Yoshimi Kato Hyo SG2 Tsuchime Santoku

Overview

The Yoshimi Kato Hyo SG2 Tsuchime Santoku is a compact Japanese kitchen knife for everyday vegetables, fish and boneless meat. Its broad blade gives you room for guiding knuckles when chopping, while the curved tip is useful for controlled slicing. The Hyo finish places sharp, angular hammer marks above the polished cutting face, giving the blade a distinctive texture that changes with the light.

Made in Echizen, Japan, this santoku combines an SG2 powdered stainless steel core with stainless cladding. The hard core supports lasting edge retention, and the double-bevel edge suits both right- and left-handed cooks. This version comes with the fitted octagonal wood handle and pale ferrule shown in the photos. Natural handle colors, grain and hammered details vary between knives.

Common Questions

Q: Is a Hyo santoku suitable for a home cook?

A: Yes. A santoku is a versatile choice for slicing vegetables, dicing onions and preparing boneless proteins, particularly when you prefer a compact blade to a longer gyuto. Use light pressure and controlled cuts, keeping the edge aligned with the food.

Q: Is the SG2 blade stainless?

A: Yes. The SG2 core and stainless outer layers make everyday care straightforward. Hand-wash and dry the knife promptly, including the handle and the area where the blade meets the ferrule. Avoid soaking and dishwashers.

Q: How is the Hyo finish different from Minamo?

A: Hyo has an angular, irregular hammered pattern, visible in the close-up photographs. This listing is for the Hyo series; choose it when you want that particular blade finish.

Q: How should I protect and maintain the edge?

A: Use a wood or knife-friendly Hasegawa cutting board. Avoid bones, frozen foods, hard pits and twisting the blade in a cut. Light passes on a Tokushu Knife leather strop can help between sharpenings. When needed, use whetstones or our professional sharpening service. Store the clean, dry blade in a guard that fits its length and height. For a future Prisma or other custom handle, confirm fit and installation before ordering.

Specifications

• Blacksmith: Yoshimi Kato
• Series: Hyo
• Knife Type: Santoku
• Core Steel: SG2 / R2 powdered stainless steel
• Cladding Type: Stainless steel
• Construction: San-mai
• Finish: Hyo tsuchime, with angular hammer marks
• Blade Length: Approximately 165mm, nominal Hyo santoku specification
• Hardness (HRC): Approximately 63
• Edge: Double bevel, 50/50
• Handle Material: Wood handle with pale ferrule, as pictured
• Handle Shape: Octagonal wa handle
• Origin: Echizen, Fukui, Japan

Blade length and hardness are published reference specifications for the Hyo santoku. Individual handmade knives can vary.