Shigeki Tanaka R2 Damascus 210mm Gyuto ( Black Series )

About Tanaka Kazuyuki Hamono (田中一之刃物)

The origins of Tanaka's blade-making tradition date back to 1904 during the late Meiji era, when the family began forging sickles during the time of the Russo-Japanese War. In 1946, the workshop shifted its focus towards kitchen knives, laying the foundation for what would become one of Japan's respected knife-making families.

In 2000, under the leadership of the third-generation blacksmith, Kazuyuki Tanaka (田中一之), the workshop was officially renamed Tanaka Kazuyuki Hamono (田中一之刃物). Since then, the family has continued to uphold its commitment to traditional craftsmanship while embracing modern techniques.

Kazuyuki's son, Shigeki Tanaka (田中誠貴), began forging alongside his father in 1994. After training in the renowned knife-making region of Fukui, including experience at Takefu Knife Village, the father-and-son team returned to Miki and produced knives under the marks "Shigeki Saku" and "Hideyuki Saku".

As a fourth-generation blacksmith from Miki, Shigeki Tanaka carries forward a proud family legacy while establishing his own distinctive style. His work is widely admired for its exceptional cutting performance, elegant profiles, and meticulous finishing. Today, Tanaka-san is regarded as one of Japan's most accomplished contemporary knife makers, with collectors and professional chefs around the world seeking out his creations for their beauty, performance, and unmistakable character.

This series showcases Tanaka-san's expertise in both metallurgy and craftsmanship. At its core is R2/SG2 powdered stainless steel, heat-treated to approximately HRC 63, delivering outstanding edge retention, wear resistance, and cutting performance.

The blade is clad in 33 layers of Damascus steel, creating flowing patterns that resemble ripples on water. Through multiple stages of acid etching and hand polishing, the Damascus finish develops remarkable depth and contrast. The result is a striking three-dimensional appearance that can be both seen and felt when running your fingers across the blade.

Combining exceptional cutting performance with captivating aesthetics, the Harukaze Series embodies the philosophy that a knife should be not only a tool, but also a work of craftsmanship.

Spec:

• • Origin (Made in): Miki, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
  • Brand: Tanaka Kazuyuki Hamono
  • Craftsman: Shigeki Tanaka
  • Knife Type: Gyuto
  • Blade
    • Construction: San Mai
    • Grind: Double-edged Blade (50/50 Grind)
    • Hagane (Core Steel): R2
    • Jigane (Cladding): Stainless Steel
    • Hardness: 63 HRC
    • Hand-forged, hand-ground, hand-sharpened
  • Blade Finishes:
    • 33 layered Damascus
    • Kurosome (Black Etched)
      
  • Blade Length: 210mm ( 11.72 inch )
  • Blade Height (at heel): 49mm
  • Spine Thickness
    • Above heel: 2.5mm
    • Middle: 2.3mm
  • Handle
    • Ebony with White Baffalo Horn Hachikaku (Octagonal)
      
• Weight : 165g
• Mark (Front): In Japanese Kanji "Craftsman Shigeki's Work" (名匠 誠貴作)
  
  

  **Care Instructions:**  

  SG2 stainless steel is a premium powdered steel known for its exceptional hardness, edge retention, and resistance to corrosion, making it a top choice for high-performance kitchen knives. To maintain SG2 stainless steel knives, it’s essential to hand wash them with mild soap and water, then immediately dry them to prevent water spots or potential corrosion. Avoid cutting on hard surfaces like glass or granite, and store the knife in a sheath or on a magnetic strip to protect the blade.To maintain the blade’s edge and its lifespan, avoid chopping bones and frozen foods.