Shigeki Tanaka R2 Damascus Ironwood Extra-Tall Kiritsuke Gyuto 210mm
Shigeki Tanaka R2 Damascus Ironwood Extra-Tall Kiritsuke Gyuto 210mm
Shigeki Tanaka R2 Damascus Ironwood Extra-Tall Kiritsuke Gyuto 210mm
Shigeki Tanaka R2 Damascus Ironwood Extra-Tall Kiritsuke Gyuto 210mm
Shigeki Tanaka R2 Damascus Ironwood Extra-Tall Kiritsuke Gyuto 210mm
Shigeki Tanaka R2 Damascus Ironwood Extra-Tall Kiritsuke Gyuto 210mm
Shigeki Tanaka R2 Damascus Ironwood Extra-Tall Kiritsuke Gyuto 210mm
Shigeki Tanaka R2 Damascus Ironwood Extra-Tall Kiritsuke Gyuto 210mm
Shigeki Tanaka R2 Damascus Ironwood Extra-Tall Kiritsuke Gyuto 210mm
Shigeki Tanaka R2 Damascus Ironwood Extra-Tall Kiritsuke Gyuto 210mm
Shigeki Tanaka R2 Damascus Ironwood Extra-Tall Kiritsuke Gyuto 210mm

Shigeki Tanaka R2 Damascus Ironwood Extra-Tall Kiritsuke Gyuto 210mm

A very limited super tall gyuto from Tanaka-san for those seeking height, performance and outstanding beauty all in one place! 

The damascus finish is matched and paired with a lovely full tang desert ironwood yo handle and is sold with a wooden presentation box (photographed).

🗝 This is an archive item. It's either so unique it's never coming back into stock, extremely difficult to source or discontinued.

If we able to source more of this knife, it will be restocked in the all knives collection and we will share details via our newsletter and Instagram.

Knife Measurements
  • Blade Edge Length: 203mm / 7.99" (Measurement of the cutting edge)
  • Total Knife Length: 334mm / 13.15" (Blade tip to handle end)
  • Blade Height: 58.8mm / 2.31" (Heel to spine)
  • Blade Thickness: 2.6mm / 0.1" (Spine width above the heel) 2.25mm / 0.09" (Measured halfway along spine) 1.2mm / 0.05" (Measured 15mm from tip)
  • Total Weight: 237 grams / 8.36 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.

Shigeki Tanaka - R2 Damascus

Our in-depth range review

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 & Maintenance Tips

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.

Meet the maker

Shigeki Tanaka

Shigeki Tanaka is a fourth-generation blacksmith based in Miki City, Hyogo Prefecture, an area with a proud history of metalworking and blade production. His family began forging traditional farming tools during the Meiji era, and Shigeki has continued that legacy with a focus on producing high-quality kitchen knives that reflect both heritage and modern craftsmanship.

After training at Takefu Knife Village in Fukui, Tanaka returned to his hometown to develop his own style of knife making. His blades are known for their balance, performance and striking finishes, often featuring elegant damascus patterns or mirror-polished surfaces. Each knife showcases his deep understanding of steel and heat treatment, honed through years of experience at the forge.

Working with steels such as Blue #2, Ginsan and SG2, Tanaka crafts knives that combine traditional Japanese techniques with contemporary precision. His workshop remains small and hands-on, producing blades admired by chefs and collectors around the world.

View all Shigeki Tanaka products