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Tsunehisa ZA-18 Damascus santoku knife 185mm full view
  • Tsunehisa ZA-18 Damascus santoku knife 185mm full view
  • ZA-18 stainless Damascus blade detail on Tsunehisa santoku
  • ZA-18 powdered stainless steel core close-up
  • Close up of the stainless Damascus cladding pattern detail. Sharp tip of the Santoku against a white background.
  • Natural oak wood grain handle detail
  • Choil view showing convex grind and thin edge.
  • Balanced lightweight feel of Tsunehisa ZA-18 santoku. Close up of the balance point where the blade meets the handle.
  • Handcrafted Tsunehisa ZA-18 Damascus santoku knife made in Japan
  • San mai construction on Tsunehisa ZA-18 santoku knife
  • Tsunehisa ZA-18 Damascus santoku knife 185mm full view
  • ZA-18 stainless Damascus blade detail on Tsunehisa santoku
  • ZA-18 powdered stainless steel core close-up
  • Close up of the stainless Damascus cladding pattern detail. Sharp tip of the Santoku against a white background.
  • Natural oak wood grain handle detail
  • Choil view showing convex grind and thin edge.
  • Balanced lightweight feel of Tsunehisa ZA-18 santoku. Close up of the balance point where the blade meets the handle.
  • Handcrafted Tsunehisa ZA-18 Damascus santoku knife made in Japan
  • San mai construction on Tsunehisa ZA-18 santoku knife
Tsunehisa ZA-18 Damascus Santoku Knife // 185mm //Japanese Kitchen Knife

Tsunehisa ZA-18 Damascus Santoku Knife // 185mm //Japanese Kitchen Knife

$225.00 USD
Shipping calculated at checkout.

The Santoku knife, meaning “three virtues,” is a versatile Japanese kitchen knife designed for slicing, dicing, and chopping meat, vegetables, and fish with ease. Its broad, short blade provides precision and efficiency, making it ideal for a wide range of cutting tasks in both professional and home kitchens.

These knives are expertly crafted with a san mai construction, featuring a ZA-18 powdered stainless steel core encased in stainless Damascus cladding. Renowned for its fine grain structure, ZA-18 steel offers excellent edge retention, outstanding sharpness, and strong corrosion resistance, making these knives reliable, low-maintenance tools for everyday cooking.

Designed for performance and comfort, the knives are well balanced, lightweight, and nimble in hand, providing precise control and reducing fatigue during extended prep work. A gentle convex grind tapers smoothly to a thin, razor-sharp edge, delivering effortless cutting, clean food release, and consistent results across vegetables, proteins, and herbs.

Finished with a one-piece octagonal oak handle, these knives combine durability with refined natural beauty. The oak’s rich grain and subtle figuring create a warm contrast that perfectly complements the flowing Damascus blade pattern. Blending modern steel performance with traditional Japanese design, these knives offer both striking aesthetics and exceptional kitchen versatility.

Product Description:

  • Knife Shape: Santoku – Japanese all-purpose kitchen knife

  • Blade Length: 185mm – versatile size for everyday prep

  • Blade Height: 47mm – provides knuckle clearance and control

  • Blade Thickness: 1.6mm – thin geometry for smooth cutting

  • Weight: 124.2g – lightweight and agile in hand

  • Blade Construction: San Mai – laminated for strength and stability

  • Cladding: Stainless Damascus – corrosion resistant with flowing pattern

  • Core Steel: ZA-18 powdered stainless steel

  • Hardness: 61–63 HRC – excellent edge retention and durability

  • Handle: Octagonal oak – comfortable grip with natural balance

  • Origin: Handcrafted in Tosa, Kochi, Japan

  • Brand: Tsunehisa

ZA-18 is a high-alloy powdered stainless steel developed in Japan and commonly used in premium kitchen knives. While exact specifications can vary slightly by producer and heat treatment, the commonly cited composition is approximately:

ZA-18 Steel Composition (approx. wt %)

  • Carbon (C): ~1.1–1.2 %

  • Chromium (Cr): ~18.0 %

  • Molybdenum (Mo): ~1.0–1.5 %

  • Vanadium (V): ~0.2–0.3 %

  • Cobalt (Co): ~1.0–1.5 %

  • Manganese (Mn): ≤ 0.5 %

  • Silicon (Si): ≤ 0.5 %

What this composition delivers:

  • High carbon + vanadium → excellent edge retention and fine edge stability

  • 18% chromium → strong corrosion resistance (true stainless performance)

  • Molybdenum → improved wear resistance and toughness

  • Cobalt → enhanced hardness potential and heat-treat response

  • Powder metallurgy process → finer, more uniform grain structure than conventional steels

In practice:

ZA-18 is often positioned as a step above VG-10, offering:

  • Longer edge life

  • Higher achievable hardness

  • Better edge stability at thin grinds

  • Comparable corrosion resistance

Key Features:

  • Premium ZA-18 powdered stainless steel core for long-lasting sharpness

  • San mai construction improves blade stability and cutting performance

  • Stainless Damascus cladding enhances corrosion resistance and aesthetics

  • Thin, convex grind for effortless cutting and clean food release

  • Lightweight, well-balanced design for precision and reduced fatigue

  • Broad blade profile supports efficient chopping and slicing

  • Octagonal oak handle provides secure grip and natural comfort

  • Low-maintenance stainless steel ideal for daily kitchen use

  • Traditional Japanese craftsmanship from Tosa, Japan

Recommended Uses:

  • Slicing, dicing, and chopping vegetables

  • Preparing meats, poultry, and fish

  • Push cutting, pull cutting, and light rocking techniques

  • Everyday home cooking and professional kitchen prep

  • Ideal all-purpose knife for cooks seeking versatility

  • Excellent choice for those wanting stainless performance with premium feel