Yoshimi Kato is a young blacksmith who has made a genuine name for himself in a remarkably short time. As the son-in-law of the renowned Hiroshi Kato, he learned his craft at Takefu Knife Village in Echizen before taking over the family workshop. He makes knives for several respected brands including Masakage and Kanehiro, but this SG2 line was the first to carry his own name - and it delivers on every expectation those credentials set.
SG2 is a powdered metallurgical stainless steel used in surgical instruments, metal cutting tools, and premium kitchen knives. It offers high edge retention, easy sharpening relative to its hardness, and moderately good wear resistance - the fine, uniform grain structure that only powdered metallurgy produces. The SG2 core is clad in a multi-layer Damascus stainless steel that is genuinely striking. Stiff and taut in the hand, with a thin profile and light feel despite the 240mm length, this gyuto is a nimble and dexterous cutter with presence on the board that belies how naturally it moves. The rosewood octagonal handle with pakka ferrule is a well-chosen, refined complement to the Damascus blade above it.
What Customers Are Saying: One owner reports exceptional edge retention - staying sharp far longer than other knives in his collection. He notes the Damascus cladding creates slight friction on some produce initially, but removed most of it with a quick buff on green compound and expects it to diminish naturally with use. A second buyer simply calls it a great service experience and a beautiful knife.
Care Instructions: SG2 is a stainless steel but is hard and chip-prone at 61-62 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. Free shipping over $100.
SG2 is a powdered metallurgical stainless steel used in surgical instruments, metal cutting tools, and premium kitchen knives. It offers high edge retention, easy sharpening relative to its hardness, and moderately good wear resistance - the fine, uniform grain structure that only powdered metallurgy produces. The SG2 core is clad in a multi-layer Damascus stainless steel that is genuinely striking. Stiff and taut in the hand, with a thin profile and light feel despite the 240mm length, this gyuto is a nimble and dexterous cutter with presence on the board that belies how naturally it moves. The rosewood octagonal handle with pakka ferrule is a well-chosen, refined complement to the Damascus blade above it.
What Customers Are Saying: One owner reports exceptional edge retention - staying sharp far longer than other knives in his collection. He notes the Damascus cladding creates slight friction on some produce initially, but removed most of it with a quick buff on green compound and expects it to diminish naturally with use. A second buyer simply calls it a great service experience and a beautiful knife.
Care Instructions: SG2 is a stainless steel but is hard and chip-prone at 61-62 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. Free shipping over $100.
- Brand: Yoshimi SG2
- Blacksmith: Yoshimi Kato
- Location: Echizen, Japan
- Workshop: Takefu Knife Village
- Construction: San Mai, Hammer Forged
- Core Edge Steel: SG-2 Powdered Stainless
- Cladding: Damascus Stainless
- HRC: 61-62
- Engraving: Hand Engraved
- Edge Grind: Even
- Handle: Rosewood Octagonal
- Ferrule: Pakka Wood
- Weight: 5.9 oz (168 g)
- Blade Length: 243mm
- Total Length: 394mm
- Spine Thickness at Base: 2mm
- Blade Height: 51mm
Reviews
2 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval)
BeautifulPosted By: Victor Martinez - verified customer
24 people found this review helpful
Knife is beautiful, stays sharp much longer than my other knives. The damascus design has a weird friction to it, making it not slide as easily through some fruits/veggies as my other knives. I was able to remove some of that roughness towards the edge with a quick rub of green compound, so you can rest easy that the friction will naturally go away with enough time and use.
24 people found this review helpful
Knife is beautiful, stays sharp much longer than my other knives. The damascus design has a weird friction to it, making it not slide as easily through some fruits/veggies as my other knives. I was able to remove some of that roughness towards the edge with a quick rub of green compound, so you can rest easy that the friction will naturally go away with enough time and use.
Yoshimi SG2 Gyuto 240mm
