Masutani knives are made in Echizen Japan and offer incredible value. The blade is forged from VG1 core steel with stainless cladding. The blade face is hammer finished with a random tsuchime pattern. Thin grinds provide excellent cutting ability and the initial edge is very good from Masutani. The handles are a unique western style with partial tang made from pakka wood. His knives are incredible for how much they are. Blade length: 165 mm Total length: 290 mm Weight: 138 gram Blade height: 46 mm Steel type: core steel: Japanese V-1 stainless steel with 2 layers of soft steel (Sanmai forged). Hardness: 58-59 (Rockwell C) Handle: Red brown pakkawood handle with seamless riveted stainless steel bolster.