Yosimitu Kajiya Shirogami #2 Gyuto 240mm

Yosimitu Kajiya Shirogami #2 Gyuto 240mm

£175.00

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.

Product variants

Currently out of stock

Product Code: YOSIM-003

Knife & Range Specifications

Knife Measurements

Blade Edge Length: 248mm / 9.76" (Measurement of the cutting edge)
Total Knife Length: 395mm / 15.55" (Blade tip to handle end)
Blade Height: 47.5mm / 1.87" (Heel to spine)
Blade Thickness: 2.95mm / 0.12" (Spine width above the heel) 2.3mm / 0.09" (Measured halfway along spine) 1.1mm / 0.04" (Measured 15mm from tip)
Total Weight: 152 grams / 5.36 oz

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 finishes.

Range Specifications

Core Steel: Shirogami White #2
Cladding Steel: Soft Iron
Blade Finish: Kurouchi
Hardness: 61-62 (HRC)
Handle Style: Japanese (Wa)
Left or Right handed: Suitable for both (Double Bevel)

Some measurements such as HRC are provided by manufacturers and should therefore be used as a guide.

Yosimitu Kajiya - Shirogami #2

Our in-depth range review

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 & Maintenance Tips

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.

Our Verdict

It's always a pleasure to stock and recommend knives 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.

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.

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