Yoshimi Kato has been forging knives at Takefu Village in Echizen for decades, and the Yuki line is where his handling of White #2 carbon steel is most visible. The nashiji (pear skin) finish - a fine sandblasted texture applied across the stainless cladding - gives the blade a quiet, characterful aesthetic that develops further as the carbon core takes on a patina with use. Yuki means snow in Japanese, and the finish earns that name. Kato-san also created the Yoshimi Hino line exclusively for CKTG, named after the river that flows through Echizen - a relationship built on years of working together and genuine mutual respect.
At 121mm blade length and 30mm height the Yuki petty sits at the shorter end of the petty range - precise enough for in-hand detail work through peeling, trimming, and segmenting, long enough for light board tasks where a paring knife would feel too small. White #2 (Shirogami #2) is one of the purest carbon steels made in Japan - it takes a very fine edge, sharpens quickly on quality water stones, and responds beautifully to good sharpening technique. The stainless cladding protects the flanks and makes day-to-day care manageable. The magnolia handle is lightweight and traditional, with a pakka wood ferrule that provides a clean, durable transition.
What Customers Are Saying: Three five-star reviews. The recurring themes are outstanding edge retention for White #2, razor sharpness with proper sharpening technique, and excellent performance for small chopping and general prep tasks. One reviewer notes the knife was a first experience with carbon steel and found the patina reaction milder than expected - a good introduction to the material. Another calls the edge retention genuinely good and would purchase again without hesitation.
Care Instructions: White #2 is a reactive carbon steel. The stainless cladding protects the flanks but the carbon edge will patina naturally with use. Wipe and dry immediately after every use. Avoid leaving acidic foods on the blade. Hand wash only, never dishwasher. Apply camellia oil for long-term storage. Sharpen on quality water stones.
Each knife is made by hand so measurements may vary.
At 121mm blade length and 30mm height the Yuki petty sits at the shorter end of the petty range - precise enough for in-hand detail work through peeling, trimming, and segmenting, long enough for light board tasks where a paring knife would feel too small. White #2 (Shirogami #2) is one of the purest carbon steels made in Japan - it takes a very fine edge, sharpens quickly on quality water stones, and responds beautifully to good sharpening technique. The stainless cladding protects the flanks and makes day-to-day care manageable. The magnolia handle is lightweight and traditional, with a pakka wood ferrule that provides a clean, durable transition.
What Customers Are Saying: Three five-star reviews. The recurring themes are outstanding edge retention for White #2, razor sharpness with proper sharpening technique, and excellent performance for small chopping and general prep tasks. One reviewer notes the knife was a first experience with carbon steel and found the patina reaction milder than expected - a good introduction to the material. Another calls the edge retention genuinely good and would purchase again without hesitation.
Care Instructions: White #2 is a reactive carbon steel. The stainless cladding protects the flanks but the carbon edge will patina naturally with use. Wipe and dry immediately after every use. Avoid leaving acidic foods on the blade. Hand wash only, never dishwasher. Apply camellia oil for long-term storage. Sharpen on quality water stones.
Each knife is made by hand so measurements may vary.
- Blacksmith: Yoshimi Kato
- Brand: Masakage
- Line: Yuki
- Location: Takefu Village, Echizen, Japan
- Construction: San Mai
- Edge Steel: White #2 (Shirogami #2) Carbon Steel
- Cladding: Stainless
- Finish: Nashiji (Pear Skin)
- Handle: Magnolia
- Ferrule: Pakka Wood
- Weight: 1.8 oz (52g)
- Blade Length: 121mm
- Total Length: 248mm
- Spine Thickness at Heel: 2mm
- Blade Height: 30mm
Reviews
3 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) Fantastic knife! fun knife to usePosted By: Nathan - verified customer
11 people found this review helpful
This was my first carbon knife that I did a lot of research on - I was concerned about forming a patina and any possible reactions between the foods I prepare. I can happily say that the reaction of this knife was much more milder than I anticipated and was actually a good learning experience on how to properly care for a knife. This knife gets really sharp and has enough heal length to do some small chopping tasks. Its a great knife and I would purchase it again. Dont be afraid of carbon steel.
11 people found this review helpful
This was my first carbon knife that I did a lot of research on - I was concerned about forming a patina and any possible reactions between the foods I prepare. I can happily say that the reaction of this knife was much more milder than I anticipated and was actually a good learning experience on how to properly care for a knife. This knife gets really sharp and has enough heal length to do some small chopping tasks. Its a great knife and I would purchase it again. Dont be afraid of carbon steel.
