This santoku carries the same VG-10 core and striking suminagashi-to-nashiji finish as the rest of the Kato Nashiji line, set apart by a dark wenge octagonal handle in place of the standard walnut. Yoshimi Kato apprenticed under his father-in-law, Hiroshi Kato, for many years before recently taking over the family business, and continues making knives for several respected brands including Masakage and Kanehiro alongside this line under his own family name.
The inner core of VG-10 - one of the most popular and well-regarded stainless steels in Japanese knife making - carries an outer layer of Damascus stainless steel applied san mai style. The pattern is revealed on the lower blade and transitions to a striking nashiji (pear skin) finish on the upper surface, an unusual and visually compelling look. Finely crafted kanji and the dark wenge handle with buffalo horn ferrule give this version a distinct visual identity within the line while delivering the same edge retention and wear resistance that VG-10 is known for.
What Customers Are Saying: One reviewer sums it up simply: light, crazy sharp, and gorgeous, with nothing left to dislike. Another bought it specifically for detail work and reports it was exactly what they were looking for, having relied on CKTG product videos to make the decision and recommending the finish sharpening service for anyone who has not mastered water stone sharpening yet. A third, just two days into ownership, calls it the cleanest cutting knife they have ever used, with a developing patina showing beautiful blue and gold tones, and says they plan to build their collection around this brand. A fourth, with larger hands than the handle is sized for, still found the knife sharpened easily and cut cleanly with no drag, noting it would suit a smaller-handed cook even better.
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.
The inner core of VG-10 - one of the most popular and well-regarded stainless steels in Japanese knife making - carries an outer layer of Damascus stainless steel applied san mai style. The pattern is revealed on the lower blade and transitions to a striking nashiji (pear skin) finish on the upper surface, an unusual and visually compelling look. Finely crafted kanji and the dark wenge handle with buffalo horn ferrule give this version a distinct visual identity within the line while delivering the same edge retention and wear resistance that VG-10 is known for.
What Customers Are Saying: One reviewer sums it up simply: light, crazy sharp, and gorgeous, with nothing left to dislike. Another bought it specifically for detail work and reports it was exactly what they were looking for, having relied on CKTG product videos to make the decision and recommending the finish sharpening service for anyone who has not mastered water stone sharpening yet. A third, just two days into ownership, calls it the cleanest cutting knife they have ever used, with a developing patina showing beautiful blue and gold tones, and says they plan to build their collection around this brand. A fourth, with larger hands than the handle is sized for, still found the knife sharpened easily and cut cleanly with no drag, noting it would suit a smaller-handed cook even better.
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: Laser Engraved
- Edge Grind: Even
- Handle: Wenge Octagonal
- Ferrule: Black Buffalo Horn
- Weight: 5.4 oz (154 g)
- Blade Length: 172mm
- Total Length: 309mm
- Spine Thickness at Heel: 2.5mm
- Blade Height: 46mm
Reviews
4 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) love it Exactly as advertised!Posted By: David Nade - verified customer
12 people found this review helpful
Bought this knife for smaller detail work. Exactly what I was looking for.I Trust the quick look videos, have purchased 2 knives so far and these videos were very helpful in making my decisions. I watched quite a few to get familiar with the reviewer, could soon tell when he was impressed. Recommend the finish sharpening with every purchase unless you have mastered water stone sharpening. I chose to sand handle and treat with danish oil as it is not stabilised. I was aware of this from watching other Yuki videos. Already a repeat customer!
12 people found this review helpful
Bought this knife for smaller detail work. Exactly what I was looking for.I Trust the quick look videos, have purchased 2 knives so far and these videos were very helpful in making my decisions. I watched quite a few to get familiar with the reviewer, could soon tell when he was impressed. Recommend the finish sharpening with every purchase unless you have mastered water stone sharpening. I chose to sand handle and treat with danish oil as it is not stabilised. I was aware of this from watching other Yuki videos. Already a repeat customer!
Best knife I've ever ownedPosted By: Jonathan W Dowling - verified customer
10 people found this review helpful
I've only had it for 2 days now, but all I can say is wow. This is the cleanest cutting knife I've ever used. The patina that has started to show up slightly is beautiful with some blue and a yellow/gold color. I would buy this knife again in a heartbeat. And will start to build my collection form this brand alone.
10 people found this review helpful
I've only had it for 2 days now, but all I can say is wow. This is the cleanest cutting knife I've ever used. The patina that has started to show up slightly is beautiful with some blue and a yellow/gold color. I would buy this knife again in a heartbeat. And will start to build my collection form this brand alone.
Very nice knifePosted By: James - verified customer
13 people found this review helpful
Overall I think the quality of the knife is very good! I have big hands so not the best fit for me. That being said, the knife was easy to sharpen and cuts very clean, with no drag or catching. Would be an excellent knife for someone with small hands!
13 people found this review helpful
Overall I think the quality of the knife is very good! I have big hands so not the best fit for me. That being said, the knife was easy to sharpen and cuts very clean, with no drag or catching. Would be an excellent knife for someone with small hands!
