Overview

The Yoshimi Kato Minamo SG2 Kiritsuke 240 mm marries next-generation SG2 powdered stainless steel with Kato-san’s signature Minamo hammered ripple finish. The result is a light, laser-thin blade (about 170 g) that glides through protein and produce alike, holds a keen 62–63 HRC edge, and resists corrosion thanks to its stainless cladding. An octagonal rosewood (shitan) handle with red pakkawood ferrule offers comfortable, ambidextrous control, while the long kiritsuke profile excels at push cuts, slicing, and fine vegetable work.

Common Questions

Q: Is this knife beginner-friendly for home cooks? A: Yes. The double-bevel 50/50 grind and stainless cladding keep maintenance simple, while the 240 mm length offers all-purpose versatility without feeling unwieldy.

Q: How should I care for SG2 steel? A: Hand-wash, dry promptly, and strop as needed. SG2’s fine grain makes touch-ups quick; full sharpening is needed only when edge retention begins to fade.

Q: Can I use it for protein and vegetables? A: Absolutely. The kiritsuke’s flat tip area handles push-cut vegetables, while the long edge slices fish or beef cleanly—ideal as a single “main” knife in pro or home kitchens.

Specifications

Core Steel: SG2/R2 powdered stainless

Cladding Type: Stainless, hammered “Minamo” tsuchime

Blade Length: 240 mm

Spine Thickness (Heel): 2 mm

Spine Thickness (Mid): 1.8 mm

Blade Height: 51 mm

Overall Length: 393 mm

Weight: ~170 g

Handle Material: Octagonal rosewood (shitan) w/ red pakkawood ferrule

Hardness (HRC): 62–63