Yoshimi Kato makes knives for several leading brands including Masakage and Kanehiro. This new line is the first to bear his name. As always, we are very impressed with his quality of grinds, fit, and finish. The overall aesthetic appeal is quite stunning, especially in the case of this new range. They are made from the advanced Powdered Stainless Steel, SG2, which is known for its great edge taking and holding characteristics.
This is an amazing steel for kitchen knives as it can be heat treated to a high rating. The result is a blade that is easy to use and to sharpen. It holds a sharp edge and is very durable. The inner core of R-2 is then covered in a multi-layer damascus cladding made from a soft stainless steel. These are really easy knives to maintain.
The santoku featured here is of average size at 165mm with a blade height of 46mm. These knives really are great all-arounders. Their compact size belies their many abilities. In fact, they are starting to replace gyutos and chef knives in many kitchens and knife rolls.
The stunning blade is matched to a semi-custom handle made from ebony with a dyed pakka wood ferrule.Brand: Yoshimi SG-2
Blacksmith: Yoshimi Kato
Location: Echizen, Japan
Construction: San Mai
Method: Hammer Forged
Core Edge Steel: SG-2 Powdered Stainless
Cladding: Damascus Stainless
HRC: 61-62
Engraving: Hand Engraved
Edge Grind: Even (See Choil Shot)
Handle: Ebony Octagonal
Ferrule: Pakka Wood
Weight: 4.3 ounces
Blade Length: 173 mm
Total Length: 314 mm
Spine Thickness at Base: 1.8mm
Blade Height: 46mm
Photos by Gustavo Bermudez
This is an amazing steel for kitchen knives as it can be heat treated to a high rating. The result is a blade that is easy to use and to sharpen. It holds a sharp edge and is very durable. The inner core of R-2 is then covered in a multi-layer damascus cladding made from a soft stainless steel. These are really easy knives to maintain.
The santoku featured here is of average size at 165mm with a blade height of 46mm. These knives really are great all-arounders. Their compact size belies their many abilities. In fact, they are starting to replace gyutos and chef knives in many kitchens and knife rolls.
The stunning blade is matched to a semi-custom handle made from ebony with a dyed pakka wood ferrule.
Reviews
2 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) Outstanding Posted By: Garchtoto
2 people found this review helpful
This knife is truly a work of art. It feels great in hand and is just a stunner. The handle selection works very well with the aesthetics of the blade. Sharpness was ok. It will definitely need a bit of time on the stones to really show it's full potential. Didn't have issues with "sticking" as others have mentioned in forum posts. None the less, I am really happy with it and excited to use it again after I sharpen it. Edges and choil are nicely done. Clearly a lot of care and time went into making this knife.
2 people found this review helpful
This knife is truly a work of art. It feels great in hand and is just a stunner. The handle selection works very well with the aesthetics of the blade. Sharpness was ok. It will definitely need a bit of time on the stones to really show it's full potential. Didn't have issues with "sticking" as others have mentioned in forum posts. None the less, I am really happy with it and excited to use it again after I sharpen it. Edges and choil are nicely done. Clearly a lot of care and time went into making this knife.
