Yaxell Damascus Santoku Knife 16.5 cm Rei 37401

Damascus Santoku Knife 16.5 cm - Rei Series by Yaxell

The Santoku knife from Yaxell’s Rei series is a 69-layer Damascus steel knife, featuring a VG10 core, 61 Rockwell hardness, a black and red Pakkawood handle, and the Samurai family crest on the handle. The blade is finished with a DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating, offering added durability and a premium cutting feel.

The Santoku knife is a versatile kitchen knife originating from Japan, ideal for meat, fish, and vegetables. Santoku is a Japanese word meaning “three virtues,” referring to the three main cutting tasks it is designed for: slicing, dicing, and chopping. The blade typically features a slightly curved edge, allowing for a more efficient cutting motion.

Santoku knives are well-known for their balance, sharp edge, and the ability to handle a wide variety of kitchen tasks with ease.

Key Features:

Blade Material: VG10 steel core

Blade: 69-layer Damascus steel

Hardness: 61 HRC on the Rockwell scale

Blade Angle: Less than 14° per side (double bevel)

Blade Finish: Black DLC coating for added durability and aesthetics

Handle: Black and red Pakkawood – resistant to moisture and temperature changes

Design: Features the Samurai family crest on the handle for a touch of tradition and elegance

Blade Length: 16.5 cm

Sharpening: Hand-sharpened by master craftsmen

Made in: Seki City, Japan – a region famous for centuries of knife-making tradition

“Rei” – A Symbol of Power and Elegance

In Japanese, Rei means "black" or "dark," symbolizing the knife’s refined elegance and strength. The VG10 steel, with 1% carbon, is highly corrosion-resistant with a hardness of 61 HRC. It contains 15% chromium for wear and corrosion resistance, cobalt to reduce vibrations, and molybdenum for additional hardness. The blade’s DLC coating adds both resilience and a superior cutting feel.

Handle Construction

The knife’s handle is made from Pakkawood, a composite material that withstands temperature and humidity changes. While it is not solid natural wood, it still incorporates real wood in its manufacturing process. Japanese knives are designed for intense, repeated use—so they must be exceptionally durable.

The handle also features the Samurai family emblem, giving the knife a touch of luxury and tradition. Its craftsmanship is highly refined, designed to serve you for many years in the kitchen.

The Legacy of Damascus Steel

Damascus steel knives date back to medieval Japan and are legendary for their extremely durable and razor-sharp blades. The blade consists of a VG10 high-carbon steel core, folded with layers of steel to create a blade that is hard, incredibly sharp (up to 15°), and highly resistant to oxidation and wear.

All Yaxell knives are fired at extremely high temperatures, then ice-hardened, and finally re-fired. This heat treatment process creates a corrosion-resistant blade and ensures long-lasting edge retention.