Our in-depth range review

First Impressions

We like Shigeki Tanaka knives, the more we see of them the more it's clear the skill and consistency of his craft is there in each one and this is no different. 

Sharp out of the box as you might expect and with a nice feel in hand they're a joy to work with and use.

Beauty


As finishes go, this is certainly subtle but the nashiji finish running down to the exposed polished silver 3 core really works nicely and we've paired it with a walnut and black buffalo handle to complete the look.

Durability


Silver 3 or "Gingami No. 3" from Hitachi Metals is a high performance steel that retains an excellent edge comparable to many carbon steels.

Ease of Care & Maintenance Tips

Just rinse, dry and store and make sure you keep the edge in tip top condition with a ceramic honing rod and you're good to go!

Our Verdict

Although relatively young compared to some blacksmiths, Shigeki Tanaka has shown across his many popular knives that he creates top quality knives and across all his ranges the value for money to performance ratio is always good. 

If you're looking for an excellent addition to a collection or a new first knife you would be in good hands with Tanaka san.

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.

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