Michio Ishikawa is a 4th generation blacksmith working for Nakaniida Traditional Blades, which is located in the Miyagi Prefecture. It has been in operation for over 350 years. Ishikawa-san makes this knife from Shirogami #2 carbon steel with a soft iron cladding. The Nakaniida process involves 28 steps and is notable in that the blade is hardened 3 times. This entire process is carried out by Mr. Ishikawa himself. Unfortunately, when Ishikawa-san retires, the process will retire with him as he has no apprentice. So no more Nakaniidas, unless someone quickly takes up the mantle.
The honesuki knife is designed primarily for parting out and boning poultry. It features a very stiff blade that has a pronounced pointed tip and triangular profile. While these knives can be either one or two sided grinds, the Ishikawa White #2 Large Honesuki is a single-sided blade. It is rather reminiscent of a garisuke knife but is thinner and lighter than its sibling. But unlike most other honesuki blades, this one is much longer and taller than the norm. Thus it could also double as a general purpose cutter due to these increased dimensions.
Remember that as this is a single bevel knife it is most suitable for right-handed users. The blade is matched to a lovely custom octagonal handle made from dyed octagonal.