Yoshimi Kato has taken the reins of the business that his father-in-law, Hiroshi started and is making some of the best blades coming out of Echizen today.
The Kato VG-10 Suminagashi line of knives answers the need for a stylish and functional utensil at a competitive price. They are made from a core of VG-10 stainless steel which then receives outer layers of a softer stainless steel finished in a wonderful damascus (suminagashi) pattern.
The Kato VG-10 Suminagashi gyuto measures 215mm, a perfect length for most kitchens and chefs needing a compact size knife. The dimensions also make it well suited to taking on smaller ingredients or ones requiring fine detail work. It has a fairly rounded belly so it’s good for pushers and rockers. The blade height is almost 53mm which is about average for this size knife. There is a nicely executed symmetrical 50/50 edge ground into the VG-10 which will hold that sharpness very well.
These are great looking knives for sure. But they are also real performers. Kato-san knows no other way to make them!Maker: Yoshimi Kato
Location: Echizen Japan
Steel: VG-10 Stainless
Cladding: Stainless Damascus (Suminagashi)
HRC: 61
Weight: 5.4 ounces
Blade Length: 216 mm
Total Length: 362 mm
Spine Thickness at Base: 1.9 mm
Blade Height: 52.6 mm
Edge Grind: Even
Handle: Oval Rosewood
The Kato VG-10 Suminagashi line of knives answers the need for a stylish and functional utensil at a competitive price. They are made from a core of VG-10 stainless steel which then receives outer layers of a softer stainless steel finished in a wonderful damascus (suminagashi) pattern.
The Kato VG-10 Suminagashi gyuto measures 215mm, a perfect length for most kitchens and chefs needing a compact size knife. The dimensions also make it well suited to taking on smaller ingredients or ones requiring fine detail work. It has a fairly rounded belly so it’s good for pushers and rockers. The blade height is almost 53mm which is about average for this size knife. There is a nicely executed symmetrical 50/50 edge ground into the VG-10 which will hold that sharpness very well.
These are great looking knives for sure. But they are also real performers. Kato-san knows no other way to make them!
Reviews
4 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) Good First KnifePosted By: Francis
2 people found this review helpful
Got this knife as my first ever Gyuto, so I'm not speaking with much experience. Really pleased with the fit and finish on this knife. I got someone to touch up the edge. The "black" coating on the knife kind of got remove near the edge in a nice gradient, which, in my opinion, make it look even better than what it looked out of the box.
The round handle is smooth and fit comfortably in my hand, even if I wish it was a bit bigger (but since it was my first knife, I didn't know what to aim for, so that one is on me).
Overall very happy with the knife, and very happy with the shipping and handling. It came fast, it was secure in the box and i'm very happy to say that I am now a knife geek.
2 people found this review helpful
Got this knife as my first ever Gyuto, so I'm not speaking with much experience. Really pleased with the fit and finish on this knife. I got someone to touch up the edge. The "black" coating on the knife kind of got remove near the edge in a nice gradient, which, in my opinion, make it look even better than what it looked out of the box.
The round handle is smooth and fit comfortably in my hand, even if I wish it was a bit bigger (but since it was my first knife, I didn't know what to aim for, so that one is on me).
Overall very happy with the knife, and very happy with the shipping and handling. It came fast, it was secure in the box and i'm very happy to say that I am now a knife geek.
Gorgeous! Exactly what I was hoping for.Posted By: Bill
3 people found this review helpful
I wanted a knife with dramatic damascus pattern. This knife has plenty of that. I want to make a shadow box to display it in when I'm not using it. It's not just looks. Everything about this knife is an improvement over what I have been using my whole life.
This is my first Japanese knife. I can't believe how light it is! I'm glad I chose the Wa handle style. Not only did I have zero trouble getting used to it, I like it better. I find the curved choil a huge improvement over the typical heavy western bolster. When I grip this knife my middle finger nestles perfectly in front of the handle. I think I ended up with the perfect knife for me. My next knife (I have to get more now) will have the same design. By the way, it came with the corners of the choil already eased a bit and comfortable to hold and use.
Oh yeah, it cuts too - very well. Nice edge right out of the box. I will sharpen it but it is not an immediate need, probably after the holidays when I have time to stop and take a breath.
If there is one thing I would like different it would be a little more visual pop to the handle. Not too much, I don't want to draw attention from that beautiful blade. I think I'll give it a high-gloss finish and see how that looks.
I can't leave out the customer service. I ordered it late at night, it was in FedEx's hands and on it's way to me the next day.
3 people found this review helpful
I wanted a knife with dramatic damascus pattern. This knife has plenty of that. I want to make a shadow box to display it in when I'm not using it. It's not just looks. Everything about this knife is an improvement over what I have been using my whole life.
This is my first Japanese knife. I can't believe how light it is! I'm glad I chose the Wa handle style. Not only did I have zero trouble getting used to it, I like it better. I find the curved choil a huge improvement over the typical heavy western bolster. When I grip this knife my middle finger nestles perfectly in front of the handle. I think I ended up with the perfect knife for me. My next knife (I have to get more now) will have the same design. By the way, it came with the corners of the choil already eased a bit and comfortable to hold and use.
Oh yeah, it cuts too - very well. Nice edge right out of the box. I will sharpen it but it is not an immediate need, probably after the holidays when I have time to stop and take a breath.
If there is one thing I would like different it would be a little more visual pop to the handle. Not too much, I don't want to draw attention from that beautiful blade. I think I'll give it a high-gloss finish and see how that looks.
I can't leave out the customer service. I ordered it late at night, it was in FedEx's hands and on it's way to me the next day.
Fantastic Knife
