A VG10 Best Buy?

Stumbled across the claim on the web the other day that IKEA has a  San Mai VG10 core knife in their line up.

Checked it out at the local store and it's true, at least accoding to the blade stamp.  It's in their SLITBAR line of knives and has a damascus-esque cladding.  It's only the damascus one that is VG10 in that line and the price is 2.5 X more than the same design in their common steel. But a surprising price all the same at $49.99. Only 8" though.

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90131068

Fit and finish is moderate. They are trying to do a lot with the desigh at a low price and this is where they made up some of that cost. There are cosmetic flaws aplenty but nothing I saw or felt would detract from actual use. A bit heavy for it's size, balance is surprisingly neutral in a pinch grip.  Distal taper, Full flat grind with what appears to be a convexed primary edge. It reflected light like a convex edge. A genrous oval handle.

As to the blade profile, I'd say it's sort of a hybrid french/santoku. More taper than a santoku would have but more snout than a french blade.

While the demo unit is dulled and de-pointed for safety, I took a good look at some boxed versions. Edge grind is toothy and not polished. Reports on the web are pretty good about the VG10 core though.

Being a cheapskate, I have to admit to some temptation at the price.

 

Well I don't speak Swedish but from what I know of German, I think it means cutting (slit) ability (bar). Lots of crazy seeming names in Ikea.