Tanaka Gyuto R2 Damascus 210mm (8.3″)

Tanaka Gyuto R2 Damascus is Shigeki Tanaka’s top-of-the-line kitchen knife. This is a very rare piece. Not only is the R2 powder steel one of the best steels to make kitchen knives of, but the looks of this special Tanaka are simply special. Very pronounced, black-ish 33 layers of Damascus pattern on the blade, attached on a yo-style (Western) micarta handle for durability, connected with a stainless bolster for a more comfortable grip.

210mm (8.3″) long gyuto is the perfect choice for chefs who want to wield a real hand-forged Japanese knife made of powder steel which delivers that smooth, fine sharpness. The shape and length are best suited for a main multi-purpose Chef’s knife which will excel at all types of cutting techniques.

R2 steel, sometimes also known under the name SG2, contains around:

• 1.25 – 1.45% of carbon (C), a key element of strength,
• 1.80 – 2.20% of vanadium (V), crucial for the ability to increase the hardness of steel
• 14.00 – 18.00% of chromium (Cr), which protects the blade from developing rust,
• 2.30 – 3.30% of molybdenum (Mo), which helps to maintain hardness and strength at temperature changes.

In short, very hard steel which will keep a smooth, sharp edge for a long time.

The knife comes with a traditional Japanese kiri wooden box.