Tanaka Kama Kogyo is a fourth-generation blacksmith shop in Omura City, Nagasaki Prefecture - a region whose metalworking tradition traces back over 800 years to the Battle of Dannoura, one of the decisive naval battles of feudal Japan. Katsuto Tanaka is the current principal blacksmith, carrying forward generations of forge-welded blade production in a part of Japan less celebrated than Sakai or Echizen but no less serious about its craft. Mark has a personal relationship with the Tanaka family and carries their work exclusively at CKTG.
The funayuki at 180mm blade length is a format popular in southern Japan for home cooking - a versatile, agile blade for slicing, chopping, and dicing. Greg describes the experience of opening the box as jaw-dropping - stunning. He loves the shape, the nashiji finish contrasting with the polished Blue #2 edge, and the overall character. At 5.2 oz with Blue #2 at 62-63 HRC. Even 50/50 double-bevel grind. CKTG exclusive US source for Matsubara. Free US shipping over $100.
What Customers Are Saying: One five-star review from Greg - had been looking for a funayuki style knife and kept coming back to this one. His jaw dropped when he opened the box. Stunning. Loves the shape, the nashiji finish contrasting with the polished Blue #2 core, and the overall character.
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 funayuki at 180mm blade length is a format popular in southern Japan for home cooking - a versatile, agile blade for slicing, chopping, and dicing. Greg describes the experience of opening the box as jaw-dropping - stunning. He loves the shape, the nashiji finish contrasting with the polished Blue #2 edge, and the overall character. At 5.2 oz with Blue #2 at 62-63 HRC. Even 50/50 double-bevel grind. CKTG exclusive US source for Matsubara. Free US shipping over $100.
What Customers Are Saying: One five-star review from Greg - had been looking for a funayuki style knife and kept coming back to this one. His jaw dropped when he opened the box. Stunning. Loves the shape, the nashiji finish contrasting with the polished Blue #2 core, and the overall character.
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: 5.2 oz (150g)
- Blade Length: 180mm
- Total Length: 322mm
- Spine Thickness at Heel: 3.5mm
Reviews
1 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) StunningPosted By: Greg Lappe
38 people found this review helpful
I have been looking for a Funayuki style knife for a while and I just kept coming back this this one. My jaw dropped open when I opened the box. STUNNING! Love the shape, the Nashiji finish of the stainless cladding that beautifully contrasts the polished Blue #2 core/edge steel. Insanely sharp out of the box. I will be buying more Matsubara knives!
38 people found this review helpful
I have been looking for a Funayuki style knife for a while and I just kept coming back this this one. My jaw dropped open when I opened the box. STUNNING! Love the shape, the Nashiji finish of the stainless cladding that beautifully contrasts the polished Blue #2 core/edge steel. Insanely sharp out of the box. I will be buying more Matsubara knives!
