Kato VG10 Hammered Damascus Nakiri Knife Honduras Rosewood

Blacksmith: Kato
Brand: Kintaro
Type: Nakiri Knife (Double bevel edged)
Blade Material:  VG10 Clad Hammered Damascus Stainless Steel 
                           Core: VG10 (Cobalt Alloy)
Blade Length: approx 160 mm
Blade Width: approx 52mm
Thickness of Spine: approx max 3 mm
Overall Length: approx 308 mm
Weight: approx 170g (6oz)
Handle: Honduras Rosewood
HRC: 61

   The knives made in Echizen city are called Echizen Uchi Hamono. The art of making Japanese kitchen knives has a history of about 700 years. Echizen Uchi Hamono is designated as "Traditional Crafts" by the Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry. 

KATO Knife Manufacturing Inc.
   This company was founded on April 1, 1953. Founder Mr, Kintaro Kato was born on October 1914. He engaged in forging kitchen knife production in 1928. The company has built up the experience and knowledge of knife making for many years. The president Hiroshi Kato received the certification of the traditional craftsmen on February 2008. Now Yoshimi Kato is the president and he have been making new design knives.

   The elegant wave pattern called the popular name "Sumi Nagashi" is one of the treasure which Japanese cutlery culture produced. Like the Japanese sword "Katana", the blade is made with low and high carbon stainless steel to layers. The same wave pattern does not exist. They makes beautiful damascus pattern by hitting with belt hammer. This knife is more than just a kitchen knife, is a work of art.

   VG-10 is high-carbon stainless steel containing cobalt, hard. The material is excellent sharpness and has wear resistance. So it spreads between the professional. It is developed and made by Takefu Special Steel Co.,Ltd which is Japanese company.  If the entire blade is very hard, it is difficult to sharpen. If the blade is soft, it is dull, and the sharpness falls immediately. So the hard material is used in the center only, the soft material is used in the side. VG-10 is hard, so Ceramic sharpening stone is recommended for speedy sharpening. 

Check out our Ceramic Sharpening Stone

HAMAGURI-BA
   This edge is called "HAMAGURI-BA" in Japanese. HAMAGURI means clam, BA means edge. The edge form helps release foods and cut smoothly.  Furthermore, this shape is stronger shape against chipping.

NOTE:
Core steel of VG10 and side steel are rust resistant though please wash, wipe and dry it up well after use. In case rust appears on the blade, use cleanser or sharpening store. (scratch may appear)

Don't twist edge and hit. Don't cut and hit frozen foods or bones, the edge will be chipped or broken since the blade of Japanese is thinner for sharpness. Japanese knives are made by craftsmen, there might be scratch.