Yoshimi Kato has taken the reins of the workshop founded by his father-in-law, Hiroshi Kato, and is widely regarded as one of the leading blacksmiths working in Echizen today. His knives reflect a careful balance of traditional craftsmanship, refined aesthetics, and practical performance.
This petty is forged using VG-10 stainless steel, a proven Japanese cutlery steel valued for strong edge retention, excellent wear resistance, and high corrosion resistance - the same steel trusted by respected names like Shun and Miyabi. The VG-10 core is clad in softer stainless steel and hammer forged to create a flowing suminagashi (Damascus) pattern, with the upper blade road transitioning into the signature nashiji (pear skin) finish that gives the knife its distinctive look while maintaining durability and ease of care. Despite its compact size, this petty is a genuinely capable and versatile tool - excelling at in-hand work like trimming, peeling, and garnishing, while the rigid blade and clean grind move effortlessly through herbs and small ingredients. Light, precise, and easy to control, this is a fun yet highly functional knife that quickly becomes a favorite for small detail prep.
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 petty is forged using VG-10 stainless steel, a proven Japanese cutlery steel valued for strong edge retention, excellent wear resistance, and high corrosion resistance - the same steel trusted by respected names like Shun and Miyabi. The VG-10 core is clad in softer stainless steel and hammer forged to create a flowing suminagashi (Damascus) pattern, with the upper blade road transitioning into the signature nashiji (pear skin) finish that gives the knife its distinctive look while maintaining durability and ease of care. Despite its compact size, this petty is a genuinely capable and versatile tool - excelling at in-hand work like trimming, peeling, and garnishing, while the rigid blade and clean grind move effortlessly through herbs and small ingredients. Light, precise, and easy to control, this is a fun yet highly functional knife that quickly becomes a favorite for small detail prep.
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
- Workshop: Takefu Village
- Construction: San Mai, Hammer Forged
- Edge Steel: VG-10 Stainless
- Cladding: Stainless Damascus
- Edge Grind: Even 50/50
- Handle: Walnut
- Ferrule: Buffalo Horn
- Weight: 2.0 oz (58 g)
- Blade Length: 121mm
- Total Length: 249mm
- Spine Thickness at Base: 2mm
- Blade Height: 30mm
