The pattern is cladding; the edge is the core steel underneath · review
A 20 cm (7.9 in) Damascus chef’s knife that publishes everything that matters: a Japanese 10Cr15MoV core at a stated 62 HRC, 67 forged layers, and an explicit statement that the pattern is not etched.
What we would actually buy The most completely specified Damascus knife in this catalog, and not the most expensive. That is the right combination.
A 20 cm (7.9 in) Damascus chef’s knife with a Japanese 10Cr15MoV core stated at 62 HRC, clad in 67 forged layers, with the maker stating the pattern is not laser-etched.
It names the core, publishes the hardness, gives the layer count, and addresses the etching question directly. Four things, and most Damascus listings give one.
Long intervals between sharpenings, a keener edge than any European blade, and a hard rule: no bones, no frozen food, no glass or stone boards. Hone on ceramic, sharpen on a stone.
The Wakoli and Minamoto Zen entries in this hub are three-piece sets, and both use a VG-10 core at a stated 60 HRC. This is a single knife with a harder stated core at a lower price.
On sale at around $70 on the American Amazon store at the time of checking.
Prices and availability are what Keepa reported on the date this page was updated; both move.
Prices quoted in this text were read on 3 September 2026. The live price is at the top of the page.
| Blade length | 20 cm (7.9 in) |
|---|---|
| Core steel | Japanese Damascus 10Cr15MoV |
| Hardness | Stated 62 HRC |
| Layers | 67 forged |
| Pattern | Maker states genuine forged Damascus, not laser-etched |
| Amazon reference | B071JV1GDP |
| EAN | 0714757573303 |
A listing is not an offer: the reference exists on these stores, availability changes daily.
It is hard. It holds an edge far longer and chips where a 56 HRC blade would roll. Keep it for boards and away from bones, and it is a pleasure.
No. At 62 HRC the steel is softer than the blade and slides over the edge. A ceramic rod is the correct tool.
7.8/ 10
The most completely specified Damascus knife in this catalog, and not the most expensive. That is the right combination.
A cook who sharpens their own knives and wants a hard, keen main blade.
Amazon reports what buyers took in the month before this page was last checked: at least 1,000.
The figure is a floor, rounded by Amazon, and read through Keepa — it says what buyers picked, not what a maker claims.
Specifications: the manufacturer sheet for cookware and kitchen knives and the matching Amazon product page. Prices and availability: Keepa. Every figure on this page names its source.
20 cm (7.9 in) blade · VG-10 Japanese core · stated 60 HRC · traditional Japanese technique · non-slip handle
A 20 cm (7.9 in) Damascus chef’s knife with a VG-10 core stated at 60 HRC — the best-known Japanese cutlery steel, named rather than implied.
Best for: Someone who wants VG-10 specifically, at a domestic price.
SET · genuine 67-layer Damascus · VG-10 core · high-carbon stainless · stated balanced weight distribution
The most expensive entry in this hub, and a set rather than a single knife: 67-layer Damascus over a VG-10 core, sold on balance and finish.
Best for: A gift at the top of the range, or a matched set bought once.
SET OF 3 · santoku 17 cm (6.7 in) blade + two others · VG-10 core at a stated 60 ± 2 HRC · pakkawood handles · wooden gift box
A three-knife Damascus set — not a single knife — with a VG-10 core stated at 60 ± 2 HRC, pakkawood handles and a wooden presentation box.
Best for: A gift, or a starting set for someone who wants three matched Damascus knives.
≈ $140
Prices quoted in these summaries are dated readings. The live price is shown next to each product.
