Description
A seven-inch Japanese-pattern utility blade in VG10 stainless, hung on an octagonal rosewood handle with a dark ferrule.
| Overall length | 12 inches |
| Blade length | 7 inches |
| Handle length | 5 inches |
| Handle | Octagonal rosewood with a dark ferrule |
| Steel | VG10 stainless steel |
| Hardness | 58–60 HRC, oil tempered |
| Pattern | Mirror-polished satin blade |
| Included | Hand-stitched leather sheath |
Where it earns its place: between a paring knife and a chef knife. Breaking down chicken thighs, slicing tomatoes without tearing them, portioning fish, trimming silverskin. The blade is narrow enough to work in close and long enough to slice through a roast in a single draw.
Why VG10, specifically
VG10 is a Japanese stainless that turns up in a great many kitchen knives for two reasons: it takes a genuinely fine edge and it resists corrosion in a wet kitchen. The trade is brittleness. Treated roughly it chips where a softer steel would roll, so keep it away from bone, frozen food and anything you would twist against. Our carbon versus stainless kitchen knives guide sets it against the carbon options in the same drawer.
The wa handle
The octagonal Japanese handle is lighter than a riveted Western one, which pushes the balance forward onto the blade. That feels tip-heavy for a few days and then feels correct, because a forward balance is what makes long slicing strokes effortless. The eight flats index the blade in your hand without you looking. Rosewood is dense and closed-grained, so it takes very little water in, but a dishwasher will still cook the finish off it and swell the joint at the ferrule.
Who should skip it
If you cut on a glass or stone board, buy something cheaper and softer. A hard, thin stainless edge chips on hard surfaces, and no warranty covers that. If you like to hack through chicken carcasses, use a cleaver.
Looking after it: stainless steel needs no oiling schedule and will not patina, so care is simple. Wash it by hand as soon as you are done, dry it with a towel, and store it in a block or on a magnetic rail rather than loose in a drawer where the edge meets other steel. Straighten the edge on a fine rod between sharpenings and take it to a whetstone when straightening stops working, which is the distinction drawn in what a honing rod does.
Questions about this knife
Is it a single or double bevel? Double bevel, so it works the same for left or right handed cooks.
Will it stain from onions or lemon? No. That is the point of a stainless kitchen knife. If you want the carbon steel alternative, look at the carbon steel kitchen cleaver instead.
What is included? The knife and its hand-stitched leather sheath, useful if it travels to a catering job.
Model: Bmk-709
Rachel H. (verified owner) –
“I was looking for a reliable steel knife, and this store delivered. It’s well-made, sharp, and the customer service was outstanding. I’m a satisfied customer.”
Andrew t. (verified owner) –
“The steel knife I purchased here is a cut above the rest. The blade’s sharpness is impressive, and it’s versatile enough for all my culinary endeavors. Highly recommended!”
Jessica M. (verified owner) –
“This steel knife is a dream to work with. It’s precise, durable, and I can’t imagine my kitchen without it. I’m thrilled with my purchase from this store.”
William L. (verified owner) –
“I’m a collector of quality knives, and this steel knife fits perfectly into my collection. It’s sharp, beautifully designed, and it’s now a centerpiece in my kitchen.”
Laura H. (verified owner) –
“As someone who enjoys cooking, I appreciate a good knife. The steel knife I got here is exceptional. It’s reliable and has made meal preparation much smoother.”
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Let me premise my review by saying I have previously ordered from Black Mamba Knives. My previous order was model BMK-420. Shipped out immediately. No problems at all with that knife and I am very happy with that folding knife.
It took four weeks for this to ship out. I have no problem waiting for products to be “made to order”. However, the ad did not state a “lead time” and there was no reply to my email when I inquired at the 3 week mark. This is important to include in my review because the reading/care of knife materials included with the knife states they will reply to your email within 24 hours.
Otherwise, it’s a good kitchen knife.