This batch of 240mm gyutos exists specifically to offer Yoshikazu Tanaka forging and heat treatment at a noticeably lower price than the rest of his lineup. The tradeoff is cosmetic rather than functional, a rough, unrefined blacksmith finish straight from the forge, with visible scratches and small imperfections that are normal and expected on every knife in this batch.
The core is White #2 carbon steel, sometimes called Shirogami #2, a purer steel than the Blue family without chromium or tungsten additions, prized by many sharpening enthusiasts for how easily it takes an extremely keen edge. Tanaka quenches his blades with pine charcoal, a slower and gentler method than many shops use, and hardens this steel to about 62 HRC before setting it into a soft iron jigane finished in kurouchi. The handle is an octagonal oak, simple and durable to match the no frills nature of this batch.
Care Instructions:White #2 is a reactive carbon steel and the soft iron cladding is reactive as well, so wipe and dry the blade immediately after every use rather than letting it sit. Avoid leaving acidic foods against the blade for long stretches, and apply a light coat of camellia oil for longer term storage. Hand wash only, and sharpen on quality water stones, since White steel responds especially well to a careful, patient sharpening technique.
The core is White #2 carbon steel, sometimes called Shirogami #2, a purer steel than the Blue family without chromium or tungsten additions, prized by many sharpening enthusiasts for how easily it takes an extremely keen edge. Tanaka quenches his blades with pine charcoal, a slower and gentler method than many shops use, and hardens this steel to about 62 HRC before setting it into a soft iron jigane finished in kurouchi. The handle is an octagonal oak, simple and durable to match the no frills nature of this batch.
Care Instructions:White #2 is a reactive carbon steel and the soft iron cladding is reactive as well, so wipe and dry the blade immediately after every use rather than letting it sit. Avoid leaving acidic foods against the blade for long stretches, and apply a light coat of camellia oil for longer term storage. Hand wash only, and sharpen on quality water stones, since White steel responds especially well to a careful, patient sharpening technique.
- Blacksmith: Yoshikazu Tanaka
- Sharpener: Tsuyoshi Yauchi
- Location: Sakai, Japan
- Construction: San Mai, Hammer Forged
- Edge Steel: White #2 (Shirogami #2)
- Cladding: Soft Iron
- Finish: Kurouchi
- Hardness: 62 HRC
- Handle: Oak Octagonal
- Weight: 8.2 oz (234 g)
- Blade Length: 229 mm
- Total Length: 383 mm
- Spine Thickness at Heel: 3 mm
- Blade Height: 51 mm
