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.
Aaron received a different example than shown in the video and photos - a much better iteration with lighter weight, taller heel, and a rearward-swept profile that improved the grind geometry. Matsubara hand-forged knives can vary between batches and his was an upgrade. At 215mm blade length, 5.8 oz, 49mm height, 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: Two reviews averaging 4.5 stars. Aaron received what he describes as a much better iteration than shown - lighter, taller heel, better geometry. Hand-forged knives can vary between batches and his example was an upgrade. The kiritsuke format with Blue #2 and nashiji cladding is a striking combination.
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.
Aaron received a different example than shown in the video and photos - a much better iteration with lighter weight, taller heel, and a rearward-swept profile that improved the grind geometry. Matsubara hand-forged knives can vary between batches and his was an upgrade. At 215mm blade length, 5.8 oz, 49mm height, 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: Two reviews averaging 4.5 stars. Aaron received what he describes as a much better iteration than shown - lighter, taller heel, better geometry. Hand-forged knives can vary between batches and his example was an upgrade. The kiritsuke format with Blue #2 and nashiji cladding is a striking combination.
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: 5.8 oz (166g)
- Blade Length: 215mm
- Total Length: 364mm
- Spine Thickness at Heel: 3.25mm
- Blade Height: 49mm
Reviews
2 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval)
Matsubara Blue #2 210mm Nashiji KiritsukePosted By: Aaron B
34 people found this review helpful
Firstly, the knife shown in the video and photos above is not the knife I received. I received a much better iteration or evolution of that knife. The knife I received was much lighter, with a taller, rearward swept heel, reminiscent of Tanaka-san's gyutos of late. The grind is much higher, and results in a wide bevel and much thinner profile above the edge. The tip especially, is absurdly thin. It's pretty thick coming out of the handle, but it thins out quickly with a very attractive distal taper. It has a fair amount of belly, certainly more than say, a Moritaka, but not as much as Tanaka-san's gyutos. It definitely excels at pushing and slicing. Fit and finish is a little better than what you'd expect in this price range. Chiseled kanji, sealed tang and relieved edges on the spine and choil. The blade is nice and straight, and centered in the handle. The handle, however, is something I'm disappointed with. It's not the rosewood handle in the photos or video. It's a pakka octagonal that I can only describe as eclectic. The vertical plywood layers alternate in color between a rosewood color and an iridescent emerald green. It has been shaped in such a way that the sides are green, and you see the alternating layers from the back, above and below. It does have a pakka wood ferrule, and the handle is smoothly finished, it's just not my taste, and I would have preferred the rosewood handle.
As for performance, the ootb edge is usable. It's a bit rough, but not offensive. I spent about ten minutes lightly stropping on a #4000, #8000, and then stropping a few strokes on bare leather. It was a hundred percent better after that. It still has some bite, but slides effortlessly through everything. Edge retention is what you'd expect from Blue #2. I've used it daily for a few weeks in a home kitchen environment, and no issues.
In closing, this product was much better than I expected. My expectations were based on the photos and video, which I would recommend updating to show the current evolution of this knife. The current overview does not do the knife any justice. Handle aside, I'm very pleased. This is a well crafted product.
34 people found this review helpful
Firstly, the knife shown in the video and photos above is not the knife I received. I received a much better iteration or evolution of that knife. The knife I received was much lighter, with a taller, rearward swept heel, reminiscent of Tanaka-san's gyutos of late. The grind is much higher, and results in a wide bevel and much thinner profile above the edge. The tip especially, is absurdly thin. It's pretty thick coming out of the handle, but it thins out quickly with a very attractive distal taper. It has a fair amount of belly, certainly more than say, a Moritaka, but not as much as Tanaka-san's gyutos. It definitely excels at pushing and slicing. Fit and finish is a little better than what you'd expect in this price range. Chiseled kanji, sealed tang and relieved edges on the spine and choil. The blade is nice and straight, and centered in the handle. The handle, however, is something I'm disappointed with. It's not the rosewood handle in the photos or video. It's a pakka octagonal that I can only describe as eclectic. The vertical plywood layers alternate in color between a rosewood color and an iridescent emerald green. It has been shaped in such a way that the sides are green, and you see the alternating layers from the back, above and below. It does have a pakka wood ferrule, and the handle is smoothly finished, it's just not my taste, and I would have preferred the rosewood handle.
As for performance, the ootb edge is usable. It's a bit rough, but not offensive. I spent about ten minutes lightly stropping on a #4000, #8000, and then stropping a few strokes on bare leather. It was a hundred percent better after that. It still has some bite, but slides effortlessly through everything. Edge retention is what you'd expect from Blue #2. I've used it daily for a few weeks in a home kitchen environment, and no issues.
In closing, this product was much better than I expected. My expectations were based on the photos and video, which I would recommend updating to show the current evolution of this knife. The current overview does not do the knife any justice. Handle aside, I'm very pleased. This is a well crafted product.
Great KnifePosted By: ARCE
21 people found this review helpful
I purchased this kiritsuke knife since I've been waiting for the 240mm. It was a great buy and can't wait for the 240mm to be available, the stainless cladding makes it easy to care for. The hammer tone makes it a good looking knife overall. PS.. Keep Making Video Reviews... good way to learn about your products.
21 people found this review helpful
I purchased this kiritsuke knife since I've been waiting for the 240mm. It was a great buy and can't wait for the 240mm to be available, the stainless cladding makes it easy to care for. The hammer tone makes it a good looking knife overall. PS.. Keep Making Video Reviews... good way to learn about your products.
