The word santoku translates as "three virtues", which refers to the cutting of meat, fish and vegetables or the following three types of cutting: chopping, slicing and dicing. Very versatile, the santoku is one of the types of knives we recommend as the first or main knife in the kitchen.
The Yoshikane forge was founded in 1919 in Sanjo, Niigata Prefecture. Today, Kazuomi Yamamoto-san of the 4th generation is in charge. He was trained by his uncle Tsuneo Yoshida (3rd generation) and is now established as one of the best blacksmiths in Japan, in addition to being recognized for his skills in blade sharpening. He would rival or surpass the best Sakai sharpeners. Many talented blacksmiths of Sanjo such as Nihei, Mazaki and Masashi, were trained at Yoshikane's forge. Yoshikane is also famous for his work of Shirogami #2, SKD and SLD.
"While many things change rapidly these days, there are ideas and beliefs that never change. Every day, I make sure that the meaning of these words is forged in the making of knife." - Kazuomi Yamamoto-san.
Shirogami #2 translates to: Shiro (white) and Gami (Steel) and thus; white steel #2. It is named after the color of the package it was wrapped in at Hitachi Metals. The composition of this steel is very pure and contains almost only iron and carbon (1.05%-1.2%). It is in the hands of very experienced blacksmiths that one realizes the enormous potential of Shirogami #2. The quality of the heat treatment and a lower temperature forging are key elements that can allow Shirogami #2 to compete with and even surpass many modern steels. Try a Shiro #2 blade forged by Tanaka-san, Kisuke Manaka-san or Yoshikane Forge and you will see!