on Sakai blades for their refined geometry, exceptional sharpness, and meticulous craftsmanship. The Nanairo series combines this heritage with modern materials and contemporary design.

Who This Knife Is For

Perfect for:

• Home cooks wanting one premium all-purpose knife
• Professional chefs
• Users upgrading from entry-level stainless knives
• Buyers looking for a memorable gift
• Anyone who appreciates both performance and design

Why You'll Love It

VG10 Stainless Steel Core

At the heart of the blade is VG10 stainless steel, hardened to approximately 60–61 HRC.

VG10 remains one of Japan's most trusted knife steels because it offers an excellent balance of sharpness, durability, and corrosion resistance.

Benefits include:

• Excellent edge retention
• Razor-sharp cutting performance
• Easy maintenance
• Strong corrosion resistance
• Reliable everyday durability

It's a steel trusted by professional chefs and serious home cooks alike.

Damascus Cladding

The VG10 core is surrounded by layers of stainless Damascus steel.

This construction:

• Reinforces the cutting core
• Improves blade durability
• Creates the flowing Damascus pattern unique to every knife
• Showcases traditional Japanese craftsmanship

Every blade carries its own distinctive appearance.

Tsuchime Hammered Finish

The traditional Tsuchime finish helps reduce food sticking by creating tiny air pockets between the blade and ingredients.

Ideal when preparing:

• Potatoes
• Apples
• Courgettes
• Cucumbers
• Other dense vegetables

The result is smoother, more efficient cutting.

Nanairo Handle – Inspired by Japanese Lacquerware

The highlight of this series is the distinctive Nanairo handle.

Inspired by traditional Echizen lacquerware, one of Japan's oldest decorative arts, each handle is carefully finished to combine beauty with everyday practicality.

Benefits include:

• Elegant handcrafted appearance
• Excellent moisture resistance
• Heat-resistant construction
• Comfortable grip
• Outstanding durability

The vibrant colours give the knife a unique personality while maintaining the performance expected in a professional kitchen.

Why Choose a Santoku?

Meaning "Three Virtues," the Santoku is designed to excel at:

• Vegetables
• Fish
• Meat

The 180mm blade offers excellent versatility while remaining compact enough for precise everyday preparation.

For many cooks, it's the perfect single-knife solution.

Key Features

• Authentic Sakai Takayuki craftsmanship
• Handcrafted in Sakai, Japan
• VG10 stainless steel core
• Approximately 60–61 HRC
• Damascus clad construction
• Tsuchime hammered finish
• 180mm Santoku profile
• Hand-finished Nanairo lacquer handle
• Double bevel edge

Specifications

Brand: Sakai Takayuki
Series: Nanairo
Knife Type: Santoku
Blade Length: 180mm
Steel: VG10 Stainless Steel
Hardness: Approximately 60–61 HRC
Construction: Damascus Clad with Tsuchime Finish
Bevel: Double Bevel (50:50)
Handle: Nanairo Lacquer Handle (ABS Core)
Made in: Japan

Complete Your Setup

For the best experience, pair it with:

• End-grain cutting board
• Japanese whetstone (1000 / 3000 grit)
• Leather strop
• Saya or blade guard

Why We Chose This Knife

At Sharp Knives Malta, we look for knives that combine genuine performance with craftsmanship that tells a story.

The Nanairo series delivers the proven cutting ability of VG10 steel while adding something rarely found in modern kitchen knives—a handle inspired by traditional Japanese lacquer artistry. The result is a knife that's practical enough for everyday cooking and distinctive enough to become a favourite in any collection.

Final Word

The Sakai Takayuki Nanairo Santoku 180mm proves that a high-performance kitchen knife can also express individuality. Combining premium VG10 steel, Damascus craftsmanship, and the striking Nanairo lacquer handle, it offers exceptional cutting performance wrapped in a design unlike anything else in the kitchen.

Traditional craftsmanship. Modern character. Built to perform every day.