Kato Gyuto SG2 Black Damascus 180mm (7.1″)

This gyuto is a collector’s example of a shorter, versatile kitchen knife made of modern powder steel and adorned with a distinctive, very contrasting damascus pattern. Regardless of its dramatic appearance, it will handle any ingredient in the kitchen without drama! This knife is a true embodiment of the craftsman’s skill and his focus on perfection. From handle to blade!

One of the most striking features of Kato’s damascus pattern is the way it catches and reflects light. The layers of steel create a mesmerizing, almost three-dimensional effect that is truly breathtaking. As light moves across the blade, the pattern seems to shift and change, revealing new depths and textures with every movement.

BLADE SHAPE:
The Gyuto is Japan’s most versatile kitchen knife and is thinner and lighter than its Western counterparts, making it much more maneuverable and precise. Originally designed for cutting beef, it means “cow’s sword”, but nowadays, it is used for all-around work in both home and professional kitchens.

The knife has a perfectly shaped and polished choil and spine, which allows for a comfortable grip and better knife control. The blade has a slightly accentuated curve in the belly and is suitable for a variety of cutting techniques, including rocking motion on the kitchen cutting board.

Use for: Works with all food preparation techniques such as slicing, chopping, dicing, julienne… Perfect for slicing larger pieces of meat or mincing garlic.

STEEL:
SG2 (also known as R2 steel) is a powder steel, renowned for its hardness and subsequent edge retention—due to a high carbon (C) content of 1.5%. The steel is also high in chromium (Cr)—around 15%, which adds to corrosion resistance and Molybdenum (Mo) that improves the blade’s wear resistance. R2 steel blades will be able to achieve a fine sharpness due to the fine microstructure of the steel and will keep it—without having to worry about maintenance and corrosion.

LAMINATION:
A high hardness of around 63-64 HRC means the blade won’t be very tough, so the blade’s core was laminated using the san-mai method to improve its structural integrity and subsequent ability to withstand impacts and prevent chipping. San-mai translates to “three layers” in Japanese, referring to a blade that is composed of an inner layer of harder steel (hagane) and of two outer layers of softer steel (jigane) that protect the core.

GEOMETRY:
It has a double bevel (symmetrical) blade with a convex grind, which prevents food from sticking to the blade. 

BLADE FINISH:
The Kato Gyuto SG2 Black Damascus 180mm features a 63-layer etched damascus pattern. The blade is laser-thin with a convex profile, beautifully polished finishes, and a rounded choil.

The blacksmith achieved the striking damascus pattern by layering different materials and further etching the blade. The etching brings a strong contrast between the layers and helps to play off the reflections of light from the different colored surfaces of the steel. The transitions between the layers are very pronounced, consisting of a glossy and a mate reflection. The mirrored part of the pattern reflects the light, giving the appearance of multidimensionality to the surface of the blade!

The beauty of damascus is remarkable and captivating. These patterns are the result of a unique forging and folding technique that has been used for centuries by Japanese swordsmiths to create some of the world’s most beautiful and durable blades.

HANDLE:
The balance of the knife is ensured with a well-thought-out blade-to-handle ratio, with an octagon rosewood handle (and red pakka wood ferrule). Because of its symmetrical shape, the handle fits perfectly in both palms. 

BLACKSMITH:
The knife comes from the Kato Smithy, part of the Takefu Knife Village, home to legendary Japanese master blacksmiths and sharpeners. Yoshimi Kato is renowned among them as the finest master of heat-treating premium steels such as SG2 and Aogami Super, and his knives stand out visually, especially for their hand-made damascus patterns.