The precision of a handcrafted Japanese knife in everyday life
Bring an elegant and efficient tool to your kitchen with this 15cm utility knife by Yoshimi Kato. Hand-forged in Takefu, the heartland of Japanese cutlery, it effortlessly handles everyday cutting tasks: vegetables, herbs, fruits, small cuts of meat, and even fish. Its versatile size makes it a pleasure to use. Here you’ll enjoy a handcrafted Japanese knife designed to deliver a clean cut, natural comfort, and a visually striking finish. Its hammered finish, ebony handle, and high-quality steel combine to create a refined piece. The Yoshimi Kato collections are crafted in Japan, at Takefu Knife Village, where the artisan works in the tradition of the craftsmanship passed down by Hiroshi Kato.
An SG2 blade designed for consistency
This utility knife features a 15cm blade, a size highly valued for performing precise, repetitive tasks without tiring the hand. It features a San Mai construction, a Japanese term referring to a three-layer assembly: a harder central core protected by softer outer layers. This design achieves a good balance between cutting performance, blade stability, and comfort of use. The core is made of SG2 powder steel, a Japanese alloy rich in carbon ( 1.3% in this case), which promotes a fine cut and long-lasting edge retention. With a hardness of approximately 63 HRC, you benefit from a high-performance edge that retains its sharpness throughout use.The flat grind helps the blade enter food cleanly, while the hammered finish reduces food sticking on certain cuts. The polished surface adds a clean finish to the overall design.
An elegant handle with a natural feel
The handle immediately enhances the character of this knife thanks to its ebony wood, a dense, dark wood. A gemstone ring adds a unique, eye-catching touch to the design. The octagonal shape improves control of the knife while cutting and is suitable for both right- and left-handed users. This design ensures a stable grip for chopping, slicing, or trimming with greater confidence.
Summary of technical features and benefits
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- 15 cm blade: versatile size for many everyday cutting tasks
- San Mai construction: good balance between steel hardness and flexibility
- SG2 powder steel with 1.3% carbon: clean cut and long-lasting edge retention
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- Hardness 63 HRC: less frequent sharpening with a long-lasting, effective edge
- Flat bevel: smooth penetration into food
- Hammered finish: reduced grip on certain cuts
- Polished surface: easier cleaning after use
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- Ebony handle: dense wood with a high-end visual finish
- Gemstone ring: elegant and original finish
- Octagonal shape: more stable ambidextrous grip
- Handcrafted in Takefu: the authenticity of renowned Japanese craftsmanship
Daily care of your Japanese knife
Wash your knife by hand with a soft sponge and a mild detergent, then dry it immediately to preserve its beautiful appearance. Never put it in the dishwasher or leave it soaking in water. Use a wooden or soft cutting board to protect the blade edge while cutting. To maintain the cutting quality of the SG2, opt for sharpening on a whetstone when the edge loses its sharpness. Storing it on a protected magnetic strip, in a saya, or with a blade guard is an excellent solution.
The Yoshimi Kato Workshop
Yoshimi Kato works atTakefu Knife Village in Fukui Prefecture, a site renowned for bringing together Japanese knife craftsmen and passing on their techniques to new generations. Kato-san is a certified Takefu blacksmith, trained notably by Hiroshi Kato, his father-in-law and a respected figure in Japanese cutlery. This lineage is reflected in the character of his knives: clean lines, meticulous attention to finish, and expert work with high-performance steels such as SG2.
Choose this handcrafted Japanese knife to gain precision every day, and discover our collection of Yoshimi Kato knives!