The Shibata R-2 Battleship
Gyuto 195mm is a new blade design from the forge of the ever-inventive blacksmith Takayuki Shibata. Over the past year we have become big fans of this young blacksmith and the wonderful kitchen knives he is producing. His first designs featured a reverse tanto style tip that was inspired by the bow of the first ironclad fighting ship in the Japanese Navy, called the Kotetsu (literal translation of ironclad). This new knife also has that classic reverse short sword tip but with a more pronounced angle and point.
The knife is made from R-2 stainless steel that has been hammer forged, san-mai style, with a softer stainless outer layer. The blade face is given a subtle hair line finish and hand-engraved kanji. The edge profile has a slight belly over almost the entire length which will find particular favor with rocking style users. Combine the shorter length of the edge with the fine pointed tip design, and you have a very versatile knife for both regular processing duties as well as more detailed work.
The coupling of a traditional jarrah wood and black pakka wood handle with this fine looking blade results in a great looking knife, one that is dexterous in hand, nimble in use, and offers a real balance of performance and ease of maintenance.
Yet another winner from Shibata-san!
Maker: Shibata-San
Location: Fukuyama City
Construction: Hammer Forged, San Mai
Cladding: Stainless
Edge Steel: R-2
HRC: 62
Engraving: Hand Engraved
Type: Gyuto
Grind: Double Sided
Edge: 50/50
Handle: Jarrah Wood Octagonal (See photos)
Ferrule: Black Pakka Wood
Weight: 4.3oz
Height: 45mm
Length: 195mm
Spine Thickness: 2mm
Please note the small name change to "Koutetsu" as of 6/11/2021.