Nanfang Brothers Damascus Knife Set VG10 (18-Piece, Wooden Block)

What makes VG10 steel superior to regular stainless steel?

VG10 steel contains higher carbon content (approximately 1%) compared to standard stainless steel, providing superior edge retention and sharpness. It also includes vanadium and cobalt additions that increase hardness to around 60-62 HRC on the Rockwell scale. This means the blades stay sharper for longer periods and can achieve finer cutting angles. The 67-layer Damascus construction surrounding the VG10 core adds flexibility whilst maintaining the hard cutting edge.

How should I maintain and sharpen these Damascus knives?

Hand washing with mild soap and immediate drying is essential to prevent water spots on the Damascus pattern. Use the included sharpener or a whetstone with 1000-3000 grit for regular maintenance. The 15-degree angle should be maintained during sharpening for optimal performance. Avoid dishwashers as the harsh detergents and high temperatures can damage both the blade finish and handle materials. Store in the wooden block to protect blade edges.

Are these knives suitable for professional kitchen use?

Yes, the VG10 steel core and Damascus construction meet professional kitchen standards for durability and performance. The 15-degree cutting angles provide the precision required for professional food preparation, whilst the ergonomic handles reduce fatigue during extended use. The complete 18-piece set covers all essential cutting tasks from basic prep work to specialised techniques like meat carving and bread slicing.

What specific knives are included in this 18-piece set?

The set includes: 8-inch chef knife, 8-inch bread knife, 8-inch slicer knife, 6.6-inch Santoku knife, 5.5-inch utility knife, 4.5-inch steak knife, 3.5-inch paring knife, kitchen shears, knife sharpener, carving fork and additional steak knives to complete the 18-piece count. The wooden block accommodates all pieces with labelled slots for proper organisation.

How does the 15-degree angle compare to standard kitchen knives?

Most Western kitchen knives are sharpened to 20-22 degrees per side, whilst these Damascus knives feature 15-degree angles. This 5-7 degree difference creates a significantly sharper cutting edge that requires less pressure to cut through food. The result is cleaner cuts with less cell damage in vegetables, thinner meat slices and reduced hand fatigue. However, the sharper angle requires more careful handling and maintenance.

Is the wooden storage block practical for daily use?

The wooden block features individual labelled slots for each knife, making identification quick during busy cooking sessions. The slots are sized to accommodate the specific blade widths and lengths, ensuring secure storage whilst protecting edges. The block's footprint is designed for standard kitchen counters and the natural wood finish complements most kitchen décor styles. Proper ventilation between slots allows knives to dry completely after washing.

What is the difference between the included knives and their specific uses?

The 8-inch chef knife handles most general cutting tasks, whilst the Santoku excels at chopping vegetables with its wider blade. The bread knife's serrated edge cuts through crusty loaves without crushing and the slicer knife creates uniform cuts for meat and fish. Utility and paring knives handle detailed work like peeling and trimming. The steak knives feature the same Damascus construction for table use, maintaining consistency across the entire set.

Does this knife set require any special care or break-in period?

No break-in period is required as the knives arrive factory-sharpened to the 15-degree angle. However, proper care from the first use is important: hand wash immediately after use, dry thoroughly and store in the wooden block. The Damascus pattern may show water spots if not dried properly, but this doesn't affect performance. Regular use will actually improve the cutting performance as the blade edges settle into their optimal geometry.