ZA-18 is one of the more technically impressive stainless steels to enter the kitchen knife market in recent years. Developed by Aichi Steel Co., its composition - 1.2% carbon, 18% chromium, 1.5% molybdenum, and 1.8% cobalt - gives it exceptional corrosion resistance, excellent hardness at 60-61 HRC, and a toughness that makes it well-suited for a knife that will see daily professional use. Takayuki builds the Ginga line around this steel in Sakai, Japan - the city that has supplied roughly 90 percent of Japan's professional knife market for over 600 years - wrapping the ZA-18 core in 69 layers of Damascus stainless cladding for a blade that is visually striking and technically refined.
The santoku - three virtues in Japanese, for slicing, dicing, and mincing - is the ideal format for this combination of steel and construction. With a blade length of 185mm, this Ginga santoku is well-proportioned for all-purpose kitchen work - enough height for comfortable knuckle clearance, enough length for efficient board cutting. The 69-layer Damascus pattern is polished and bold, unique to each blade. The wenge octagonal handle with a buffalo horn ferrule is a premium pairing that matches the level of the blade.
Care Instructions: ZA-18 is a fully stainless steel with exceptional corrosion resistance - low maintenance and forgiving in a kitchen environment. Hand wash and dry after each use. Avoid the dishwasher, bones, and frozen foods. Sharpen on quality water stones.Maker: Takayuki
Location: Sakai City, Japan
Construction: San Mai
Edge Steel: ZA-18 Stainless Steel
Cladding: 69-Layer Damascus Stainless
HRC: 60-61
Handle: Wenge Octagonal
Ferrule: Buffalo Horn
Weight: 4.6 oz (130 g)
Blade Length: 185 mm
Total Length: 326 mm
Spine Thickness at Heel: 2 mm
Blade Height: 46 mm
The santoku - three virtues in Japanese, for slicing, dicing, and mincing - is the ideal format for this combination of steel and construction. With a blade length of 185mm, this Ginga santoku is well-proportioned for all-purpose kitchen work - enough height for comfortable knuckle clearance, enough length for efficient board cutting. The 69-layer Damascus pattern is polished and bold, unique to each blade. The wenge octagonal handle with a buffalo horn ferrule is a premium pairing that matches the level of the blade.
Care Instructions: ZA-18 is a fully stainless steel with exceptional corrosion resistance - low maintenance and forgiving in a kitchen environment. Hand wash and dry after each use. Avoid the dishwasher, bones, and frozen foods. Sharpen on quality water stones.
Reviews
1 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) Great Steel, Sloppy Craftsmanship, October 1, 2026Posted By: Jim Whalen
I've had this knife for a few years now and the blade steel retains sharpness extraordinarily well and the Damascus pattern is striking. Unfortunately, the finishing of the blade is sub par showing coarse sanding marks that were prematurely polished. The handle uses good-looking materials but the fit between the horn and wood is not smooth and the handle alignment with the blade is off-center, the shoulder of the blade is not flush with the top of the handle and is not parallel with the blade. All that said, the knife performs well, is nicely balanced, and lightweight--a great daily use knife.
I've had this knife for a few years now and the blade steel retains sharpness extraordinarily well and the Damascus pattern is striking. Unfortunately, the finishing of the blade is sub par showing coarse sanding marks that were prematurely polished. The handle uses good-looking materials but the fit between the horn and wood is not smooth and the handle alignment with the blade is off-center, the shoulder of the blade is not flush with the top of the handle and is not parallel with the blade. All that said, the knife performs well, is nicely balanced, and lightweight--a great daily use knife.
