VG-10 is a stainless steel produced by Takefu Special Steel in the early 1960s and is still in use more than 60 years later. This steel was specially designed for knife making and is used by many master blacksmiths in Japan. Despite the 15% chromium in the composition which gives it a high corrosion resistance, VG-10 can reach an HRC of 60-61. This is due to the addition of 1.5% Cobalt which gives the steel a higher hardness with a high temperature quenching treatment.
The Higonokami Gotoh Damascus finish on this G-101 is the result of layering VG-10 at its core with softer steel on either side — a process that produces the distinctive wave pattern on the blade and reinforces edge stability. As a Japanese folding knife, it draws on the same centuries-old Higonokami tradition of compact, carry-ready design, here elevated with a buffalo horn handle whose natural grain makes every piece entirely one of a kind.