A note about measurements: Handmade Japanese knives can vary in their dimensions, so these measurements are only an example.
About the Shape - Inspired by the profile of a traditional European chef knife, Gyutos are a multi-purpose knife with a slight meat cutting bias. “Gyuto” translates to “cow sword.” If you want one knife to do it all, This is it. Starting at 180mm, Gyutos can reach the ridiculously long (and awesome) 370mm. For the at-home or professional cook, we recommend a Gyuto which measures between 210mm and 270mm long.
About Yoshimi Kato - Second careers are often the best. I know a burnt-up chef, for example, who owns a few knife shops now. Then there’s Yoshimi Kato, who left his job as the project manager of a construction company to become a blacksmith after marrying Hiroshi Kato’s daughter.
It takes normal apprentices 10-15 years to become pros, but Kato san did it in just 5, and is now running the show. He forges most of the Masakage Kiri, Yuki and Koishi knives that were once his father-in-law’s domain. Yoshimi san also brings a special level of professionalism and care to his customer’s orders, checking each blade for quality when it is finished.
Knife Shape | Gyuto |
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Blade Length | 210mm |
Steel Type | VG10 Stainless Steel |
Rockwell Hardness | 60:62 |
Handle | Western handle, red Pakka with welded bolster |
Blacksmith/Maker | Yoshimi Kato |