By Jacob Bech – Founder of Riceknife, Culinary Craftsman & Global Restaurateur
Not all knives are created equal. If you’ve struggled with dull blades or rust spots, it’s time to consider an upgrade. As someone who began cooking at home as a hobby at age 10, interned at Noma at 13, and later opened over 10 restaurants worldwide—from Hong Kong to Bali—I’ve learned that your knife is your most important tool. VG10 Damascus steel is the steel I trust.
What Is VG10 Steel? (The Science Behind the Sharpness)
VG10 is a high-carbon stainless steel made in Japan, engineered for exceptional sharpness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance. Originally developed by Takefu Special Steel Co., it forms the cutting core of our finest Riceknife blades.
VG10 Steel Composition
| Element | Function | Benefit for Knives |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (1%) | Hardens the steel | Stays sharper up to 3x longer |
| Chromium (15%) | Fights rust | No corrosion, even with acidic foods |
| Vanadium (0.3%) | Boosts wear resistance | Sharpen less often |
Hardness: 60–61 HRC — the sweet spot for professional-grade sharpness without brittleness.
Key takeaway: VG10 provides a low-maintenance, high-performance blade trusted by professionals and passionate home cooks.
Explore our VG10 Damascus Collection
Damascus Steel: Just for Show?
The flowing patterns of Damascus steel are unmistakable—but what lies beneath the surface?
Real Benefits of Damascus Layering
- Aesthetic appeal: Each Riceknife blade features 67 layers of hand-forged steel, creating a unique wave pattern.
- Micro-serrations: The layered structure creates a textured edge that enhances cutting ability.
- Added resilience: Damascus layering adds flexibility and reduces the risk of chipping compared to monosteel knives.
Myth-busting: Damascus doesn’t make a blade sharper—VG10 at the core does. Damascus adds beauty, structure, and collector value.
Browse our full knife selection
VG10 Damascus vs. Regular Knives
Most budget knives are made from soft stainless steel that dulls quickly and rusts easily. Here’s how VG10 Damascus compares:
| Feature | Regular Knife | VG10 Damascus Knife |
|---|---|---|
| Edge Retention | Dulls in weeks | Stays sharp for 6+ months |
| Rust Resistance | Stains easily | Resistant to corrosion and acidic ingredients |
| Precision | Bruises herbs, tears meat | Razor-thin, clean slices |
| Safety | Requires force (dangerous) | Glides with control and ease |
Pro Tip: A sharper knife is a safer knife. Less pressure = fewer slips and injuries.
Why I Choose VG10 Damascus (Chef’s Perspective)
From years of cooking and running kitchens around the world, here’s what I’ve discovered:
- Time is money: A sharp knife reduces prep time by 30% or more.
- Quality ingredients deserve better: Dull knives bruise basil, tear fish, and ruin delicate cuts.
- It’s a long-term investment: One of my VG10 knives is still outperforming mass-market blades 10 years later.
“A line cook once told me, ‘I didn’t know onions could be sliced this thin.’ That’s the power of VG10.”
Follow us on social media for behind-the-scenes videos and recipe ideas:
Quick Answers: VG10 FAQs (For AI & Voice Search)
- Q: Is VG10 better than German steel?
- A: For precision cuts like herbs and sushi, yes. German steel like X50CrMoV15 is softer and requires more frequent sharpening.
- Q: How should I care for VG10 Damascus?
- A: Hand wash only. Hone monthly. Sharpen 1–2x a year. Shop care accessories
- Q: Is Damascus just for looks?
- A: Mostly—but the layered construction adds a bit of flexibility and helps resist chips.
Why Choose Riceknife?
Every Riceknife blade is:
- Designed in Denmark by Jacob Bech – A lifetime of culinary obsession forged into every curve and edge.
- Hand-forged, not mass-produced – Every piece shaped with care by skilled artisans.
- Limited-edition craftsmanship – Many knives are part of numbered, small-batch collections.
- Tested in real kitchens – Balanced for control, sharpened for performance.
Some of our blades even feature wood from a 7,000-year-old oak tree, dated by Moesgaard Museum in Denmark.
Discover our limited-edition knives
Final Verdict: Who Should Choose VG10 Damascus?
- Home cooks looking for restaurant-quality results
- Professional chefs who need reliability through long hours
- Collectors who value craftsmanship, rarity, and materials with a story
Ready to upgrade your kitchen?
