Santoku • 130 mm • VG10 • Zelkova handle • for both left and right handed use
Fukube Kaji Features
Fukube Kaji is a family-owned company that has been working with steel for four generations. The business started in 1908 making and repairing tools for local farmers and fishermen, and since the 1950s, they have been producing knives. Thanks to this generational knowledge, many traditional techniques have been preserved, which is evident in the precise grinding and refinement of the blade.
This Santoku features 17 layers of Damascus steel with a VG10 core. The handle is traditional, made from a combination of mahogany and Japanese zelkova. The result is a lightweight knife, perfect for delicate cutting tasks.
VG10 – Takefu – Steel
Very Gold 10, better known as VG10, is one of the most common steel types on today’s knife market. The steel is produced by Takefu Special Steel in Echizen, Japan. VG10 is popular with both knifemakers and users thanks to its well-balanced combination of performance and ease of use.
It is a stainless steel with a high carbon content, alloyed with elements such as chromium, molybdenum, vanadium, and cobalt. Chromium provides corrosion resistance, while vanadium contributes to wear resistance during intensive use.
Although VG10 is widely used, there are clear differences in quality and performance. During the production process, various techniques can be applied to make the steel harder and refine its structure. Factors such as additional ingredients, the hardening process, and heat treatment all play an important role. In addition, the knowledge and skill of the knifemaker during the grinding process are crucial for the knife’s final sharpness and cutting performance.
At Slijperij Rangelrooij, we are big fans of VG10 steel. It can be brought to a very high level of sharpness and retains that sharpness for a long time. Despite the wide availability of VG10, we always pay close attention to blade geometry as well. Both aspects are extremely important and can strongly enhance each other—something our makers clearly distinguish themselves with compared to others.
Elwin de Veld on Fukube
For me, Fukube is a perfect example of what Japanese craftsmanship truly means. This traditional forge from the Noto region has existed since 1908 and has been run by the same family for four generations. Originally, they mainly made tools for farmers and fishermen, and that mindset is still reflected in their knives today.
What appeals to me about Fukube is that they do not strive for showiness, but for reliability and functionality. Each knife is hand-forged with respect for classical techniques and materials. These are knives made for daily use, built to last, and to improve over time.
Fukube knives are honest, robust, and thoughtfully crafted!
