Kurokage VG10 is Sakai Takayuki's stainless workhorse line for everyday use. Each blade pairs a Takefu VG10 stainless core with a hammered finish and a Teflon coating the maker says gives superb food release.

VG10 is a well balanced stainless steel, easy to sharpen and able to hold a working edge through extended use. The profiles are a touch thicker behind the edge than our finer Japanese lines, but that is a sensible trade here, since it gives the edge some forgiveness while a new user settles into waterstone sharpening.

Every knife in the line comes on an octagonal wa handle, with the santoku, gyuto and petty in wenge joined by a K-tip (kengata) santoku and gyuto for those who prefer a straighter edge and a sharper point for tip-led work. A good first step into Japanese knives that stays low maintenance.