Santoku Knife // Damascus // 7.1"

The limited edition ZDP-189 Damascus Santoku is a versatile choice for chefs and home cooks who prefer a medium size, multi-purpose knife.

This extraordinary and uncommon Damascus pattern is made by various techniques, including drilling into the steel to get these circular shapes. Every piece has a unique pattern, making every knife a one-of-a-kind. A traditional Japanese handle made of durable rosewood was attached to the blade. Due to its asymmetrical D-shaped handle, it will fit best to right-handed users, but it can also be used if you are left-handed (the grip is not so distinct).

This santoku is manufactured at the smithery of Yoshida Hamono in Japan, a family company with an age-long tradition in manufacturing state-of-the-art tools and Japanese katanas by hand. Yoshida Hamono has a great deal of experience forging ZDP-189 steel in the traditional manner.

The heart of the knife is made of ZDP-189 steel, selected because systematic testing has proven its superior qualities and long-lasting sharpness. The steel is laminated, meaning that the core is made of very strong steel and covered with an external layer of softer stainless steel. Such blades remain sharp for extended periods of time. Its softer external layer makes it easier to sharpen, and protects the core steel from external factors.

The pure carbon content of ZDP-189 makes it one of the most edge retentive alloy in the knife industry. What makes the ZDP-189 steel remarkable is that it can be hardened up to HRC 65-67 without any problems of chipping. Serious users and professional chefs alike prefer to use knives made from ZDP-189 steel because of its superior cutting performance and longer edge retention.