We have been having a bit of a kitchen clearout here, so we’ve been on the hunt for a decent kitchen knife, 🔪 preferably one made in the UK, from a decent quality Japanese steel, with a consideration as to where the handle comes from, is it sustainably sourced wood etc.

As you may recall, our eldest son decided against a university life, and is now training to be a chef and is becoming very particular about kitchen equipment quality!

I’ve been chatting with Josh and Thomas, who launched Katto in 2018. They produce knives that are top-notch, full of personality, environmentally friendly, and affordable. These Japanese steel Katto knives with sustainable handles are lovingly made in the UK.

And with Christmas approaching (sorrrrryyyyy), it’s natural to find yourself thinking about the best gifts you can get your hands on for your loved ones. Top priority for me, what the cost of the gifts you are investing in is when it comes to the environment. Of course, homemade and upcycled gifts are always ideal, but sometimes certain things like tools or kitchen utensils are best purchased new. The solution to this? Ethically made knives that will last you a lifetime. 

What makes a Katto knife?

Katto knives are made with premium Japanese steel to give them their razor-sharp cutting edge. Available with three different types of wooden handles (beech, walnut and rosewood), their range covers chef knives, bread knives, utility knives and Japanese santoku knives.

Whilst each of them is best suited for different purposes, their common ground is that they will leave you smiling no matter what you are slicing or dicing. Best of all, every knife comes with a 100-day return policy, and after purchasing you can get free sharpening for life.

What makes them sustainable?

First and foremost, the knives are designed to last a lifetime thereby reducing future waste caused by replacing broken products. This is in line with their generous return policy and lifetime knife sharpening offer. It’s clear they expect this knife to be a part of your kitchen forever, and that they expect their Japanese AUS-10 steel blade to stay sharp throughout this time. Their HRC rating is 58-60, meaning the steel is strong, and built to last. 

Their wooden handles are all made using the most sustainable FSC Certified woods. The FSC certification for forest management attests to the fact that the forest is being managed in a way that protects biological variety, enhances the lives of locals and employees, and ensures long-term economic viability. Strict environmental, social, and economic requirements are followed in the management of FSC-certified forests. All of Katto’s knives are made in the UK. 

What was our knife of choice?

We decided to opt for the Santoku knife, as a great all-rounder that you can use for most tasks in the kitchen. The ebony black handle is striking and fits the hand very well, while the blade itself is certainly something to look at.

When it comes to using the knife it seems to slice through produce like butter, and it makes the whole process of chopping and slicing, an event to look forward to (even me, if I ever get a look in). It feels even better to use knowing it comes at a low cost to the environment. 

Follow Katto on social media here: instagram.com/katto_kitchen
and visit their website here katto.shop