Shigeki Tanaka Ao2 Walnut Kiritsuke 200mm
SPECIFICATIONS
Knife Style: Kiritsuke (Gyuto)
Steel Type: Carbon Steel
Blade Material: Aogami Blue #2
Blade Finish: Kurouchi (Bricked)
Blade Hardness: 62HRC (+/-1)
Bevel: Double
Handle: Walnut with Buffalo Horn Ferrule
Blade Length: 200mm
Heel Height: 50mm
Spine Thickness: 2.60mm tappered to 1.80mm
Weight: 168g
The Tanaka workshop traces its roots back to 1904, when the family first began forging agricultural tools in the late Meiji era. Over time, the craft evolved from sickles to kitchen blades, and by the third generation, knife making had become the heart of the workshop.
In 2000, under Kazuyuki Tanaka, the family officially adopted the name Tanaka Kazuyuki Hamono, opening a new chapter devoted entirely to kitchen knives. Around the same period, his son Shigeki Tanaka entered the forge. Since then, father and son have worked side by side, combining classical training from Fukui with their own refined approach. Blades bearing the “Shigeki saku” stamp reflect that partnership — subtle, disciplined, and quietly respected among professionals.
This 200mm Kiritsuke Gyuto is one of the most expressive forms of that tradition. Forged in Aogami Blue #2, a carbon steel prized for both sharpness and sharpening feel, the blade develops an edge that is exceptionally clean and precise. Hardened to around 62 HRC, it delivers the cutting feedback carbon steel enthusiasts look for — crisp at the start of the cut, stable through dense ingredients, and extremely responsive on stones.
What sets this knife apart is its balance between strength and performance. This is not a fragile laser. The heel and choil area are deliberately more substantial, giving the blade rigidity, confidence, and excellent stability on the board. From there, the spine tapers progressively toward the tip, allowing the knife to thin out where it matters most and flow smoothly through product. The result is a knife that feels solid in hand, yet cuts with surprising ease and refinement.
The Kiritsuke-inspired profile adds a more technical dimension to the classic Gyuto. The long, straight edge excels in push cuts and vegetable work, while the sharp K-tip brings precision for detail work, proteins, and fine finishing. It’s a profile built for control, efficiency, and versatility in real kitchen conditions.
The dark kurouchi finish preserves the raw identity of the forge while offering natural protection, contrasted by a clean, polished edge line that reveals the craftsmanship beneath. Finished with a walnut handle and buffalo horn ferrule, the knife remains understated, functional, and unmistakably traditional.
This is not a statement piece.
It’s a true working knife — strong at the heel, refined through the taper, and shaped by more than a century of family craftsmanship to perform day after day.
◻️ Additional Information
Please note that colours, shading, and overall appearance may vary slightly between photos and the product you receive. Lighting, camera exposure, and reflections on materials like steel, epoxy, and wood can all create subtle differences.
Many of our items are handmade, which means each piece has its own character. Minor variations in pattern, texture, or finish are normal and part of the craft.
If you’d like to see additional photos or close-ups of any item, feel free to request them before or after placing your order—especially for one-of-a-kind pieces. We’re always happy to help you choose the perfect knife or handle.
◻️ Sharp Certified
Before our knives are shipped, each one undergoes a rigorous sharpness test to ensure they meet the highest standards of quality. Our BESS Certified sharpness scale will guarantee that your knives deliver the smoothest cuts.
This commitment to sharpness not only guarantees that you receive a product that's ready to perform at its best but also reflects our dedication to delivering excellence in every aspect of our field.
◻️ Shipping & Returns
Every product listed on our website is physically in stock at our shop and typically ships within 24 hours — giving us enough time for sharpening and proper packaging.
The only exceptions are custom knife assemblies or engraving, which may require 3-5 days before shipping. Everything is done in-house, so even with the extra steps, it’s still exceptionally fast.
Canadian orders can say goodbye to unexpected duties, additional customs fees and exchange rate fluctuations; all our prices are clear and upfront.
For international orders, we take care of providing the declarations documents on items from foreign countries.
We know choosing a knife online isn’t always easy. To make things stress-free, we offer a flexible 30-day Return Policy on regular-priced items. Take a look at our full policy for all the details!
◻️ Contact Us
We are at your service through email, social media, or even by phone, where you can have a direct conversation with one of our team members during our business hours.
Whether you require assistance with your existing product, have inquiries about a potential purchase, need more specific details, additional photos, or even a video to get a better sense of the product in a real human hand, we've got you covered.
Don't hesitate to get in touch.
