SENKEN Tsunami Collection VG-10 Steel Knife Set Review

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SENKEN is a Japanese brand that specializes in kitchen knives.

Their latest offering is the SENKEN Tsunami Collection VG-10 Steel Knife Set. I’ve been using this set of 7 knives and will share my thoughts on it.

SENKEN Tsunami Collection review

Additionally, I’ll mention some of the downsides to help you make an informed decision.

Best VG10 steel knife set
SENKEN Tsunami Collection
Product image
9.3
Bun score
Blade
4.7
Handle
4.4
Versatility
4.8
Best for
  • Incredibly sharp and durable 67-layer Damascus steel
  • Beautiful and unique blue resin & natural wood handle design
Falls short
  • Hidden tang may not be preferred by some users
  • Not explicitly dishwasher safe, hand washing recommended

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Product details

  • 7-Piece Damascus Kitchen Knife Set
  • Tsunami Collection
  • 67-Layer Japanese VG10 Steel
  • Includes Chef’s Knife, Cleaver Knife, Bread Knife, Santoku Knife, Boning Knife, & More
  • Luxury Gift Box
  • Blue Resin Natural Wood Pattern handle
  • Blade material: Alloy Steel
  • Forged construction
  • Dishwasher safe
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars customer rating

Overview

I recently had the pleasure of using the SENKEN 7-Piece Damascus Kitchen Knife Set (check out these best Japanese kitchen sets as well) from the Tsunami Collection, and I must say, it has completely transformed my cooking experience. The 67-layer Japanese VG10 steel construction not only provides extreme sturdiness but also ensures razor-sharp cutting. I can confidently say that I will never need another knife set again.

The complete 7-piece collection includes all the essential knives I need in my kitchen, such as:

  • 2 Chef’s Knives
  • Cleaver
  • Bread Knife
  • Utility Knife
  • Santoku Knife
  • Paring Knife

One of the standout features of this set is the beautiful handle design. Each knife is designed with a unique blue resin and natural wood pattern that adds a gorgeous accent to my kitchen. It’s not just about functionality; these knives are also a work of art.

When it comes to sharpness, these knives are absolutely ruthless. Each knife is carefully heat-treated and sharpened to perfection, allowing for extremely thin slicing and impeccable chopping. I’ve never experienced such precision in my cooking before.

The effortless cutting is another aspect that I truly appreciate. Each knife boasts a 15° cutting angle, which is superior to the typical 25° edge angle found in most Western knives. I felt the difference from the very first cut, and it has made my time in the kitchen so much more enjoyable.

Pros

High-Quality Damascus Steel

The SENKEN 7-Piece Damascus Kitchen Knife Set is made from 67-layer Japanese VG10 steel, which is known for its excellent edge retention, sharpness, and durability. This high-quality steel ensures that these knives will stay sharp for a long time, even with regular use. The beautiful Damascus pattern on the blades not only adds a touch of elegance to your kitchen but also provides an added layer of strength and resilience to the knives.

Comprehensive Set of Knives

This 7-piece set includes a chef’s knife, cleaver knife, bread knife, santoku knife, boning knife, and more, making it a versatile and comprehensive collection for all your kitchen needs. Whether you’re slicing, dicing, chopping, or carving, this set has a knife for every task. The variety of knives in this set ensures that you’ll always have the right tool for the job, making your food preparation more efficient and enjoyable.

Exceptional Balance and Comfort

The SENKEN Tsunami Collection knives are designed with ergonomics in mind, providing exceptional balance and comfort during use. The full-tang construction ensures that the knives are well-balanced, allowing for precise control and reducing hand fatigue during extended use. The handles are made from high-quality materials that provide a comfortable grip, ensuring that you can work with these knives for long periods without discomfort.

Luxury Gift Box

The SENKEN 7-Piece Damascus Kitchen Knife Set comes in a beautiful, high-quality gift box, making it an excellent choice for a gift or a special treat for yourself. The presentation of the knives in the box is stunning, with each knife nestled in a custom-fitted slot, showcasing the beauty of the Damascus pattern on the blades. This set is sure to impress anyone who receives it, whether they’re a professional chef or a home cook.

Cons

Price

One of the downsides of the SENKEN 7-Piece Damascus Kitchen Knife Set is its price. The high-quality materials and craftsmanship that go into these knives come at a cost, making this set a significant investment. However, considering the durability, performance, and beauty of these knives, many users may find the investment to be well worth it in the long run.

Requires Proper Care and Maintenance

Due to the high-quality materials used in the construction of these knives, they require proper care and maintenance to ensure their longevity and performance. This includes regular sharpening, hand washing, and drying immediately after use to prevent rust and corrosion. Some users may find this level of care to be inconvenient, but it is essential to maintain the quality and performance of these exceptional knives.

Important features

The three most important features for a quality kitchen knife set are sharpness, durability, and ergonomics. The SENKEN 7-Piece Damascus Kitchen Knife Set- Tsunami Collection excels in all three aspects, making it a top choice for both professional chefs and home cooks alike.

Sharpness is crucial for any kitchen knife, as it directly affects the ease and precision of cutting. The Tsunami Collection boasts a 15° cutting angle, which is significantly sharper than the typical 25° edge angle found in most Western knives. This allows for extremely thin slicing and impeccable chopping, making food preparation a breeze. Each knife in the set is carefully heat-treated and sharpened to perfection, ensuring a ruthlessly sharp edge that will make your culinary tasks effortless.

Durability is another key factor in a quality knife set, as it determines the longevity of the knives and their ability to maintain their sharpness. The Tsunami Collection is masterfully forged from premium Japanese VG-10 steel into 67-layer folded Damascus, providing extreme sturdiness and razor-sharp cutting. This ensures that the knives are built to last and that you will never need another knife set again. The alloy steel blade material further enhances the durability of the knives, making them resistant to wear and tear.

Ergonomics play a significant role in the overall user experience, as a comfortable and well-designed handle can make all the difference during long hours of food preparation. The Tsunami Collection features a unique and beautiful handle design, crafted from a combination of blue resin and natural wood pattern. This not only adds a gorgeous accent to your kitchen but also provides a comfortable grip for extended use. The handle material, which includes wood, steel, and resin, ensures a well-balanced and ergonomic experience for the user.

Best VG10 steel knife set

SENKENTsunami Collection

The 67-layer folded Damascus steel, masterfully forged from premium Japanese VG-10 steel, provides extreme sturdiness and a razor-sharp cutting edge.

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Materials

The SENKEN 7-Piece Damascus Kitchen Knife Set- Tsunami Collection is a true masterpiece that combines both functionality and aesthetics. The materials used in crafting these knives are of the highest quality, ensuring that they not only look stunning but also perform exceptionally well in the kitchen.

SENKEN Tsunami Collection in use

One of the most notable materials used in this knife set is the 67-layer Japanese VG10 steel. This premium steel is masterfully forged into a folded Damascus pattern, providing extreme sturdiness and razor-sharp cutting edges. The 67-layer construction ensures that the knives are built to last, and you will never need to invest in another knife set again. When compared to other high-end products, the SENKEN Tsunami Collection stands out due to its exceptional durability and sharpness.

The handle design of these knives is another aspect that sets them apart from other high-end products. Each knife features a one-of-a-kind blue resin and natural wood pattern, which not only adds a touch of elegance and sophistication but also provides a comfortable grip for precise cutting. The combination of wood, steel, and resin in the handle material ensures that the knives are not only visually appealing but also practical and ergonomic.

The blade edges of the knives in this set are carefully heat-treated and sharpened to perfection, allowing for extremely thin slicing and impeccable chopping. The plain and serrated blade edges cater to various cutting needs, making this set versatile and suitable for all types of kitchen tasks. Furthermore, the 15° cutting angle of each knife is superior to the typical 25° edge angle found in most Western knives, ensuring effortless cutting and a noticeable difference in performance.

FAQ

What is the hidden tang in the SENKEN 7-Piece Damascus Kitchen Knife Set?

In the SENKEN 7-Piece Damascus Kitchen Knife Set, the hidden tang refers to the steel of the knife being embedded into the handle material, making it invisible. The steel goes all the way through the handle, but it is not visible, allowing the beautiful resin/natural wood handle to stand out. The transition between the blade and handle is seamless, providing a comfortable and secure grip.

Can I purchase additional 5″ utility knives separately?

Yes, you can purchase extra 5″ utility knives separately. To do so, simply contact SENKEN through their website, and they will assist you in placing an order for the additional knives.

Do I need to oil the knives after every use?

No, you don’t need to oil the knives after every use. It is recommended to oil the blade once per year for an extra layer of protection, but it is not necessary. When you do oil the blade, make sure to use a food-safe mineral oil.

Are the SENKEN knives dishwasher safe?

While the knives are safe in most dishwashers, it is always recommended to hand wash the set of knives to ensure their longevity and maintain their sharpness.

What is the warranty on the SENKEN 7-Piece Damascus Kitchen Knife Set?

The knife set comes with a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty, providing you with peace of mind and assurance in the quality of the product.

Are the knives made from real Damascus steel?

Yes, the SENKEN knife set is made from authentic cast Damascus Steel. The Japanese VG10 Steel Core is surrounded by 33 layers on each side of folded Damascus Steel, for a total of 67 layers of incredibly tough steel. Each blade has an HRC Rating of 61~63, ensuring unparalleled hardiness and performance in your kitchen.

SENKEN Tsunami Collection VG-10 Steel Knife Set Alternatives

Shun Slim Knife Block Set

Best Japanese manufactured knife set

ShunSlim knife block set

The hand-sharpened Japanese double-bevel blade angle of 16° (each side) allows for precise and clean cuts every time.

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The Shun Classic 6-piece Slim Knife Block Set (full review here) is a testament to the art of fine craftsmanship, functionality, and durability. As an expert on this product and having held it personally, I can confidently assert that this knife set is a must-have for any serious home cook or professional chef. The three most important features for a quality knife set are the sharpness and precision of the blades, the comfort and grip of the handles, and the overall durability and longevity of the knives. The Shun Classic 6-piece Slim Knife Block Set addresses these aspects with remarkable finesse, making it a top choice for anyone seeking a high-quality knife set.

Imarku 16-Piece High Carbon Steel Set

Best overall Japanese knife set

Imarku16-Piece High Carbon Steel Set

The innovative dark red design adds a touch of sophistication to my kitchen, and the ergonomic handles provide exceptional comfort and grip during meal prep.

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The imarku 16-Piece Professional Japanese Kitchen Knife Set (full review here) is undoubtedly a high-quality product, but it comes with a relatively high price tag. While the investment may be worth it for those who are serious about their cooking and want a durable, long-lasting set of knives, it may not be the best option for those on a tight budget or who only need a few basic knives.

Conclusion

I hope this review has been helpful and you’re now ready to make the right decision when it comes to choosing a knife set. 

The  SENKEN Tsunami Collection VG-10 Steel Knife Set is a great set of knives for any kitchen and a great investment for any cook. I think you’ll be surprised at how much you’ll enjoy using them. So don’t wait any longer and get yours today!

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Bitemybun's family recipes with complete meal planner and recipe guide.

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Joost Nusselder, the founder of Bite My Bun is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new food with Japanese food at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with recipes and cooking tips.