Minamo is the newest line from Yoshimi Kato, built around SG2 powdered stainless steel - also known as R2 - and finished with clean stainless cladding rather than the Damascus finish found on the older Kato SG2 range. At 62-63 HRC, this is among the hardest knives in the Kato catalog, and SG2 handles that hardness well: the fine, uniform grain structure of powdered metallurgy produces an edge that stays keen for a long time while remaining easier to sharpen than most steels at this hardness level. Kato is the son-in-law of the renowned Hiroshi Kato and has run the family workshop at Takefu Knife Village in Echizen since Hiroshi retired in 2017.
This 240mm gyuto has the reach and board presence for larger proteins and high-volume prep work. The 50/50 double bevel grind suits both right- and left-handed cooks, and the stiff, taut blade moves with precision through a range of cutting tasks. The rosewood octagonal handle with a red pakka wood ferrule provides a warm, refined grip that balances well at this length - the extra blade height at 51mm gives this knife a planted, confident feel on the board.
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.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: Rosewood Octagonal
Ferrule: Red Pakka Wood
Weight: 5.7 oz (162 g)
Blade Length: 241 mm
Total Length: 393 mm
Spine Thickness at Heel: 2 mm
Blade Height: 51 mm
This 240mm gyuto has the reach and board presence for larger proteins and high-volume prep work. The 50/50 double bevel grind suits both right- and left-handed cooks, and the stiff, taut blade moves with precision through a range of cutting tasks. The rosewood octagonal handle with a red pakka wood ferrule provides a warm, refined grip that balances well at this length - the extra blade height at 51mm gives this knife a planted, confident feel on the board.
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.
