Blue #2 - Hitachi Aogami #2 - earns its place in professional kitchens through a combination of edge sharpness, retention, and toughness that makes it one of the most trusted carbon steels in the Japanese knife tradition. Katsuto Tanaka heat-treats it to 62-63 HRC at Tanaka Kama Kogyo in Omura City, Nagasaki Prefecture - a four-generation blacksmith shop whose roots trace back over 800 years. Stainless cladding protects the flanks while the carbon edge does the cutting work. CKTG carries the Matsubara line exclusively and Mark knows the Tanaka family personally.
The 160mm bunka - called hakata in southern Japan - is the compact, versatile format for daily prep. Reverse tanto tip for detail work, flat profile for push-cutting, Blue #2 at 62-63 HRC for edge performance. At 5.0 oz and 45mm height with nashiji stainless cladding. Even 50/50 double-bevel grind. CKTG exclusive US source for Matsubara. Free US shipping over $100.
Care Instructions: Blue #2 is a reactive carbon steel - the stainless cladding protects the flanks but the exposed carbon edge will patina naturally with use. Wipe and dry the blade immediately after every use. Avoid leaving acidic foods on the edge. Hand wash only, never dishwasher. Apply camellia oil for long-term storage. Sharpen on quality water stones - Blue #2 at 62-63 HRC sharpens easily and rewards good technique. Strop regularly between sharpenings.
The 160mm bunka - called hakata in southern Japan - is the compact, versatile format for daily prep. Reverse tanto tip for detail work, flat profile for push-cutting, Blue #2 at 62-63 HRC for edge performance. At 5.0 oz and 45mm height with nashiji stainless cladding. Even 50/50 double-bevel grind. CKTG exclusive US source for Matsubara. Free US shipping over $100.
Care Instructions: Blue #2 is a reactive carbon steel - the stainless cladding protects the flanks but the exposed carbon edge will patina naturally with use. Wipe and dry the blade immediately after every use. Avoid leaving acidic foods on the edge. Hand wash only, never dishwasher. Apply camellia oil for long-term storage. Sharpen on quality water stones - Blue #2 at 62-63 HRC sharpens easily and rewards good technique. Strop regularly between sharpenings.
- Blacksmith: Katsuto Tanaka
- Workshop: Tanaka Kama Kogyo
- Location: Omura City, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan
- Construction: Hammer Forged, San Mai
- Edge Steel: Blue #2 (Aogami #2) Carbon Steel
- Cladding: Stainless
- HRC: 62-63
- Finish: Nashiji
- Edge Grind: Even 50/50 Double Bevel
- Handle: Walnut Octagonal
- Weight: 5.0 oz (142g)
- Blade Length: 160mm
- Total Length: 300mm
- Spine Thickness at Heel: 3mm
- Blade Height: 45mm
