Overview

The Yoshimi Kato Minamo SG2 Santoku pairs a compact Japanese kitchen blade with a carbon fiber gold-fleck handle. Made in Echizen, Japan, its SG2 powdered stainless steel core and stainless cladding suit everyday vegetable prep, boneless meat and fish. The Minamo hammered pattern adds texture above the polished cutting face, while the octagonal handle gives your fingers distinct surfaces to hold.

This knife comes fitted with the carbon fiber gold-fleck handle shown in the photos. Its black and grey pattern, gold-colored flecks and narrow accent band complement the bright blade. Handle patterns and hammered details vary slightly from knife to knife.

Common Questions

Is this santoku a good choice for home cooking?

Yes. Its compact blade is useful for slicing vegetables, dicing onions and preparing boneless proteins, especially if you prefer less length than a full-size gyuto. Use controlled slicing and push cuts; avoid twisting the edge through dense ingredients.

Is SG2 stainless steel?

Yes. Both the SG2 core and outer cladding are stainless, making care straightforward. Hand wash, rinse and dry after use. Stainless steel still needs care: do not leave the knife soaking or put it in a dishwasher.

How should I protect the edge and maintain the handle?

Use a knife-friendly wood or synthetic cutting board, such as a Hasegawa cutting board. Avoid bones, frozen food, hard pits and glass boards. Sharpen on whetstones when needed, and use a leather strop with light pressure between sharpenings. Wipe the handle clean and dry; store the completely dry blade in a properly fitted guard. For a Prisma handle change, contact us first to confirm size and fit.

Specifications

Blacksmith: Yoshimi Kato

Series: Minamo

Knife Type: Santoku / multipurpose Japanese kitchen knife

Core Steel: SG2 powdered stainless steel

Cladding Type: Stainless steel, San Mai construction

Finish: Minamo hammered / tsuchime

Blade Length: Approximately 170mm

Spine Thickness (Heel): Approximately 2mm

Blade Height: Approximately 45mm

Handle Material: Carbon fiber with gold-colored flecks and an accent spacer

Handle Shape: Octagonal wa handle

Hardness: Approximately 62–63 HRC

Edge: Double bevel

Origin: Echizen, Fukui, Japan

Blade dimensions are reference measurements for the Minamo santoku and may vary between individual knives.