Sakai Takayuki's Kurokage ("black shadow") series, with its striking jet-black blades. A VG-10 blade (HRC 60–62) is hand-hammered by a craftsman and finished with a black fluorine coating, combining lasting sharpness with excellent food release. Handmade in Sakai, Osaka. Available as Santoku 170mm, Gyuto 210mm and Petty 150mm, with octagonal handles in Ho wood, Wenge or Ebony (water-buffalo horn ferrule). Double-bevel, so suitable for left-handed cooks too.
What makes Kurokage different
- Long-lasting edge: hard VG-10 steel takes a thin, keen edge and needs sharpening less often
- Food falls away from the blade: the hollows of the hammered finish trap air, and together with the slick coating they keep potatoes and raw meat from sticking
- Rust-resistant: stainless steel, so washing and drying after use is all the daily care it needs
Which one?
The Santoku 170mm is the all-rounder for vegetables, meat and fish. The Gyuto 210mm has a longer blade for large cuts of meat and shredding cabbage. The Petty 150mm handles fruit, garnishes and small prep. The blade is the same whichever handle you choose; the handles differ in weight, feel, color and price (Ho wood is light and pale, Wenge is dark brown with a bold grain, Ebony is the heaviest and glossiest).
Frequently asked questions
Q. Does the black come off the edge when sharpening?
Yes. The coating at the very edge is ground away, revealing a thin silver line. This is not a defect and does not affect cutting performance. The black on the sides and in the hammered texture stays for a long time.
Q. Is sharpening the same as for any other knife?
Yes, on a medium (#1000) and finishing whetstone. The hard steel takes a little longer. Avoid abrasive cleansers and steel wool, which scratch the coating.
What you get when you buy from Hayashi Hardware
First resharpening free (then from ¥1,500 per knife, mail-in within Japan), maker's warranty card, and a 30-day guarantee for initial defects. Shipping within Japan ¥900, free on orders over ¥30,000. For international orders, please contact us before ordering. Read more in What is Sakai Takayuki? and What is VG-10 steel?
