R-2 steel is manufactured by the Kobelco Steel Company. It is a powdered steel which exhibits really good strength, excellent wear resistance, and the ability to take a very sharp edge. The same steel can be found in other knives but it is called SG-2. These are the same alloys but the SG-2 brand is resold and rebranded by Takefu Specialty Steels.
We don't have a saya that fits this knife.
Takayuki Shibata is a young blacksmith working out of his shop in Fukuyama City, Hiroshima, Japan. It is here that he developed his very unique line of Kotetsu knives. Kotetsu translates to "ironclad," which was the name given to the first ironclad battleship in the Japanese Navy. It had a very distinctive pointed bow, which allowed it to carve through water with ease and efficiency.
This is the basic mantra of his knives. They are made very thin -- laser thin. They are endowed with a beautifully formed profile and razor-sharp cutting edge. The fit and finish are of the very highest standards. The sides of the knife have a rough finish to reduce friction between the food and the blade. The spine of the knife has a very high mirror polish. This maximizes friction between your fingers and the blade, for better control, comfort, and safety.
The final word on these unique and beautiful knives belongs to the master. "In my kitchen and in my workshop, I am always thinking about you, my customer. I hope that my knives will surprise and delight you. May your cooking life be enriched! With loving thanks from my kitchen to yours." -ShibaMaker: Shibata San
Location: Fukuyama City
Construction: Hammer Forged, San Mai
Steel: R2
Weight: 6.2 oz
Blade Length: 250 mm
Total Length: 386 mm
Spine Thickness at Base: 2 mm
Blade Height: 51 mm
NO BONES OR FROZEN FOODS
Please note the small name change to "Koutetsu" as of 6/11/2021.
Takayuki Shibata is a young blacksmith working out of his shop in Fukuyama City, Hiroshima, Japan. It is here that he developed his very unique line of Kotetsu knives. Kotetsu translates to "ironclad," which was the name given to the first ironclad battleship in the Japanese Navy. It had a very distinctive pointed bow, which allowed it to carve through water with ease and efficiency.
This is the basic mantra of his knives. They are made very thin -- laser thin. They are endowed with a beautifully formed profile and razor-sharp cutting edge. The fit and finish are of the very highest standards. The sides of the knife have a rough finish to reduce friction between the food and the blade. The spine of the knife has a very high mirror polish. This maximizes friction between your fingers and the blade, for better control, comfort, and safety.
The final word on these unique and beautiful knives belongs to the master. "In my kitchen and in my workshop, I am always thinking about you, my customer. I hope that my knives will surprise and delight you. May your cooking life be enriched! With loving thanks from my kitchen to yours." -Shiba
Superb with excellent weight. True craftsmanship Superb with excellent weight. True craftsmanship 
