Makoto Kurosaki VG7 Damascus Petty 135mm

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Makoto Kurosaki, a highly regarded knife sharpener and designer from Takefu Knife Village, has recently introduced knives made with VG7 steel, a new material that entered the market in 2022. As it is still relatively new, there is limited testing data and user feedback available. However, by comparing its composition to similar steels, we can better understand its properties and performance.

VG7 appears to be an optimised version of VG10, with the key difference being the addition of Tungsten. Unlike VG10, VG7 does NOT contain Cobalt, which contributes to hardness only at high temperatures above 450°C. Since kitchen knives are used at room temperature, the absence of Cobalt does not impact performance. Another notable change is the replacement of some Molybdenum in VG10 with Tungsten in VG7. While both elements contribute to hardness and carbide formation, Tungsten carbides are significantly harder - about twice as hard as Molybdenum carbides. This results in improved wear resistance without making the steel brittle. Ultimately, VG7 offers greater wear resistance compared to VG10 with a similar toughness, making it a more optimized steel.

When compared to Ginsan (Silver #3), VG7 shares a similar composition but contains Tungsten instead of Manganese. As discussed, Tungsten enhances wear resistance due to its exceptional hardness, while Manganese increases toughness. This suggests that VG7 is less tough compared to Ginsan but provides better edge retention at the same hardness level (HRC). Early reviews support this hypothesis, indicating that VG7 is just as fine-grained as Ginsan but maintains its sharp edge for longer.

Overall, VG7 appears to be a well-balanced and improved steel that enhances the performance of VG10 in a meaningful way. If it becomes more widely available, it could offer an exciting new option for knife makers and enthusiasts in the future.

Blade Type: Petty
Core: VG7 Stainless Steel
Cladding: Stainless Steel
Handle: Ebony Octagonal Handle with Black Pakkawood Ferrule
Spine Thickness at Heel: 1.9mm
HRC: 61 - 62
Weight: 82g
Blade Length: 135mm
Overall Length: 260mm