Takayuki Shibata is the maker of these excellent knives featuring R-2 powdered stainless steel. They are very thin blades with exceptional 50/50 grinds and steep edges that are designed for superior cutting performance.
The Japanese knife industry is passionate about R-2 steel and many fine products made from this steel show why. They hold a sharp edge and they are very durable. Most users of this knife find that it is very easy to use and to sharpen. Cutting most produce requires very little pressure on the knife. Powder metal technology has advanced in the making of knives and the R-2 steel exemplifies this. This knife is strong, lightweight, and possesses a fine aesthetic appearance. The fit and finish are as good as it gets.
The core steel is covered with a softer stainless steel cladding which adds to the strength and durability of the blade. Shiba has this to say about the cladding finish: “The sides of my knife have a rough finish, to minimize friction between the food and the blade. This is especially noticeable with foods that have a high water content. My knife's rough sides break up the water's surface tension, allowing the blade to slide through more easily.”
Each knife comes with a well-made octagonal handle and pakka wood ferrule.Maker: Shibata san
Construction: San Mai, Hammer Forged
Edge Steel: R-2 Stainless
Cladding: Stainless
Edge Length: 149mm
Height: 31mm
Weight: 2.9oz/ 84g
Please note the small name change to "Koutetsu" as of 6/11/2021.
The Japanese knife industry is passionate about R-2 steel and many fine products made from this steel show why. They hold a sharp edge and they are very durable. Most users of this knife find that it is very easy to use and to sharpen. Cutting most produce requires very little pressure on the knife. Powder metal technology has advanced in the making of knives and the R-2 steel exemplifies this. This knife is strong, lightweight, and possesses a fine aesthetic appearance. The fit and finish are as good as it gets.
The core steel is covered with a softer stainless steel cladding which adds to the strength and durability of the blade. Shiba has this to say about the cladding finish: “The sides of my knife have a rough finish, to minimize friction between the food and the blade. This is especially noticeable with foods that have a high water content. My knife's rough sides break up the water's surface tension, allowing the blade to slide through more easily.”
Each knife comes with a well-made octagonal handle and pakka wood ferrule.
Reviews
2 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) An astonishing knifePosted By: Georgios Spiliotopoulos - verified customer
2 people found this review helpful
To be honest I am not a chef, and the reason why I bought this knife is because I was impressed by its astonishing sharpness, and I wanted something to last for years. I had an absolutely perfect experience from the customer service, and I chose this size, which -despite its name- is large enough and absolutely adequate for all my kitchen needs. I also chose a Small Blue handle for it, and the wonderful people from the store installed it for me without extra charge. Now the result is a real work of art!
2 people found this review helpful
To be honest I am not a chef, and the reason why I bought this knife is because I was impressed by its astonishing sharpness, and I wanted something to last for years. I had an absolutely perfect experience from the customer service, and I chose this size, which -despite its name- is large enough and absolutely adequate for all my kitchen needs. I also chose a Small Blue handle for it, and the wonderful people from the store installed it for me without extra charge. Now the result is a real work of art!
Product ReviewPosted By: Jason - verified customer
2 people found this review helpful
This knife thin light and very nimble. You hardly notice it in your hand. Out of the box the edge was very sharp. I've never had a knife made of R-2 but was very impressed and a great option for something stainless and high edge retention. It seems to retain its edge for a long while as I haven't had to sharpen it yet so I can't comment on it's ease of sharpening. I think this knife is perfect as a petty. Also it has quite a distinctive modern look to it that's easy on the eyes
2 people found this review helpful
This knife thin light and very nimble. You hardly notice it in your hand. Out of the box the edge was very sharp. I've never had a knife made of R-2 but was very impressed and a great option for something stainless and high edge retention. It seems to retain its edge for a long while as I haven't had to sharpen it yet so I can't comment on it's ease of sharpening. I think this knife is perfect as a petty. Also it has quite a distinctive modern look to it that's easy on the eyes
