The Tanaka family has been forging blades in Omura City, just outside Nagasaki, for four generations. Their craft traces its roots back over 800 years to refugees who settled in the region following the Battle of Dannoura - one of the decisive naval conflicts of medieval Japan. Katsuto Tanaka carries that tradition forward today at Tanaka Kama Kogyo, producing knives that reflect centuries of forge-welded craft in a region most buyers associate with history rather than cutlery. CKTG carries the Matsubara line exclusively and has a long personal relationship with the Tanaka family.
George wanted a honesuki - specifically double-bevel, as a normal home cook who is not obsessed with single-bevel technique. He calls this fantastic and finds himself using it more and more for just about everything. At 160mm blade length and 4mm spine this is a stiff, precise boning and utility knife with Blue #2 at 62-63 HRC and nashiji stainless cladding. 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 George - wanted a double-bevel honesuki as a normal home cook. Calls it fantastic and finds himself reaching for it more and more for just about everything - not just poultry. A great all-rounder in the bunka/honesuki crossover format.
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.
George wanted a honesuki - specifically double-bevel, as a normal home cook who is not obsessed with single-bevel technique. He calls this fantastic and finds himself using it more and more for just about everything. At 160mm blade length and 4mm spine this is a stiff, precise boning and utility knife with Blue #2 at 62-63 HRC and nashiji stainless cladding. 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 George - wanted a double-bevel honesuki as a normal home cook. Calls it fantastic and finds himself reaching for it more and more for just about everything - not just poultry. A great all-rounder in the bunka/honesuki crossover format.
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: 4.2 oz (120g)
- Blade Length: 160mm
- Total Length: 292mm
- Spine Thickness at Heel: 4mm
Reviews
1 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) Buy this.Posted By: George S
48 people found this review helpful
I wanted a honesuki...though two-sided as I'm a normal home cook, not somebody obsessed with Jiro Dreams of Sushi (great movie) and left-handed. This looked interesting to me. And......
Its fantastic! I find myself using it more and more for just about everything and not just chicken. Its extremely light and nimble, was razor sharp out of the box, stainless cladding is gorgeous with the pockmarks and protects it better than raw #2 steel. Will definitely buy more from this smith. It really is great.
48 people found this review helpful
I wanted a honesuki...though two-sided as I'm a normal home cook, not somebody obsessed with Jiro Dreams of Sushi (great movie) and left-handed. This looked interesting to me. And......
Its fantastic! I find myself using it more and more for just about everything and not just chicken. Its extremely light and nimble, was razor sharp out of the box, stainless cladding is gorgeous with the pockmarks and protects it better than raw #2 steel. Will definitely buy more from this smith. It really is great.
