This knife collection is made in Tsubame City, Japan exclusively for Ginkgo Int'l Ltd in the Kataoka kitchen knife factory. The area's manufacturing history dates back some 400 years to the Edo Period starting with metal nails, venturing into samurai sword production, and now to some of the most sought after metal and kitchenware products in the country and around the world. The line is as beautiful as it is comfortable. Blades are finished with a hammered surface, and bead blast to accentuate the difference between the hard and soft layers. Inner core of VG5 Stainless Steel with outer layers of SUS410 for strength, durability and corrosion resistance. Hammered and Bead blasted finish with Red/Black Linen Micarta handle material, Stainless Steel bolsters and end cap. Full tang construction. 14-15 Degree grind angle for good edge retention and ease in resharpening.