We asked Shiba to offer us his interpretation of the classic French profile chef knife, a shape that became famous before he was born! He decided to make this knife from Aogami Super high carbon steel. This is the first of his blades that we have sold made from this steel. His usual fare is knives forged from R2.
The result is a wonderfully light and balanced blade. Shibata-san is a master sharpener and these knives are hair-splitting sharp out of the box. Plus, with this excellent steel, they'll hold that edge for a long time. The core steel is covered with a softer stainless steel cladding which adds to the strength and durability of the blade. The fine-looking blade is augmented with an equally well-executed octagonal handle.Maker: Takayuki Shibata
Brand: Kotetsu AS
Construction: San Mai, Hammer Forged
Cladding: Stainless
Edge Steel: AS (Aogami Super Steel)
Edge Grind: Even (See Choil Shot)
Handle: Octagonal Rosewood
Ferrule: Black Pakka Wood
Weight: 6.1 oz (174 g)
Blade Length: 244 mm
Total Length: 397 mm
Spine Thickness at Base: 2 mm
Blade Height: 49 mm
Photos by Gustavo Bermudez
The result is a wonderfully light and balanced blade. Shibata-san is a master sharpener and these knives are hair-splitting sharp out of the box. Plus, with this excellent steel, they'll hold that edge for a long time. The core steel is covered with a softer stainless steel cladding which adds to the strength and durability of the blade. The fine-looking blade is augmented with an equally well-executed octagonal handle.
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Another outstanding laser from Takayuki Shibata
Another outstanding laser from Takayuki ShibataPosted By: Travis Basabas
22 people found this review helpful
I already own a shibatas kotetsu bunka, and man is that a joy, but this AS model caught my attention. I had a couple other knives that were collecting up dust so I figured I would sell em to try this bad boy out. I am so glad I did because this thing is a beast. Like his other knives, it just flies through soft product like nothing. Because it is a laser grind you are prone to stickage here and there but it doesn't really bother me. The edge does patina fairly quickly, which I love, but if you don't then make sure to wipe frequently.
22 people found this review helpful
I already own a shibatas kotetsu bunka, and man is that a joy, but this AS model caught my attention. I had a couple other knives that were collecting up dust so I figured I would sell em to try this bad boy out. I am so glad I did because this thing is a beast. Like his other knives, it just flies through soft product like nothing. Because it is a laser grind you are prone to stickage here and there but it doesn't really bother me. The edge does patina fairly quickly, which I love, but if you don't then make sure to wipe frequently.
Another outstanding laser from Takayuki ShibataPosted By: Travis Basabas
22 people found this review helpful
I already own a shibatas kotetsu bunka, and man is that a joy, but this AS model caught my attention. I had a couple other knives that were collecting up dust so I figured I would sell em to try this bad boy out. I am so glad I did because this thing is a beast. Like his other knives, it just flies through soft product like nothing. Because it is a laser grind you are prone to stickage here and there but it doesn't really bother me. The edge does patina fairly quickly, which I love, but if you don't then make sure to wipe frequently.
22 people found this review helpful
I already own a shibatas kotetsu bunka, and man is that a joy, but this AS model caught my attention. I had a couple other knives that were collecting up dust so I figured I would sell em to try this bad boy out. I am so glad I did because this thing is a beast. Like his other knives, it just flies through soft product like nothing. Because it is a laser grind you are prone to stickage here and there but it doesn't really bother me. The edge does patina fairly quickly, which I love, but if you don't then make sure to wipe frequently.
Another outstanding laser from Takayuki ShibataPosted By: Travis Basabas
22 people found this review helpful
I already own a shibatas kotetsu bunka, and man is that a joy, but this AS model caught my attention. I had a couple other knives that were collecting up dust so I figured I would sell em to try this bad boy out. I am so glad I did because this thing is a beast. Like his other knives, it just flies through soft product like nothing. Because it is a laser grind you are prone to stickage here and there but it doesn't really bother me. The edge does patina fairly quickly, which I love, but if you don't then make sure to wipe frequently.
22 people found this review helpful
I already own a shibatas kotetsu bunka, and man is that a joy, but this AS model caught my attention. I had a couple other knives that were collecting up dust so I figured I would sell em to try this bad boy out. I am so glad I did because this thing is a beast. Like his other knives, it just flies through soft product like nothing. Because it is a laser grind you are prone to stickage here and there but it doesn't really bother me. The edge does patina fairly quickly, which I love, but if you don't then make sure to wipe frequently.
Another outstanding laser from Takayuki ShibataPosted By: Travis Basabas
22 people found this review helpful
I already own a shibatas kotetsu bunka, and man is that a joy, but this AS model caught my attention. I had a couple other knives that were collecting up dust so I figured I would sell em to try this bad boy out. I am so glad I did because this thing is a beast. Like his other knives, it just flies through soft product like nothing. Because it is a laser grind you are prone to stickage here and there but it doesn't really bother me. The edge does patina fairly quickly, which I love, but if you don't then make sure to wipe frequently.
22 people found this review helpful
I already own a shibatas kotetsu bunka, and man is that a joy, but this AS model caught my attention. I had a couple other knives that were collecting up dust so I figured I would sell em to try this bad boy out. I am so glad I did because this thing is a beast. Like his other knives, it just flies through soft product like nothing. Because it is a laser grind you are prone to stickage here and there but it doesn't really bother me. The edge does patina fairly quickly, which I love, but if you don't then make sure to wipe frequently.
Another outstanding laser from Takayuki ShibataPosted By: Travis Basabas
22 people found this review helpful
I already own a shibatas kotetsu bunka, and man is that a joy, but this AS model caught my attention. I had a couple other knives that were collecting up dust so I figured I would sell em to try this bad boy out. I am so glad I did because this thing is a beast. Like his other knives, it just flies through soft product like nothing. Because it is a laser grind you are prone to stickage here and there but it doesn't really bother me. The edge does patina fairly quickly, which I love, but if you don't then make sure to wipe frequently.
22 people found this review helpful
I already own a shibatas kotetsu bunka, and man is that a joy, but this AS model caught my attention. I had a couple other knives that were collecting up dust so I figured I would sell em to try this bad boy out. I am so glad I did because this thing is a beast. Like his other knives, it just flies through soft product like nothing. Because it is a laser grind you are prone to stickage here and there but it doesn't really bother me. The edge does patina fairly quickly, which I love, but if you don't then make sure to wipe frequently.
Another outstanding laser from Takayuki ShibataPosted By: Travis Basabas
22 people found this review helpful
I already own a shibatas kotetsu bunka, and man is that a joy, but this AS model caught my attention. I had a couple other knives that were collecting up dust so I figured I would sell em to try this bad boy out. I am so glad I did because this thing is a beast. Like his other knives, it just flies through soft product like nothing. Because it is a laser grind you are prone to stickage here and there but it doesn't really bother me. The edge does patina fairly quickly, which I love, but if you don't then make sure to wipe frequently.
22 people found this review helpful
I already own a shibatas kotetsu bunka, and man is that a joy, but this AS model caught my attention. I had a couple other knives that were collecting up dust so I figured I would sell em to try this bad boy out. I am so glad I did because this thing is a beast. Like his other knives, it just flies through soft product like nothing. Because it is a laser grind you are prone to stickage here and there but it doesn't really bother me. The edge does patina fairly quickly, which I love, but if you don't then make sure to wipe frequently.
Great Purchase!Posted By: Julio Rosado - verified customer
25 people found this review helpful
I love this knife. I must admit, I was apprehensive of getting a knife that borders on 250 mm. I am glad to say my fears were unwarranted! It is noticeably lighter than my previous knife (a 210mm vg10 western style), such that although it looks larger, it manages to feel more nimble. The balance point is just slightly over a pinch grip, which helps give it some presence. Although I usually prefer to have the balance point toward the back, it definitely works better being slightly forward here; if it were further back, i imagine it would feel so light that I would forget I am even holding a knife.This knife (especially for the size) is THIN. It flies through ingredients and soft produce. It is large enough to carve and slice meats with a single motion. It has a small curve throughout, but it is fairly slight. I manage to get even cuts with it, especially with the back third. The core steel patina'd very quickly. The edge is so thin, that I assume it may rust quickly if left unattended, so keep an eye on it, wipe it often, or force a patina early. I managed to get an even blue patina around the edge with meat juices after carving. Just slather it on the edge for 5 minutes. Wipe it clean and reapply it 2-4 times, until you get the desired tone. The grind is so steep that even the part stainless steel coating near the edge patina'd slightly too.Treat this knife well, and It will treat you well too!
25 people found this review helpful
I love this knife. I must admit, I was apprehensive of getting a knife that borders on 250 mm. I am glad to say my fears were unwarranted! It is noticeably lighter than my previous knife (a 210mm vg10 western style), such that although it looks larger, it manages to feel more nimble. The balance point is just slightly over a pinch grip, which helps give it some presence. Although I usually prefer to have the balance point toward the back, it definitely works better being slightly forward here; if it were further back, i imagine it would feel so light that I would forget I am even holding a knife.This knife (especially for the size) is THIN. It flies through ingredients and soft produce. It is large enough to carve and slice meats with a single motion. It has a small curve throughout, but it is fairly slight. I manage to get even cuts with it, especially with the back third. The core steel patina'd very quickly. The edge is so thin, that I assume it may rust quickly if left unattended, so keep an eye on it, wipe it often, or force a patina early. I managed to get an even blue patina around the edge with meat juices after carving. Just slather it on the edge for 5 minutes. Wipe it clean and reapply it 2-4 times, until you get the desired tone. The grind is so steep that even the part stainless steel coating near the edge patina'd slightly too.Treat this knife well, and It will treat you well too!
