Anryu Blue #2 Hammered Nakiri 165mm

Hitachi Aogami #2 has long been a favorite among Japanese knife enthusiasts for how readily it takes an edge and how well it holds one, and this 165mm nakiri from Anryu Hamono puts that reputation to work on vegetables. The rustic, hand hammered cladding and clean fit and finish are signature traits of the Hammered lineup.

The core steel is reactive carbon, wrapped in a stainless cladding for easier upkeep, and finished with a first rate grind suited to the flat profile and tall blade height a nakiri needs for push cutting. Because each knife is handmade, expect some variation in dimensions between individual examples. The handle is an oval rosewood with a black pakka wood ferrule.

What Customers Are Saying:Reviewers consistently praise the fit and finish, balance, and comfortable rounded choil on this nakiri, with several buying a second one as a gift after trying it themselves. One reviewer noted the factory edge out of the box was just okay rather than razor sharp, which is worth knowing for anyone who wants to dive straight into heavy use without a touch up first, though the same review still rated the knife highly overall for its geometry and value. Most owners describe the blade as astonishingly sharp once it has had any sharpening attention at all.

Care Instructions:Because the edge is reactive carbon steel, wipe and dry the blade immediately after each use rather than letting it sit wet. Avoid leaving acidic foods against the blade for long stretches, and apply a light coat of camellia oil for longer term storage. Hand wash only, and a few passes on a fine water stone before the first real use will bring the factory edge up to its full potential.

• Brand: Anryu Hamono
• Blacksmith: Ikeda San
• Location: Takefu Village, Echizen, Japan
• Construction: San Mai, Hammer Forged
• Edge Steel: Blue #2 (Aogami #2) Carbon Steel
• Cladding: Stainless Hammered
• HRC: 62-63
• Handle: Rosewood Oval
• Ferrule: Black Pakka Wood
• Weight: 5.9 oz (168 g)
• Blade Length: 160 mm
• Total Length: 309 mm
• Spine Thickness at Heel: 4 mm
• Blade Height: 51 mm