Another new addition to the Tani line of White #2 knives is this very attractive and attractively priced 240mm
gyuto. It is made by Mr. Tani, who has been smithing for 40 years in Sakai City, one of the famed centers of Japanese knife makers. He performs most of the operations by eye and instinct, just like blacksmiths have done for centuries.
He hand forges the blades in the san-mai style of awase. This involves cladding the core with a soft iron that reinforces the main structure while adding an amount of shock absorption and protection. The cladding is applied to both sides of the blade but does not wrap over the spine.
The knife is stout but not thick. It has a solid feel that translates to a knife that exhibits great control and surety in operation. The length to height ratio is nicely balanced for most users. The primary bevel is given a lovely hairline finish that contrasts very well with the polished upper face and White steel core edge. Hand chiseled kanji characters add to this good look along with a well-constructed and -finished keyaki wood and brown pakka wood handle. These knives offer outstanding performance at a very competitive price. Color us impressed!
Blacksmith: Tani san
Location: Sakai, Japan
Weight: 8.5 oz/ 242g
Blade Length: 237mm
Overall Length: 383mm
Spine Thickness at Heel: 3.1mm
Blade Height at Heel: 52.1mm
Photos by Gustavo Bermudez