• Full view of the Sakai Takayuki Kurokage VG10 Kengata Santoku Knife showcasing its hammered black blade and burgundy handle on a textured gray surface.
  • Close-up of the hammered black blade of the Sakai Takayuki Kurokage VG10 Kengata Santoku Knife highlighting its Japanese kanji engravings.
  • Focused view of the burgundy handle of the Sakai Takayuki Kurokage VG10 Kengata Santoku Knife displaying its smooth finish and octagonal shape.
  • Detailed view of the blade tip of the Sakai Takayuki Kurokage VG10 Kengata Santoku Knife emphasizing its sharp edge and hammered texture.
  • Close-up of the blade’s engraving on the Sakai Takayuki Kurokage VG10 Kengata Santoku Knife showing the “Made in Japan” mark and Taira Shoten logo.
  • Product box and Sakai Takayuki Kurokage VG10 Kengata Santoku Knife with a hammered black blade and burgundy handle on a textured gray surface.
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Sakai Takayuki

Sakai Takayuki Kurokage VG10 Kengata Santoku Knife Burgundy Handle

Sakai Takayuki Kurokage VG10 Kengata Santoku Knife Burgundy Handle

$309.00 USD
$309.00 USD
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The Sakai Takayuki Kurokage VG10 Kengata Santoku Knife with its rich burgundy handle offers a striking combination of precision, versatility, and elegance. The Santoku blade, shorter and lighter than a chef knife, is designed to handle a wide range of culinary tasks, from slicing and dicing to delicate chopping. Crafted from VG10 stainless steel, the blade delivers razor-sharp performance and remarkable edge retention. Its hammered black finish enhances food release while adding a dramatic contrast to the blade’s refined design. The Kengata tip further enhances the knife’s versatility and precision.

Part of the Kurokage collection, this knife is a collaboration with professional padel player Leon Aurelius Taira, whose eye for detail and appreciation for excellence inspired this series. The deep burgundy handle, hand-selected by Leon, exudes sophistication and confidence, while its ergonomic design ensures comfort and control during use. Merging Sakai Takayuki’s knife-making mastery with Leon’s modern aesthetic, this Santoku knife is both a versatile kitchen essential and a bold statement piece.

Detail

Length: 31cm / 12.2in
Blade length: 16cm / 6.3in
Handle length: 4.5cm / 1.8in
Weight: Approx. 141g / 5oz
Hadle: ABS resin

Care ＆ Use

  • Handwash only
  • Keep it dry
  • Avoid cutting through bones
  • No metal scrubs or abrasive detergents
  • Store safely
  • Sharpen as needed
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A Legacy Forged in Tradition

Sakai, a historic city in Osaka Prefecture, has been synonymous with exceptional craftsmanship for over 600 years. The art of blade forging in this region dates back to the 14th century, when blacksmiths honed their skills crafting samurai swords. With the decline of the samurai era, these master artisans transitioned to making precision tools and knives, meeting the growing demand from Japan’s culinary and agricultural sectors.

During the Edo period (1603–1868), Sakai became renowned for its high-quality knives, particularly those used for cutting tobacco leaves—a practice introduced by Portuguese traders. The superior sharpness of Sakai's tobacco knives led the Tokugawa shogunate to grant them a special seal of approval, known as the "Sakai Kiwame" mark, establishing a nationwide reputation for excellence.

This enduring heritage continues to define Sakai’s identity, as it remains one of Japan's leading centers for handmade cutlery. Combining time-honored methods with the expertise of skilled blacksmiths and craftsmen, the knives forged in Sakai embody the artistry, precision, and cultural richness that have made this region a symbol of Japanese blade-making excellence.

Brand History

Steeped in the heritage of Sakai City’s blade-making tradition, Sakai Takayuki represents the pinnacle of Japanese knife craftsmanship. Collaborating with some of Japan’s most skilled blacksmiths and artisans, the brand transforms raw materials into precision tools, cherished by chefs and knife enthusiasts around the world.

Each Sakai Takayuki knife is the result of meticulous handcrafting, blending time-honored techniques with modern design to meet the evolving needs of culinary artistry. From the forging of high-carbon steels to the precise sharpening of single-bevel edges, every knife carries the soul of Sakai’s blacksmithing heritage. The brand is a testament to the enduring pursuit of perfection—a philosophy deeply rooted in Japanese craftsmanship.

Sakai Takayuki knives are more than tools; they are a celebration of artistry, functionality, and tradition. For enthusiasts who value exceptional sharpness, balance, and the story behind their blade, Sakai Takayuki offers an unparalleled connection to Japan’s rich cutlery heritage.