Yoshimi Kato | SKU: KT-MINASG-NA165

Yoshimi Kato Kintaro Minamo SG2 Nakiri 165mm Ebony

Name: Yoshimi Kato Kintaro Minamo SG2 Nakiri 165mm Ebony
Brand: Yoshimi Kato
SKU: KT-MINASG-NA165
Price: 369.95 AUD
Availability: OutOfStock

$369.95

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Detailed Specifications

Line	Yoshimi Kato SG2 Minamo
Profile	Nakiri
Bevel Type	Double Bevel
Weight	181 g 6.38 oz
Edge Length	160 mm .6.3 inch
Heel Height	51 mm .2.01 inch
Width @ Spine	1.9 mm 0.07 inch
Width @ Mid	1.9 mm 0.07 inch
Width @ 1cm from Tip	1.9 mm 0.07 inch
Steel	SG2 / R2 \| Powdered Stainless
Blade Construction	Sanmai - Stainless Clad
Hardness (HRC)	62 - 64
Surface Finish	Tsuchime
Handle	Octagonal Ebony
Region	Echizen
Best for	Pro chefs Enthusiasts

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The Minamo is the latest offering from master Yoshimi Kato from Kintaro Hamono of Takefu Knife Village. The Minamo line is forged with the SG2 powdered steel that is very fine, sharp and has great edge retention.

The elegant hammered "Minamo" pattern is inspired by the summer Thunderstorm, and the way they lines up along the blade forms patterns looks like acient coins. As master Kato has been working with Master Kurosaki for a very long period of time, and their knives are highly similar in terms of desgin and performance: super thin behind the edge, with a great OOTB edge and excellent food penetration, on top of that, they often put very unique patterns that differentiate their knives from other lineups, just like how this Minamo line does.

Like any other knives made by Yoshimi Kato, these blades are thin and nimble in handes, while retaining that excellent trait, the line bring some shiny appearance along with good performance. Considering the level of finish, artistic value and the SG2 core steel, I believe the pricing for this line is actually very good, thus I would bring it out for anyone who is after a SG2 knife.

Pros	Cons
Excellent performance Great artistic Thin behind the edge	Relatively hard to sharpen

Care Instruction

Don't cut hard things! Japanese knives are brittle so bone hacking is a NO NO!
Wash with neutral detergent after use, and wipe dry;
Please don't wash knife with dishwasher, it will damage the wood handle;
Be careful not to leave the knife close to a heat source for a long time;
It is a lot more dangerous to cut with a blunt knife than a sharp knife!
It is best to sharpen a Japanese knife regularly on a waterstone.

Yoshimi Kato

Kato Knife Manufacturing Inc., spearheaded by Yoshimi Kato, is a renowned entity in the Takefu Knife Village, known for its exquisite craftsmanship in knife-making. Yoshimi Kato, a skilled artisan, upholds the legacy of his father, Hiroshi Kato, continuing the tradition of producing high-quality Japanese knives. The company's focus on traditional techniques blended with modern innovations ensures their knives are both functional and beautiful, catering to the needs of culinary professionals and enthusiasts alike. For more detailed information, visit their official websites at Takefu Knife Village and Kato Knife Manufacturing.

Profile: Nakiri

The Nakiri knife is a distinctive tool in the Japanese kitchen, resembling a slender, shorter variant of a Chinese cleaver and serving as the household counterpart to the professional-grade Usuba. It is characterized by its relatively flat edge profile, designed specifically for a chopping motion ideal for vegetable preparation. Unlike knives intended for slicing or sawing motions, the Nakiri's design emphasizes straight, clean cuts through vegetables without the need for pushing or pulling. Its blade is notably thin, underscoring its specialization for tasks that do not involve contact with bones, even small ones. This specialization makes the Nakiri an indispensable tool for those seeking precision and ease in vegetable preparation.

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Steel: SG2 / R2
SG2, also known as Super Gold 2 or R2 steel, is a high-end powdered tool steel by Takefu Special Steel, known for its excellent edge retention, wear resistance, and ability to achieve a hardness of up to 64 HRC. Identical to Kobelco Steel's R2, it's prized in premium knife making for its fine edge sharpness and durability. The powdered nature ensures uniform carbide distribution, enhancing toughness and reducing chipping risks. SG2/R2 is ideal for those seeking top performance and longevity in their cutting tools.
Manufacturer:
- Takefu Special Steel, Japan
Nature: Stainless
Hardness: 62- 64
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Construction: Sanmai - Stainless Clad

Sanmai(Three-Piece) is a common construction for double bevel knives where two pieces of softer cladding steel are forgewelded to each side of a harder core steel. The harder but more brittle core steel will form the hard cutting edge after heat treating, and the softer cladding will support the core to increase the overall strength of the blade.
The soft cladding enables the thinning process to be a lot easier than a honyaki or monosteel construction. And in the case where the cladding steel are stainless in nature, it can offer protection for the carbon or semi-stainless cores against rusting and discoluoring.
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Finish: Tsuchime

The "Tsuchime" finish in Japanese kitchen knives refers to a distinctive hammered texture on the blade's surface. This traditional technique not only adds a unique aesthetic appeal but also provides practical benefits, such as reducing drag and preventing food from sticking to the blade during slicing. It's a hallmark of craftsmanship that blends functionality with artistry, making each knife not only a tool but a piece of art.
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Handle Specs
Profile: Octagonal WA
Material:
- Ebony
This handle, crafted from a single piece of ebony, exemplifies minimalist elegance and functional design. Its unique octagonal shape, featuring a subtle taper, offers a comfortable grip and a visually appealing geometric profile. The ebony wood, known for its deep, rich color and durability, has been meticulously milled from a single block, ensuring a seamless construction that highlights the wood's natural beauty and grain. The handle's surface has been highly polished, achieving a glossy finish that not only enhances the ebony's luxurious dark hue but also provides a smooth, tactile experience for the user. This design choice reflects a minimalist approach, focusing on simplicity, quality, and usability. The combination of the octagonal shape with the taper adds a modern twist to the classic material, making it a standout piece that blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics.
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