Tsunehisa ZA18 Damascus Gyuto 210mm Oak Handle Made in Japan

Experience ZA18 Damascus Steel in a Chef's Gyuto Built for Edge Retention and Precision

The Specs

• Steel: ZA18 stainless steel (San Mai) with stainless Damascus cladding
• Hardness: 61-62 HRC
• Blade length: 210mm | Blade height: 46mm | Spine: 1.9mm
• Edge grind: Double-edged (50/50)
• Handle: Octagonal oak Wa handle
• Origin: Japan

The Gyuto

ZA18 was developed by Osaka Clad Co. in partnership with Aichi Steel Corp as a direct competitor to VG10 - and it delivers. With higher carbon (1.20%), chromium (18%), molybdenum, and cobalt content than VG10, ZA18 achieves exceptional edge retention and corrosion resistance at 61-62 HRC. The San Mai construction wraps the hard ZA18 core in stainless Damascus cladding, adding visual drama and protecting the core from lateral stress. The gyuto profile - curved belly, pointed tip, versatile length - makes the 210mm an ideal all-rounder for protein work, vegetable prep, and general kitchen tasks. It is long enough to slice cleanly through larger cuts, compact enough for precise detail work. The octagonal oak Wa handle keeps the balance point forward, letting the blade do the work.

Care & Maintenance

• Hand wash only - never dishwasher
• Dry immediately after washing
• Hone regularly on a ceramic or leather strop
• Sharpen on Japanese water stones (1000/3000 grit)
• Store on a magnetic strip or in a knife block