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Riaan Steenberg Japanese knifes made in China and Over priced.
Premium 10Cr15CoMoV core steel in a clean 3-layer composite construction with a warm olive wood handle — the same cutting performance as Damascus without the decorative layers.
Reach for this when the chef knife is too much blade. Halving cherry tomatoes without crushing them, trimming silverskin off a pork fillet, slicing a small wedge of hard cheese - these are 5-inch jobs. The utility knife fits where bigger blades don't, and it does it without the fuss of a paring knife held in the air.
It's long enough to slice through a bread roll in one stroke, short enough to keep full control on delicate trim work. The 10Cr15CoMoV core is vacuum heat-treated to 60 HRC, so it takes an edge that actually holds through a morning of sandwich prep or fruit cutting without needing a touch-up. Three layers of cladding keep the blade stiff without brittleness.
The natural olive wood handle is riveted to a full-tang steel core, so the balance stays consistent right down to the tip. It's lighter than the chef knife and Santoku in the set, which makes it easier to hold lightly for the kind of precise, wrist-driven cuts where a heavier blade gets tiring. The grain is tight enough that it won't pick up moisture or swell after repeated washes.
Pair it with the Pin Series 8" Chef Knife for the heavy daily prep, and the 4" Paring Knife for true in-hand work like peeling or segmenting.
All our knives arrive in a beautiful, premium gift box that's ready to impress. (Whether it's for a very lucky cook, or just for you.)
Steel Type: 10Cr15CoMoV Core
Hardness: 60 HRC
Construction: 3-Layer Composite
Handle: Olive Wood
Heat Treatment: Vacuum Heat Treated
The Pin Series uses the same 10Cr15CoMoV core steel found in Xinzuo's Damascus lines — equivalent to Japanese VG10 — in a clean 3-layer (san-mai) construction. You get identical cutting performance without the decorative Damascus cladding.
SAME STEEL. CLEAN LINES.
Handle Design
The Retro Series uses 10Cr15CoMoV steel with Damascus cladding. The 10Cr15CoMoV core is a Chinese-developed alloy that matches VG10 in performance, with added cobalt for hardness and molybdenum for corrosion resistance. It's hardened to 60 HRC for excellent edge retention.
Yes. The Damascus pattern on Retro Series knives is created through actual forge-welding of multiple steel layers, not cosmetic etching. Each blade has a unique pattern formed during the forging process. The layering also adds structural benefits, with softer outer layers absorbing impact while the hard core maintains the cutting edge.
They're very similar in composition and performance. Both achieve 60 HRC hardness, both contain vanadium for wear resistance and cobalt for heat hardness. The main difference is origin: VG10 is made by Takefu Special Steel in Japan, while 10Cr15CoMoV is produced in China. In blind testing, most users cannot distinguish between the two. Read our VG10 vs 10Cr15CoMoV comparison for the full breakdown.
The Retro Series features an ebony wood handle with a classic octagonal shape. The natural wood provides excellent grip, even when wet, and develops a beautiful patina over time. The octagonal profile prevents the knife from rolling on the counter and suits the pinch grip favoured by experienced cooks.
With regular honing, most home cooks can go 4-6 months between whetstone sharpenings. The 60 HRC steel holds an edge well but responds quickly to a 1000/6000 combination stone when it does need attention. See our whetstone sharpening guide for step-by-step instructions.