Tojiro Atelier VG10 Migaki Damascus Santoku 165mm - Custom Octagonal Rosewood Handle (Blonde Buffalo Horn Ferrule)

Handcrafted inside Tojiro’s elite custom studio in Niigata Prefecture, the Tojiro Atelier 165mm Santoku is hand-forged by master craftsman Tomoo Matsumura. Leading Tojiro’s dedicated custom studio, Matsumura-san focuses exclusively on small-batch, traditional anvil-and-hammer bladesmithing. This multi-purpose kitchen blade unites practical, corrosion-free stainless metallurgy with luminous Sanjo Damascus artistry.

Forged around a high-purity Takefu VG10 stainless core clad in multi-layered Damascus, the blade features a mirror-like Migaki (polished) finish that highlights undulating Damascus layers across the entire face. Matsumura-san gives this santoku an agile 3.0mm spine at the heel that tapers cleanly to a nimble tip, delivering smooth downward cutting glide through root vegetables, aromatics, and boneless proteins. The tall 49.5mm heel provides generous knuckle clearance and doubles as an efficient ingredient scoop, while the nimble 148-gram weight offers fatigue-free control through daily prep.

Finished with Matsumura-san's hand-engraved kanji chiseled directly into the steel, this piece is fitted with an upgraded custom octagonal wa-handle sculpted from dense natural rosewood and crowned by an elegant blonde buffalo horn ferrule, creating a striking organic contrast against the dark timber.

Key Highlights

• Hand-Forged by Master Craftsman Tomoo Matsumura: Personally free-forged in small batches using traditional hammer techniques, ensuring precise heat treatment and hand-tuned blade geometry.

• Takefu VG10 Stainless Core (60–61 HRC): Cobalt-enriched stainless alloy delivering keen edge retention, crisp waterstone sharpening response, and 100% rust resistance.

• Polished Migaki Damascus Cladding: Smooth, polished multi-layered stainless Damascus reduces cutting friction and highlights rippling forge patterns.

• Agile Distal Taper & Tall Heel: Measured at 3.0mm at the heel with a tall 49.5mm height, balancing cutting mass with nimble tip control at 148 grams.

• Hand-Engraved Atelier Kanji: Each blade face is signed with authentic maker markings hand-chiseled into the steel by Matsumura-san.

• Custom Rosewood & Blonde Horn Ferrule: Faceted octagonal wa-handle of dense natural rosewood paired with a blonde buffalo horn ferrule for an elegant contrast.

Technical Specifications

Care & Maintenance

• Washing: Hand wash immediately after use with warm water and mild soap; dry thoroughly. Never clean in a dishwasher.

• Stainless Convenience: Fully stainless core and cladding provide complete rust protection against acidic foods. Do not leave soaking in water.

• Natural Handle Care: Rosewood and horn should not be submerged in water. Avoid extreme heat or direct sun, and condition the wood periodically with food-safe mineral oil or board butter.

• Cutting Surfaces: Prep on soft wood or high-grade rubber boards. Avoid bamboo, glass, and granite.

• Sharpening: Maintain on waterstones (1000–6000 grit). Do not use steel honing rods or motorized sharpeners.

• Intended Use: For boneless proteins and produce only. Never chop bones or frozen foods.