Name: Shigeki Tanaka R2 Damascus Gyuto 240mm with Ironwood handle
Brand: Shigeki Tanaka
SKU: SHIG-001
Price: 750.0 GBP
Availability: InStock

First Impressions

While you may be drawn by the looks initially, Tanaka san has also created an excellent knife that's evenly ground and impressively sharp out of the box.

We'd expect as much from a highly experienced master blacksmith and the edge retention offered by the hard R2 steel will ensure good performance between honing and sharpening.

Beauty

If looks are important then you're going to love this range. From the traditional kiri wood presentation box* the knife arrives in to the beautifully exposed layering along the length of the blade, each knife is completely unique and you'll enjoy looking at it as much as using it.

In Hand

Fitted as standard with a traditional teak and black buffalo wood octagonal wa handle the knife is nimble and well balanced. Some knives in this collection are also available with custom full-tang stabilised maple handles as well.

Durability

Hardened to approximately 62-63HRC, the R2 steel used in the core and cutting edge of the knife will have excellent edge retention while being reasonably easy to sharpen and maintain.

Ease of Care

Caring for the knife and maintaining its sharpness is as easy as rinsing and drying after use and periodically honing it with a ceramic rod to keep the edge in top condition.

We do also recommend you store it on a knife block or rack if possible.

Our Verdict

The R2 is some of Tanaka san's finest work and a real treat to use in the kitchen. Every unique pattern on the knives is beautiful and the performance is excellent and we feel that this is a range well worth looking at for any keen home chef or knife collector.

* Please note the wooden presentation box is only available for the knives in this range where included in photographs. Other knives are shipped with a standard card storage/presentation box.

Product Quick View

Want to see a little more of the knife? Check out what the knife looks like in hand and up close.

Product details

Blade Length: 236mm (Measurement of the cutting edge)
Total Length: 365mm (Blade + Handle)
Blade Thickness: 2.47mm (Measured level with heel)
Blade Height: 51.2mm (Heel to spine)
Total Weight: 246 grams
Core Steel: R2
This knife is made from a stain resistant steel and so is a great choice for ease of care and it won't react with your ingredients like a carbon steel knife.

Read the Japanese knife care guide
Add a knife care kit
Cladding Steel: Stainless
Hardness: 62-63 (HRC)
Handle Style: Japanese
Handle Material: Octagonal teak and black buffalo as standard. Also available with assorted custom and limited edition handles
Left or Right handed: Either (Double Bevel)

Product SKU: SHIG-001

Our aim is to measure and photograph all our products as accurately as possible but due to the handmade nature of many items, please be aware that there may be some variance in the measurements and that things such as blade and knife handle patterns can vary and presentation boxes may differ from those shown but we will always endeavour to provide the most accurate measurements, photos and descriptions of our products.

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

Protection & care for this knife

A photo of various protective guards for Japanese chef knives

We recommend a 240mm gyuto magnolia saya for this knife.

Saya & Guards Knife Racks & Storage Sharpening & Blade Care

Blacksmith Profile

Shigeki Tanaka

A fourth generation blacksmith, Shigeki Tanaka and his small workshop based in Miki City are highly regarded for their skill and experience which has been passed down through the generations.

View all knives from Shigeki Tanaka

Shigeki Tanaka R2 Damascus Gyuto 240mm with Ironwood handle