The cutting edge has a beautiful Damascus layer of VG 5 high carbon steel and stainless steel. It has a VG 5 high carbon steel blade with 0.7 -0.8 % carbon steel for the optimum edge holding ability and 13-15% chromium for stain resistance. Rockwell hardness of 59. It is made with 16 layers of VG5 high carbon and stainless steel for a beautiful Damascus knife that holds the sharpest cutting edge with easy maintenance. The surface of the blade has a Tsuchime pattern which is a unique Japanese design used to prevent food from sticking to the surface of the knife. The Tsuchime pattern is created first by hand hammering the layered metal, then tampering it with heat. Each Tsuchime Damascus style knife has a unique hand hammered pattern.
Kikuichi has a long and distinguished history. Although they have been producing superior cutlery for more than a hundred years, the origin of their company lies some seven hundred years ago. For most of their history they manufactured Samurai swords that bore the Emperor's Chrysanthemum symbol as a mark of their excellence. Today, their ancestor's swords are considered national treasures in Japan. Kikuichi uses the same techniques used for making swords in their cutlery manufacturing and the results are amazing. Unlike ordinary stainless steel knives and scissors, the sharpness of their high-quality, handcrafted products is easily maintained. All Kikuichi knives come gift boxed with sharpening and care instructions.
