Yoshimi Kato Minamo SG2 Tsuchime 14cm handmade japanese Utility knife

This magnificent knife is an Universal knife: a versatile model that remains easy to handle thanks to its size and relatively thin blade. Between the pantry and the chef's knife, it is recommended for many types of cutting: vegetables, fruit and even meat (boneless). It quickly finds its place in the kitchen.

Now let's get down to the details of the knife's various parts!

First, let's talk about the blade. It is built on a San Mai structure, i.e. it features 3 alternating layers of steel, like a simplified damascus.SG2 powder steel forms the core of the knife. It's an expensive, high-quality alloy with many advantages! For example, its hardness of around 63 HRC makes it ultra-sharp, and long-lasting. And even though it's very hard, SG2 steel is easy to sharpen - a real asset for such a rigid alloy. Maintenance is carried out with a Sharpening stone when required. Finally, at the microscopic level, this alloy is considered very pure. In fact, its structure is homogeneous, making it more resistant (for example, there's less risk of chipping when you use it).

A layer of stainless steel, less rigid than SG2, then envelops it, protecting it by sandwiching it. This difference in steel can be seen at the base of the blade: an irregular thread runs across the cutting surface, showing the bonding of the alloys.

Beautiful rosette hammering decorates the upper part of the cutting surface. The elegantly intersecting rosettes add character to the knife and inevitably attract the eye.

The blade is hand-sharpened to guarantee excellent cuts. The kanji on its surface are also engraved by hand.

Rosewood has been chosen for the handle. It's a beautiful wood with deep, warm tones. It is a dense wood with a fine, pleasant grit. It has good natural protection against humidity, and its color can vary from one model to another. The veins on its surface are unique to each knife. A pakka wood bolster binds the rosewood to the blade. Pakka wood (or Pakkawood) is a composite material that blends laminated wood with resin. The result is hard and resistant to knocks and humidity. What's more, the grain gives the impression of real wood.

The blade is fixed in the handle with wood pulp, which protects the interior from water or small debris from cut food.

The octagonal shape of the handle fits snugly in the palm of your hand, allowing you to control the knife as you use it. Both right-handed and left-handed users can use it.

A few words about the blacksmith:

This Yoshimi Kato Minamo SG2 Tsuchime Universal knife is synonymous with performance and aesthetics. Needless to say, Japanese knives are world-famous! This knife is handcrafted by Yoshimi Kato San, a renowned blacksmith working in the Takefu cutlery village. This is further proof of authenticity, as the area is known as a stronghold of traditional forging. Indeed, it brings together numerous blacksmiths who work in small workshops in the old-fashioned way, following the methods of the smiths of yesteryear who made the famous Japanese swords.

To return to Kato san, he was a pupil of several renowned blacksmiths, notably Hiroshi Kato San (who is, incidentally, his father-in-law). In fact, Hiroshi san is one of the area's greatest master blacksmiths. He created knives almost every day for almost 50 years, and is now retired. He is also one of the founding members of the Takefu Cutlery Village!

Yoshimi has taken over his workshop and continues to create his master's knives, while having launched his own line of knives. He began training late, in 2013. Highly talented, he quickly assimilates the craft.

(Hiroshi san on the left, Yoshimi san on the right)

Knife care :

It should be washed by hand, to maintain its appearance and efficiency (no dishwashers or soaking in the sink). You can then wipe it with a soft cloth and store it in a dry place. It should not be left in contact with moisture for any length of time.

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