Shigeki Tanaka VG10 Damascus Gyuto 240mm

A real understated beauty that combines the best of all worlds, its VG10 core clad in an easy to maintain stainless mean performance is excellent and the polished finish provides a visual treat when it's stored on your knife rack.

Well balanced and nimble we think Tanaka san has created an excellent knife for a wide range of cooks and collectors.

 

All orders shipped UK and Worldwide are sent fully tracked and insured as standard and we dispatch on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

UK Shipping

  • Free DPD Shipping on all orders over £100
  • Orders under £100 are charged a small fee and different delivery speeds and services are available to select at checkout

If your order contains a blade, no matter what the price it will be dispatched with DPD and ID will be required on delivery.

Worldwide

  • Flat rate - £25 on orders under £350
  • Free Shipping on all orders over £350

Some international exclusions apply and all orders sent outside UK are dispatched DDU (Duties Unpaid) and payment of local tax and import duty is the responsibility of the customer.

Postage and returns

Product Code: 8552

First Impressions

The consistent grind on the VG10 is impressive and out of the box the sharpness is as good as you'd expect from a top level blacksmith. This is a knife that's ready for business!

Beauty

Definitely a good looking knife, we pair most of them with a traditional wa handle in teak and black buffalo which creates a nice contrast with the beautiful exposed layering in the cladding steel all the way down to the core cutting edge. Occasionally the knives in this range are available with a pakka wood half-tang yo handle.

The cutting edge is polished and then fades to a more matt like migaki style finish so this knife would suit someone who is looking for a good amount of visual interest in their knives but perhaps not something that screams too loud for attention!

Durability

The VG10 core clad in stainless steel is a classic combination for good reason. It's got a good balance of edge retention and sharpness and is easy to look after. 

Ease of Care & Maintenance Tips

Caring for the knife and maintaining its sharpness is as easy as rinsing and drying after use and for longer term care we recommend a Japanese knife care kit.

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

Our Verdict

The VG10 will suit a wide range of people and uses because it covers a lot of bases. It's well made and finished by a master blacksmith and uses a classic steel combination that retains and edge but doesn't need a ton of maintenance and it's at a price point that makes it very accessible. 

We're delighted to stock this and think it offers great value for money from a top class blacksmith.

Shigeki Tanaka VG10 Damascus Gyuto 240mm - Product quick view

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

Knife Measurements - Shigeki Tanaka VG10 Damascus Gyuto 240mm

  • Blade Edge Length: 245mm / 9.65" (Measurement of the cutting edge)
  • Total Knife Length: 393mm / 15.47" (Blade tip to handle end)
  • Blade Height: 54mm / 2.13" (Heel to spine)
  • Blade Thickness: 2.37mm / 0.09" (Spine width above the heel)
  • Total Weight: 183 grams / 6.46 oz

Range Specifications

  • Core Steel: VG10
  • Cladding Steel: Stainless
  • Hardness: ~61 (HRC)
  • Handle Style: Japanese (Wa)
  • Handle Material: Octagonal wa teak and black buffalo horn
  • Left or Right handed: Suitable for both (Double Bevel)

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.

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

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

Helping you find the perfect knives & accessories

Cutting Edge Knives is a proudly independent family run small business established in 2011 and based in the picturesque town of Holmfirth, West Yorkshire in the UK.

We love the history and craftsmanship that goes into making Japanese chef knives and accessories and the excitement and enjoyment you experience when using a truly sharp knife in the kitchen. Over many years we've helped thousands of happy customers find their dream knife and look forward to helping you too.

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