Petty • 150 mm • VG10 33 layers • Green pakka handle • for both left and right handed use

Features of the Zanmai Custom

The new petty knives from Mcusta Zanmai offer a glimpse of what is coming later this year. A new concept in which you can assemble a fully custom knife yourself. This includes choosing the model, the handle, the blade, and even the screws that hold everything together.

For now, this small preview consists of several fully assembled petty knives, created to showcase what will be possible.

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 about Zanmai Mcusta