Following in the footsteps of an illustrious father-in-law is never an easy thing to do, but blacksmiths have managed it for generations, and most seem to flourish and grow in the process. Yoshimi Kato apprenticed under his father-in-law, Hiroshi Kato, for many years before recently taking the reins of the family business. He has continued to make knives for several leading brands, including Masakage and Kanehiro, while also producing this line under the Kato family name.
This santoku features the popular VG-10 stainless steel - one of the most widely used stainless alloys among Japanese knife makers, known for very good edge retention alongside the wear and corrosion resistance that chefs seek out. The inner core of VG-10 carries an outer layer of Damascus stainless steel applied san mai style; the Damascus pattern is revealed on the lower blade and then transitions to a striking nashiji (pear skin) finish on the upper surface - an unusual and visually arresting combination. Finely crafted kanji and a traditional octagonal walnut handle with buffalo horn ferrule complete a genuinely attractive package that performs every bit as well as it looks.
Care Instructions: VG-10 is a fully stainless steel - low maintenance and resistant to corrosion. Hand wash and dry after each use. Avoid the dishwasher. Sharpen on quality water stones as needed.
This santoku features the popular VG-10 stainless steel - one of the most widely used stainless alloys among Japanese knife makers, known for very good edge retention alongside the wear and corrosion resistance that chefs seek out. The inner core of VG-10 carries an outer layer of Damascus stainless steel applied san mai style; the Damascus pattern is revealed on the lower blade and then transitions to a striking nashiji (pear skin) finish on the upper surface - an unusual and visually arresting combination. Finely crafted kanji and a traditional octagonal walnut handle with buffalo horn ferrule complete a genuinely attractive package that performs every bit as well as it looks.
Care Instructions: VG-10 is a fully stainless steel - low maintenance and resistant to corrosion. Hand wash and dry after each use. Avoid the dishwasher. Sharpen on quality water stones as needed.
- Blacksmith: Yoshimi Kato
- Location: Echizen, Japan
- Construction: San Mai, Hammer Forged
- Edge Steel: VG-10
- Cladding: Nashiji / Suminagashi (Damascus) Stainless
- HRC: 61
- Engraving: Hand Engraved
- Edge Grind: Even
- Handle: Walnut Octagonal
- Ferrule: Black Buffalo Horn
- Weight: 5.4 oz (154 g)
- Blade Length: 172mm
- Total Length: 309mm
- Spine Thickness at Heel: 3mm
- Blade Height: 46mm
