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7" Santoku Knife - Zhen Series (X05Z)
Ultra-premium Japanese ZDP189 steel with extreme hardness for exceptional edge retention and professional-level performance.
$374.95
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15° Angle
Razor Sharp
65-67 HRC
Extreme Hardness
Japanese ZDP189
Premium Composite
DESCRIPTION
The Zhen Series 7-inch Santoku Knife is your go-to for precision slicing, dicing, and chopping. With its versatile blade shape and exceptional sharpness, this knife excels in multipurpose prep, making it an indispensable tool for both professional chefs and home cooks.
Unrivaled Sharpness and Edge Retention
At the heart of this knife is a ZDP-189 powder steel core, renowned for its exceptional hardness and edge retention. Vacuum heat-treated to 65-67 HRC, the blade maintains its razor-sharp edge for longer, reducing the need for frequent sharpening.
Durable Three-Layer Construction
The ZDP-189 core is clad in softer stainless steel, creating a three-layer composite construction that enhances durability and corrosion resistance. This ensures the blade can withstand the rigors of daily use while maintaining its pristine appearance.
Exquisite Handle Design
The handle is crafted from desert ironwood and features a white buffalo horn (bison horn) ferrule, providing a comfortable and secure grip. The octagonal handle design offers enhanced control and balance, allowing for precise and effortless cutting.
Specifications:
- Series: Zhen (XZ05)
- Blade Length: 7 inches
- Blade Material: ZDP-189 core, three-layer composite steel
- Handle Material: Desert ironwood with white buffalo horn ferrule
- HRC: 65-67
- Knife Type: Santoku
Complete Your Set
Elevate your culinary experience with other knives from the Zhen Series. From chef knives to paring knives, each blade is crafted with the same attention to detail and commitment to quality.
READY TO GIFT
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.)
THE NERDY BITS
Steel Type: Original Japanese ZDP189 Composite Steel
Hardness (HRC): 65-67 HRC
Handle: North America Desert Ironwood + White Buffalo Horn
Heat Treatment: Vacuum Heat Treatment and Deep Freeze
What that means: Ultra-premium Japanese steel with exceptional edge retention and professional-level sharpness.
Every element, chosen for a reason
3% Carbon Content
The highest carbon content in the range creates extreme hardness and an edge that lasts weeks between sharpenings.
20% Chromium Shield
Despite being a powder steel, ZDP189 maintains excellent corrosion resistance — unusual for a steel this hard.
Powder Metallurgy Process
Atomised steel particles are fused under extreme pressure, creating an ultra-fine, uniform grain structure impossible with conventional forging.
ZDP189 is a Japanese powder metallurgy steel made by Hitachi. With 3% carbon and 20% chromium, it achieves a microstructure so fine it holds a surgical edge longer than any other steel in the Xinzuo range. This is not a compromise — it's the pinnacle.
65-67 HRC
Flagship Edge Retention
The hardest steel in the Xinzuo range. Holds its edge 3-4x longer than standard 60 HRC Damascus knives.
ZDP189 Powder Steel
Ultra-Fine Performance
Made by Hitachi using proprietary powder metallurgy. The same steel trusted by Japanese master bladesmiths.
Hitachi Heat Treated
Precision Hardening
Vacuum heat treatment and deep cryogenic freeze — each blade individually hardened to exacting standards.THE SHARPEST EDGE IN THE RANGE
Where Powder Steel Meets Precision
ZDP189 achieves what conventional Damascus cannot. The powder metallurgy process creates a grain structure so fine that the edge geometry can be taken to an extreme — and it stays there, cut after cut, week after week.Handle Design
Desert Ironwood &
Buffalo Horn
Why It's Our
Flagship
More Knives From the X05Z Zhen Series
- Knife Sheath (PM8S/PM8M/PM8O/X05Z)
- 8" Chef Knife - Zhen Series (X05Z)
- 8.3" Bunka Knife - Zhen Series (X05Z)
- 7" Nakiri Knife - Zhen Series (X05Z)
- 7" Santoku Knife - Zhen Series (X05Z)
Knife Knowledge
Guides to help you get the most from your knife
FAQs
What is 14Cr14MoVNb powder steel?
14Cr14MoVNb is a powder metallurgy steel with high chromium (14%), molybdenum, vanadium, and niobium content. The powder steel process creates an extremely fine, uniform grain structure that allows the blade to be hardened to 62-64 HRC while remaining tough enough for kitchen use. It holds an edge 2-3 times longer than conventional VG10 and is the same class of steel used in knives costing $400+.
How hard is the Lan Series?
The Lan Series is hardened to 62-64 HRC through vacuum heat treatment. This is significantly harder than German steels (56-58 HRC) and harder than VG10 (60-61 HRC). The practical result is excellent edge retention. Most home cooks can go 6-12 months between sharpenings with regular honing. See our powder steel guide for detailed performance data.
Is the Lan Series harder to maintain than other series?
Harder steel does require a bit more care. Use a fine-grit whetstone (3000+ grit) rather than a coarse stone, and avoid ceramic honing rods which can chip the edge. A leather strop is ideal for daily maintenance. The trade-off is worth it: you'll spend far less total time sharpening because the edge lasts so much longer between sessions.
What handle does the Lan Series have?
The Lan Series features a hand-finished olive wood handle. Each piece of olive wood has unique grain patterns, making every knife one of a kind. Olive wood is naturally moisture-resistant and develops a rich patina with use. The ergonomic Western-style shape suits both pinch and handle grips.
Who is the Lan Series best for?
The Lan Series is built for cooks who prioritise edge performance above all else. If you find yourself sharpening too often, or if you want the closest thing to a professional-grade knife at a fraction of the price, the Lan Series delivers. It's also excellent for cooks who do a lot of precision work: the harder steel takes a keener edge for finer cuts.