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Tanaka  |  SKU: TANA_B2KU_GY240

Tanaka Blue 2 Gyuto 240mm Kurouchi Black Chacate

$429.95
IMPORTANT: Carbon steel knives can rust or patina quickly if not cared for properly. They require regular cleaning, drying, and oiling. If you are unfamiliar with carbon steel maintenance, we recommend choosing a stainless steel option instead.

Add a saya or K&S Knife Roll to receive $20 bundle discount!

Detailed Specifications
Line Shigeki Tanaka KU Blue 2
Profile Gyuto / Chefs Knife
Bevel Type Double Bevel
Weight 234 g        8.25 oz
Edge Length 240 mm   .9.45 inch
Heel Height 52 mm     .2.05 inch
Width @ Spine 3.0 mm     0.12 inch
Width @ Mid 2.2 mm     0.09 inch
Width @ 1cm from Tip 0.8 mm     0.03 inch
Steel Blue 2 / Aogami #2 | Carbon
Blade Construction Sanmai - Soft Iron Clad
Hardness (HRC) 61 - 63
Surface Finish Kurouchi
Handle Octagonal Black Chacate
Region Miki
Best for
  • Pro chefs
  • Enthusiasts
    		•
    • Free shipping for knives over AU$200 Australia wide.
    • World-wide shipping via DHL Express, 3 to 5 days.


    Forget the polish – Shigeki Tanaka's Blue #2 line is where real cutting happens. This is one of Tanaka's long-standing signature series, beloved for getting the fundamentals brutally right: a perfect profile, true workhorse grind geometry, and outstanding cutting feel that powers through prep.

    Yeah, the finish is rustic. It's not a show pony. But that's the point. Tanaka pours his skill where it counts: masterfully heat-treating Blue #2 steel. This gives you serious edge retention combined with solid impact resistance – a blade built for the long haul.

    This is the definition of a workhorse grind: thicker spine, robust edge, built to take real impact and keep slicing. No delicate lasers here – just reliable, day-in, day-out performance.

    Heads up: It's carbon steel with iron cladding. That legendary toughness comes with responsibility – it wants to rust. Seriously, just keep it dry between tasks and after washing. It demands respect, but rewards you with incredible cutting power.

    If you want a knife that feels solid in hand, powers through ingredients, and prioritizes pure, durable performance over fancy finishes, this Tanaka Blue #2 is your true carbon workhorse. Pay for the grind, not the gloss – just remember the towel! 

    Pros Cons
  • Budget friendly
  • Excellent performance
    		•
  • Need extra care
  • Prone to rust
    		•

    Care Instruction
    1. Don't cut hard things! Japanese knives are brittle so bone hacking is a NO NO!
    2. Wash with neutral detergent after use, and wipe dry;
    3. Please don't wash knife with dishwasher, it will damage the wood handle;
    4. Be careful not to leave the knife close to a heat source for a long time;
    5. It is a lot more dangerous to cut with a blunt knife than a sharp knife!
    6. It is best to sharpen a Japanese knife regularly on a waterstone.
    7. Oil the (carbon) knife if storing for an extended period of time to prevent rust.

    Shigeki Tanaka

    Crafted in Miki City, Hyogo—Japan’s historic blade-making heartland—Shigeki Tanaka knives embody generations of blacksmithing expertise. Known for their exceptional sharpness and balance, these blades are forged using high-carbon steel (like Aogami #2) and traditional techniques, ensuring outstanding edge retention. The brand’s signature kurouchi (blacksmith’s finish) gives each knife a rustic, hand-forged look while protecting the blade.

    Tanaka’s knives are favored by chefs and collectors for their precision, durability, and exceptional performance. Many feature elegant wa (Japanese-style) handles made from magnolia or ebony, along with his signature Bob loveless inspired coke-shaped western ironwood handle, designed for comfort and control. With a focus on pure craftsmanship over flashy aesthetics, Shigeki Tanaka delivers professional-grade blades that honor Hyogo’s samurai sword-making legacy.

    • Profile: Gyuto

      Chefs Knife

      A Japanese chef's knife is known as a gyuto (牛刀 ぎゅうとう） gyūtō?), literally meaning 'beef knife'. Its blade resembles a flatter version of a French chef's knife. Japanese cutlery is known for sharpness due to its acute blade geometry, and the hardness of the steel used, sometimes exceeding 60 HRC on the Rockwell Scale A typical western chef's knife may be sharpened to an edge angle of 20-22°, while a Japanese gyuto generally has a sharper edge angle of 15-18° (or even lower), which requires a harder, more brittle grade of steel. In recent years Japanese gyuto have gained in popularity with western chefs.

      A modern chef's knife is a multi-purpose knife designed to perform well at many differing kitchen tasks, rather than excelling at any one in particular. It can be used for mincing, slicing, and chopping vegetables, slicing meat, and disjointing large cuts.

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    • Steel: Blue 2 / Aogami #2

      Blue Steel No.2, also recognized as Aogami No.2, is a distinguished high carbon steel produced by Hitachi Metals Ltd, enhanced by the addition of chromium and tungsten to the base of White Steel No.2. This modification brings about an improvement in toughness and the creation of hard carbide molecules, which significantly boost edge retention. Although its sharpness is comparable to that of White Steel No.2, Blue Steel No.2 offers a slight advantage in maintaining its edge.

      Widely favored for its versatility, Aogami No.2 is celebrated for its ease of sharpening and robust resistance to chipping, making it an ideal choice for those new to Aogami steel knives. Containing 1.0–1.2% carbon and achieving a typical hardness of 62–63 HRC on the Rockwell scale, it stands as the benchmark in evaluating Aogami steel cutlery.

      Manufacturer:

      • Hitachi Special Steel, Japan

      Nature: Carbon

      Hardness: 61- 63

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    • Construction: Sanmai - Soft Iron Clad

      Sanmai iron cladding is a traditional Japanese knife construction technique where a hard steel core is sandwiched between two layers of softer iron or steel. This method combines the superior edge retention and sharpness of high-carbon steel with the durability and ease of maintenance provided by the softer outer layers. The sanmai structure offers a balanced knife that is both flexible and resistant to breaking, ideal for precision cutting tasks. The softer outer layers also facilitate easier sharpening and contribute to the aesthetic appeal of the knife through the development of a unique patina over time. While sanmai-clad knives require careful maintenance to prevent rust, their exceptional performance and distinctive appearance make them often a desirable feature of Japanese knives.

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    • Finish: Kurouchi

      Kurouchi refers to the rustic, unpolished finish found on the blade of many traditional Japanese kitchen knives. This blacksmith's finish is characterized by its dark, textured appearance, which is the result of leaving the blade forge-scale on the steel during production. Kurouchi finish not only adds a unique aesthetic appeal but also provides certain practical benefits. It acts as a protective layer against rust and corrosion, and helps to reduce food sticking to the blade during cutting. Commonly seen on high-quality, hand-forged knives, the kurouchi finish emphasizes the artisanal nature of the knife and its heritage, making each piece distinctively unique.

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    • Handle Specs

      Profile: Octagonal WA

      Material:

      • Black Chacate

      Black Chacate is a highly valued timber known for its deep, rich brown to almost black coloration, fine texture, and exceptional durability. It polishes well, offering an exquisite finish that highlights its subtle, elegant grain patterns. This wood is often used in fine woodworking projects, including luxury furniture, decorative items, and high-end knife handles.

      An octagonal wa handle made from Black Chacate wood would exhibit a sleek, geometric shape that fits comfortably in the hand, enhancing the user's grip and control. The deep hues and natural luster of Black Chacate add a touch of sophistication and unparalleled beauty to the handle, making it not only a functional component of a kitchen knife but also a piece of art. The durability and stability of Black Chacate ensure that the handle withstands the rigors of kitchen use while maintaining its aesthetic appeal over time.

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    Tanaka

    Tanaka Blue 2 Gyuto 240mm Kurouchi Black Chacate

    $429.95
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