Yaxell Dasmascus Slicing Knife 23 cm Rei 37439

Damascus Slicing Knife 23 cm - Rei Series by Yaxell

The slicing knife from Yaxell’s Rei series is a top-tier tool, ideal for both professional chefs and passionate home cooks. Crafted with a VG10 steel core, renowned as one of the best steels in the world for knife-making, it offers outstanding durability, edge retention, and sharpness.

This is a 69-layer Damascus steel slicing knife, featuring a VG10 core, 61 HRC Rockwell hardness, a black and red Pakkawood handle, and a traditional Samurai family crest engraved on the handle. The long, rigid blade—neither too narrow nor too wide—is exceptionally useful for slicing and carving meats, large poultry, and roasts.

The blade is enhanced with a DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) black coating, which provides additional durability and a smooth, premium cutting experience.

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: 22.8 cm

Handle Length: 12.5 cm

Weight: 160 g

Sharpening: Hand-sharpened by master craftsmen

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

"Rei" – The Meaning Behind the Name

In Japanese, Rei means “black” or “dark,” reflecting the knife’s elegant design and powerful performance.

Steel Composition and Blade Technology

The VG10 steel core, containing 1% carbon, ensures excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance. It also includes 15% chromium for enhanced wear and corrosion resistance, cobalt to reduce vibrations, and molybdenum for added hardness. The DLC coating not only strengthens the blade but also enhances the tactile experience while cutting.

Handle Design

The handle is crafted from Pakkawood, a durable composite material resistant to temperature and humidity changes. Though not solid wood, Pakkawood incorporates real wood fibers in its construction, providing a warm feel while ensuring long-lasting strength. Japanese knives are made for intensive, repetitive use, and this handle is built to withstand it.

The Samurai crest on the handle adds a unique sense of luxury and heritage. Every detail of the knife's construction is meticulously finished to accompany you in the kitchen for years to come.

Functionality and Use

The slicing knife is a specialized kitchen tool, designed to produce thin, even slices with precision. It typically features a long, narrow, and sharp blade that glides effortlessly through meat, poultry, fish, fruits, and vegetables. It’s an essential tool for achieving clean, uniform cuts with minimal effort, making it an invaluable addition to any kitchen.

The Legacy of Damascus Steel

Damascus steel knives trace back to medieval Japan and are legendary for their extremely durable and sharp blades. They are forged with a hard steel core—VG10 in this case—wrapped in multiple layers of steel, creating a blade that’s ultra-sharp (up to 15°), corrosion-resistant, and visually stunning with its flowing layered patterns.

All Yaxell knives undergo a multi-step heat treatment: fired at extremely high temperatures, ice-hardened, and re-fired again. This meticulous process ensures exceptional corrosion resistance and edge longevity.