A stunning 69-layer damascus steel, over a special hard alloy ZA-18 stain-resistant blade core (HRC 61-63), for superb performance, sharpness, and spectacular good looks. This 180m (7") length is perfect for home or pro use when you want something a bit smaller and easier to handle than the usual chef knife, and the octagonal wenge wood handle has a great size and very angular profile, for excellent comfort and control. The factory edge is VERY thin and sharp! Sakai Takayuki calls this new line "GINGA", meaning "galaxy".
Very lightweight: approx. 138g
Sharpened 50/50, so fine for right or left-hand use.
I'd recommend the fine ceramic hone for regular/daily maintenance of the edge. As with any knife, use the hone regularly and you'll keep the edge in good shape for a long time before you need to think about doing any serious refinishing of the edge with sharpening stones.
Note: the handle colour may vary. It is made of natural wood, and so variations and imperfections are to be expected and are not considered defects.
Also, just so you know, these knives look even better in real life... the handles and damascus blades are very difficult to photograph properly!