Description

Yoshimi Kato Nashiji bunka 170mm is a modified version of the traditional santoku. This blade therefore, like the santoku, is a multitasking blade that lends itself to a very wide range of uses. Its tip is beveled to easily accomplish tasks that require more precision.

History and curiosity

In the last decade Yoshimi Kato has become a world famous blacksmith, thanks to his mastery and expertise in the forging of exceptional kitchen knives.

He learned from his father-in-law Hiroshi Kato, one of the pillars of Japanese cutlery. In 2017 he took over the family business when his father retired. Kato-san creates his blades in Takefu Knife Village in Fukui Prefecture.

This blade is part of the Nashiji Damascus series forged with a vg10 steel core, so this blade is fully resistant to oxidation. Thanks to the heat treatment carried out by Kato-san, its vg10 steel reaches a hardness of 62 HRC, which offers very good edge retention and great ease when sharpening.

This blade therefore has a double finish, on the main bevel we notice a Damascus pattern, and a Nashiji finish on the back of the blade.

The word Nashiji can be translated as “pear skin”, as the texture of this finish actually resembles the skin of a pear.

The handle

It’s handcrafted by us with orange damascus resin and faux ivory spacer.

Technical sheet

Find here the details for Yoshimi Kato Nashiji bunka 170mm:

Blacksmith: Yoshimi Kato

series: Nashiji Damascus

steel: vg10 (resistant to oxidation)

type: bunka 170mm

blade length: 17.2cm

thickness at heel: 2.5 mm

thickness at the tip: 0.4 mm

blade height: 4.7cm

weight: 142 g