Yosimitu Kajiya Shirogami #2 Gyuto 240mm
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Lightweight and thin behind the edge, the Yosimitu larger sized gyuto is a versatile every day knife. This model is fitted with a stylish octagonal poplar wood with a red and green bolster.
About this range
First Impressions
Right out of the box, we love the toothy edge Ide-san has put on this range of knives. They're thin and across a lot of the range the preference for a slightly shorter (in height) knife profile which makes for a lightweight and nimble feel in hand.
Beauty
The Shirogami #2 range is finished with a traditional kurouchi on the soft iron cladding and a light, hazy migaki polish down to the core steel which over time will of course develop its own patina depending on what you're prepping. The knives are a classic Japanese style and finish we always appreciate.
In Hand
In hand, you'll immediately notice how lightweight the knives in the range are. This is partly because they're forged and ground quite thin but also because compared to similarly length knives they are a little shorter in height at the heel which leads to a knife that is generally balanced forward of the heel towards the kanji.
Durability
What's not to love? It's White #2 steel that's easy to sharpen and takes a great edge and clad in a kurouchi finished soft iron. This combination has been a go-to for years because it's durable and reliable.
Ease of Care
Just follow our normal care and carbon steel care tips and you'll be good. We recommend an occasional dab of camellia oil to help protect the blade over time.
Care Tip – Reactive Carbon Steel
The core (and on some ranges, the cladding steel too) of this knife is made using a carbon steel which can react with moisture and acids in your food and so is not stainless or rust-proof.
Our Verdict
It's always a pleasure to stock and recommend kninves made by very small family workshops and in particular being able to appreciate the craft and skill that goes into making an entire knife as a single craftsman as Ide-san does from the very first step to finishing everything by hand.
The Shirogami #2 range is ideal for anyone who is seeking a lightweight and affordable and well finished entry into carbon steel. The edge is thin, performs well right out of the box and have a nice toothy feel to it when slicing and cutting.
Great value and performance from a truly traditional craftsman.
Knife Measurements - Yosimitu Kajiya Shirogami #2 Gyuto 240mm
- Blade Length: 248mm (Measurement of the cutting edge)
- Total Length: 395mm (Blade tip to handle end)
- Blade Height: 47.3mm (Heel to spine)
- Blade Thickness: 2.94mm (Spine width above the heel) 2.3mm (Measured halfway along spine) 1.15mm (Measured 15mm from tip)
- Total Weight: 152 grams
Range Specifications
- Core Steel: White #2
- Cladding Steel: Soft Iron
- Hardness: 61-62 (HRC)
- Handle Style: Japanese (Wa)
- Left or Right handed: Either (Double Bevel)
Our aim is to measure and photograph our products as accurately as possible but due to many items being handmade, finished or using natural materials, there can be minor variance in measurements and things such as blade or wood finishes can vary. We will always endeavour to provide the most accurate measurements, photos and descriptions of our products.
Some measurements such as HRC are provided by manufacturers and should therefore be used as a guide.
Meet the maker
Yosimitu Kajiya
Founded in Shimabara, Nagasaki prefecture in 1937, Yosimitu Kajiya is a third generation family run workshop run by blacksmith Junichi Ide and his wife. Together they complete every step in knife production, sharpening, finishing and of course the management and marketing of their products which not only include chef knives but traditional tools for fishing, agriculture and woodworking.
How to choose the perfect knife
We've helped thousands of customers choose their perfect knife since 2011 and we're here to help you too.
Read our guide to choosing a Japanese knife and don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions!
