Kasumi Japanese Damascus Santoku Knife 13cm, VG-10 Core

A 13cm Damascus santoku by Kasumi — one of Japan's most esteemed knife manufacturers, hand-forged in Seki by the Sumikama family utilizing techniques honed over 27 generations of Japanese swordsmithing. The 13cm dimension is the smaller variant of the santoku styles, designed for precision tasks, smaller hands, and detailed preparation where a 17-18cm santoku may feel too large — ideal for fine herb work, smaller proteins, julienne cuts, and any task where control is more critical than reach.

The blade's construction distinguishes Kasumi from standard Damascus knives. A VG-10 high-carbon stainless steel cutting core — a steel grade specifically developed for high-quality kitchen knives — is layered between 32 layers of softer stainless steel, producing both the visible flowing Damascus design and the structural benefit of a harder core shielded by softer cladding. This results in an edge that maintains a sharper angle than mono-steel knives, with the cladding absorbing impact and preventing chipping.

The edge is hand-finished to a 15° bevel — significantly sharper than the 20-22° edge commonly found on European chef's knives. You can feel the difference the first time the blade slices through a tomato.

The handle is made from multi-layer resin-impregnated wood, riveted to a full tang with stainless steel pins. The stainless steel ferrule is forge-welded to the blade rather than glued or pressed — eliminating the gap where food particles and bacteria can accumulate in less expensive knives, and providing a joint between blade and handle that has structural integrity to match the blade itself.

For the home chef upgrading from a Wüsthof or a Global to something more substantial, Kasumi occupies a category that Japanese knife enthusiasts genuinely appreciate. As a gift, the Damascus pattern and the Kasumi gift box presentation make it a memorable knife.

Hand wash only — dry immediately. Damascus blades will corrode if left wet. Sharpen on a whetstone at 15° per side; the harder VG-10 core achieves a sharp edge but requires proper sharpening instead of steel-on-steel honing.

Handmade in Seki, Japan. Delivered in a Kasumi gift box.

• Brand: Kasumi
• Type: Santoku Knife
• Barcode: 4950586840131