Hatsukokoro Sunaarashi VG10 Kurozome Santoku 180mm with Teak Wood Handle

The Hatsukokoro Sunaarashi(砂嵐, Sandstorm) VG10 Kurozome line is the brand's pitch at high end home kitchen market. The dense damascus pattern, Kurozome dyed steel and mirror polish, these features all add cost to the knife but aren't oriented towards performance. However, the knife you get is stunning to say the least. The dyed black steel is mixed into a storm of undyed silver, two contrasting tone then both reflect light with their hight glossiness. This combination is so dazzling especially when the knife is rotated under the light, it do makes you feel like you are lost in a sandstorm when inspecting this Sunaarashi line up close.

The beautiful apperance of this line doesn't hamper it from delivering great performance. With the spine of 210mm Gyuto measures at just below 2mm above the heel, these knives definitely falls under the "Laser" category. Such thin profile leads to a very thin cutting edge, and reduces resistance when cutting into thicker foods. There is one thing to be notice however, that is the mirror polish finish on this line is very smooth, it tend to creat drag/stickness when the blade is making a large area of contact with food, so if the cut is done in a slower motion, you could feel some friction as the blade is entering food like potato.

Overall the Sunaarashi line is packed with aesthetic features, as well as sharpness. Although its price is on the higher side for a VG10 core knife, when compared to some competitors like the high-end VG10 made by Mcusta Zanmai or Miyabi, these knives can be seen as an alternative option that give lightness, sharpness and a different look.