The Shibamasa brand of knives is manufactured in Seki, Japan, and offer exceptional value.
The blades are 17-layer damascus-clad VG5 stainless steel. V5 steel is harder than VG2 but more durable than VG10 steel.
The handles are partial-tang with riveted pakka wood scales.
Japanese chef knives are brittle and are designed for cutting soft tissue foods. High Carbon steel chef knives can rust if not kept dry.