Sakai Takayuki Ginga ZA-18 Damascus

Ginga (銀河, Galaxy) is the best looking stainless line from Sakai Takayuki. Each blade is clad in a mirror finished 69 layer damascus pattern over a ZA-18 core, a cobalt enriched stainless alloy developed by Aichi Steel. The layering catches the light across the whole flat, and out of the box the finish is genuinely striking.

ZA-18 is one of the newest stainless alloys, a high alloy stainless, with high carbon and chromium content and cobalt added for strength. Held at HRC 61-63 it reaches high sharpness and excellent edge retention, though like most stainless steels in this hardness band it asks for a bit of patience on the stones.

One honest note: a mirror finish shows water spots and fine scratches, so it takes a little care to keep it looking new. The line covers santoku, gyuto, nakiri, petty and sujihiki, all on an octagonal wenge wa handle with a horn ferrule. A lovely gift knife for someone who wants the damascus look with real performance underneath.