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SHIGEKI DAMASCUS

Rockwell Hardness 63:65

The Shigeki Damascus Collection is hand forged by 4th generation blacksmith Shigeki Tanaka. For more than 100 years, the Tanaka family has been noted for their fine quality farming tools. Due to declining demand for farm tools, the family began making cutlery. To increase their technique, they apprenticed their youngest son, Shigeki, to a famous Takefu knife maker. Since returning to his father's shop, Shigeki has become noted for the quality of his knives. In contrast to many of his colleagues the young master Shigeki Tanaka does not work with prefabricated pre-cast multilayer steels. He practices steel folding and forge welding with great virtuosity to create blades with an enchanting aesthetic - each one unique in its structure. Tanaka uses hard Yazuki #1 blue steel for the core cutting layer and stainless nickel steel in 14 alternating layers for the outer Suminagashi layers. The maker's mark is hand graved on the blade and a magnolia wood handle is installed. The pattern on each knife is unique. A Kiri Wood treasure box and wood scabbard are included with each knife.