Hezhen B38L 3-Piece Damascus Knife Set — Chef + Santoku + Utility (Linen Micarta Handle)

This is the “core trio” set — the smallest set that still feels complete. You get a full-size Chef Knife for everyday prep, a Santoku for fast, controlled chopping (especially veggies and boneless proteins), and a nimble Utility Knife for fruit, trimming, sandwiches, and quick detail work.

Steel + Heat Treatment (the 50/50 that matters)

In my experience, performance is 50% steel + 50% heat treatment. This set uses a 10Cr15MoV core (often called a Chinese VG-10 equivalent because the alloy makeup is extremely close) and then Xinzuo backs it up with vacuum cryogenic heat treatment (heat + deep cold). That combination is what delivers what you feel in the kitchen: stable hardness, stronger edge retention, better wear resistance, and consistent results from knife to knife.

Vacuum Cryogenic Heat Treatment process →
https://www.thebambooguy.com/pages/vacuum-deep-cooling-heat-treatment

Want the deeper breakdown and comparisons?

Read our 10Cr15MoV vs VG-10 guide →
https://www.thebambooguy.com/blogs/kitchen-knives/types-of-steel-used-in-xinzuo-knives-10cr15comov-chinese-vg10-steel

Third-party proof (Chef Panko)

Chef Panko is a well-known YouTube knife reviewer who has tested 100+ knives. Here’s what he said about Xinzuo:

“I believe Xinzuo has the potential to be the best, if not already the number one kitchen knife manufacturer in China… particularly in terms of quality control, materials, and heat treatment.” — June 2023 Chef Panko

Source / full review:
https://www.chefpanko.com/xinzuo-hezhen-redefining-knife-manufacturing/

Handle: Linen Micarta (why I use it)

The linen micarta handles on the B38L series are basically modern indestructible—right up there with G-10 and pakkaWood—but they have a classier, wood-reminiscent feel and stay grippy and comfortable even when your hands are wet.

Rob’s note: If someone asks me for a “first real upgrade” set, this Chef + Utility combo is where I start—because you’ll actually use both knives constantly.

Hezhen: Real specs. Real heat treat. Real performance.

• Chef Knife — 8.46" L | 2.13" W | 13.31" overall | 0.2 cm thick | Tip 65° | Edge 15° ±1/side
  
• Santoku — 7.28" L | 2.08" W | 12.17" overall | 0.2 cm thick | Tip 65° | Edge 15° ±1/side
  
• Utility — 5.31" L | 1.30" W | 10.04" overall | 0.19 cm thick | Tip 50° | Edge 15° ±1/side
• Shared build (all knives): 67 layers | 10Cr15MoV core | 60±2 HRC | 316L + special martensitic outer | Linen micarta | Full tang | Vacuum cryogenic heat treat | QC 12 processes

Standard Returns (30 days)

You have 30 days to return unused items in their original packaging for a full refund of the cost of your product(s).

How to start a return: email me, Rob, The Bamboo Guy, at thebambooguy.cs@gmail.com, and let me know what you would like to return; I will email you back a return label, Ezzy Peezy.

Hezhen is a brand produced by Xinzuo, a manufacturer known for consistent quality control and clear product specifications. Their focus is simple: transparent materials, real heat treatment, top-quality fit and finish, and knives that perform as they should.