SG2 powdered stainless steel meets the bunka format in this newest addition to the Yoshimi Kato catalog. Minamo is the cleanest, most refined visual expression of the line yet - stainless cladding in place of Damascus, letting the shape and grinds stand on their own rather than competing with a patterned finish. At 62-63 HRC, this is one of the harder knives Kato makes, and the SG2 steel handles that hardness well: the fine, uniform grain structure of powdered metallurgy produces an edge that is genuinely keen, long-lasting, and easier to sharpen than many steels at this hardness level. Kato is the son-in-law of the renowned Hiroshi Kato and runs the family workshop at Takefu Knife Village in Echizen.
The bunka profile is compact at 171mm but tall at 45mm, with the reverse tanto tip that gives the format its distinctive look and practical precision at the point. A fairly flat edge profile suits push cutting and chopping, while the tall blade height provides real knuckle clearance that shorter-format knives lack. The shitan rosewood octagonal handle with red pakka wood ferrule is a handsome, well-fitted combination that complements the clean visual restraint of the blade above it.
Care Instructions: SG2 is a stainless steel but is hard and chip-prone at 62-63 HRC. Use wood or rubber cutting boards only. Avoid bones, frozen foods, and hard materials. Hand wash and dry after each use. Strop regularly between sharpenings to maintain the edge. Free shipping over $100.
The bunka profile is compact at 171mm but tall at 45mm, with the reverse tanto tip that gives the format its distinctive look and practical precision at the point. A fairly flat edge profile suits push cutting and chopping, while the tall blade height provides real knuckle clearance that shorter-format knives lack. The shitan rosewood octagonal handle with red pakka wood ferrule is a handsome, well-fitted combination that complements the clean visual restraint of the blade above it.
Care Instructions: SG2 is a stainless steel but is hard and chip-prone at 62-63 HRC. Use wood or rubber cutting boards only. Avoid bones, frozen foods, and hard materials. Hand wash and dry after each use. Strop regularly between sharpenings to maintain the edge. Free shipping over $100.
- Blacksmith: Yoshimi Kato
- Brand Name: Yoshimi Minamo
- Location: Echizen, Japan
- Workshop: Takefu Knife Village
- Construction: Hammer Forged, San Mai
- Edge Steel: SG2 (AKA R2) Stainless
- Cladding: Stainless
- HRC: 62-63
- Edge Grind: Even, 50/50 Double Bevel
- Engraving: Laser
- Handle: Shitan Rosewood Octagonal
- Ferrule: Red Pakka Wood
- Weight: 4.3 oz (122 g)
- Blade Length: 171mm
- Total Length: 310mm
- Spine Thickness at Heel: 2mm
- Blade Height: 45mm
