Matsubara Blue #2 Nashiji Honesuki 160mm

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.

With a blade length of 160mm and a 4mm spine, this is a stiff, precise boning and utility knife with Blue #2 at 62-63 HRC and nashiji stainless cladding. The even, double-bevel grind and octagonal walnut handle work well for both right- and left-handed users.

What Customers Are Saying: George calls it fantastic and finds himself reaching for it more and more for just about everything - not just poultry. A great all-arounder 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 put it in the 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.

Each knife is made by hand so measurements may vary.

Blacksmith: Katsuto Tanaka

Workshop: Tanaka Kama Kogyo

Location: Omura City, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan

Construction: Hammer Forged, San Mai

Edge Steel: Blue #2 Carbon Steel

Cladding: Nashiji Stainless

HRC: 62-63

Finish: Nashiji

Edge Grind: Even (50/50), Double Bevel

Handle: Octagonal Walnut

Ferrule: Black Pakka Wood

Weight: 4.2 oz (120 g)

Blade Length: 160 mm

Total Length: 292 mm

Spine Thickness at Heel: 4 mm

Blade Height: 43 mm