Mark asked Takayuki Shibata to do something unusual - take the classic French chef knife profile that was already famous before the blacksmith was born, and reinterpret it in Aogami Super high carbon steel. It was the first time Shibata-san had worked with AS, a steel more commonly associated with his R2 line, and the result is one of the most interesting knives in the Shibata catalog.
Shibata-san works out of his shop in Fukuyama City, a suburb of Hiroshima, and has built a reputation for laser-thin hammer-forged blades with exceptional out-of-the-box sharpness and grinds that outperform knives at multiples of the price. The AS Gyuto 240mm carries all of those characteristics into a longer format. Aogami Super is the highest-performing carbon steel in common kitchen knife use - capable of reaching extraordinary hardness, holding an edge through sustained heavy prep, and sharpening with a responsiveness that stainless steels rarely match. The soft stainless cladding protects the blade road while the AS core does the cutting work. At 240mm this is a professional-length chef knife built for cooks who want carbon steel performance in a full-size format.
What Customers Are Saying: One owner who already had a Shibata Kotetsu bunka describes this AS gyuto as an equally impressive performer in a longer format - a laser that flies through soft product with almost no resistance. The edge patinas quickly with use, which experienced carbon users find desirable, though the reviewer notes that cooks who prefer a clean blade should wipe frequently. The grind and edge geometry draw consistent praise as the defining characteristics of every Shibata knife.
Care Instructions: Aogami Super carbon steel with stainless cladding means the edge is reactive - the cladding protects the blade road but the edge itself will patina and can rust if neglected. Wipe and dry the knife promptly after use, especially after contact with acidic ingredients. Hand wash only - never the dishwasher. Apply a light coat of camellia oil for long-term storage. Strop regularly and sharpen on quality water stones to maintain the exceptional edge geometry Shibata-san builds into each blade. Free shipping over $100.
Shibata-san works out of his shop in Fukuyama City, a suburb of Hiroshima, and has built a reputation for laser-thin hammer-forged blades with exceptional out-of-the-box sharpness and grinds that outperform knives at multiples of the price. The AS Gyuto 240mm carries all of those characteristics into a longer format. Aogami Super is the highest-performing carbon steel in common kitchen knife use - capable of reaching extraordinary hardness, holding an edge through sustained heavy prep, and sharpening with a responsiveness that stainless steels rarely match. The soft stainless cladding protects the blade road while the AS core does the cutting work. At 240mm this is a professional-length chef knife built for cooks who want carbon steel performance in a full-size format.
What Customers Are Saying: One owner who already had a Shibata Kotetsu bunka describes this AS gyuto as an equally impressive performer in a longer format - a laser that flies through soft product with almost no resistance. The edge patinas quickly with use, which experienced carbon users find desirable, though the reviewer notes that cooks who prefer a clean blade should wipe frequently. The grind and edge geometry draw consistent praise as the defining characteristics of every Shibata knife.
Care Instructions: Aogami Super carbon steel with stainless cladding means the edge is reactive - the cladding protects the blade road but the edge itself will patina and can rust if neglected. Wipe and dry the knife promptly after use, especially after contact with acidic ingredients. Hand wash only - never the dishwasher. Apply a light coat of camellia oil for long-term storage. Strop regularly and sharpen on quality water stones to maintain the exceptional edge geometry Shibata-san builds into each blade. Free shipping over $100.
- Blacksmith: Takayuki Shibata
- Location: Fukuyama City, Hiroshima, Japan
- Construction: San Mai, Hammer Forged
- Edge Steel: Aogami Super Carbon
- Cladding: Stainless
- Edge Grind: Even (50/50)
- Blade Length: 240 mm
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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!
