Shizu Gen VG10 Damascus Santoku 180mm – Kurouchi Tsuchime – D-Shape Pakka Wood Handle

The Shizu Gen VG10 Damascus Santoku 180mm is a versatile Japanese kitchen knife designed for the three essential tasks its name represents: slicing, dicing and chopping. With a generous 180mm blade, stainless VG10 steel and a distinctive combination of Damascus, Kurouchi and Tsuchime finishes, this Santoku brings together everyday usability and traditional Japanese-inspired design.

A Versatile Japanese Santoku

The Santoku is one of the most popular Japanese knife styles, particularly for cooks who prefer a slightly shorter and taller blade than a traditional chef’s knife.

At 180mm, this Shizu Gen provides a little more reach than many standard Santoku knives. The broad blade offers comfortable knuckle clearance and works particularly well for vegetables, herbs, boneless meat, fish and general daily food preparation.

Its relatively flat cutting profile makes it particularly comfortable for push cutting and chopping, while the gently curved front section allows for smooth slicing.

VG10 Damascus – Performance with Character

At the cutting edge is VG10 stainless steel, known for achieving excellent sharpness while offering good edge retention and corrosion resistance.

The layered Damascus pattern becomes visible towards the cutting edge, creating a striking transition from the darker upper section of the blade. This combination gives the knife visual depth without overwhelming its traditional character.

Kurouchi & Tsuchime Finish

One of the defining features of the Shizu Gen series is its distinctive blade treatment. A dark Kurouchi finish covers the upper portion of the blade and is complemented by a hammered Tsuchime texture.

Against the brighter Damascus section below, the result is a strong contrast between rustic Japanese aesthetics and a more refined polished cutting area. The hammered surface also helps reduce the contact area between the blade and ingredients during cutting.

D-Shape Pakka Wood Handle

The D-shaped Pakka wood handle gives the knife a lightweight Japanese feel and provides a comfortable, controlled grip. Its dark wood grain and black ferrule complement the Kurouchi blade particularly well.

Who Is This Knife For?

This Santoku is an excellent option for someone looking for one versatile Japanese kitchen knife for everyday cooking. Its 180mm size provides enough blade for substantial preparation while remaining more compact and manoeuvrable than a longer 210mm Gyuto.

It is particularly suited to home cooks and chefs who do a lot of vegetable preparation but still want a knife capable of comfortably handling meat, fish and general-purpose kitchen work.

Specifications

• Brand: Shizu
• Series: Gen
• Knife Type: Santoku
• Blade Length: 180mm
• Core Steel: VG10 Stainless Steel
• Blade: Damascus
• Finish: Kurouchi / Tsuchime
• Handle: Pakka Wood
• Handle Shape: D-Shape
• Handle Style: Japanese
• Stainless: Yes

The Shizu Gen VG10 Damascus Santoku 180mm is a strong all-round choice for anyone looking for a Japanese Santoku knife in Malta that combines practical stainless-steel performance with a more traditional aesthetic.

Its unusual mix of Damascus layering, hammered Tsuchime texture and dark Kurouchi finish gives every part of the knife character, making it a unique, gift-ready Japanese knife as well as a highly practical everyday cutting tool.