Nagasaki Prefecture in the south of Japan is not a region most cooks associate with knife production - which is exactly what makes the Matsubara line worth knowing about. Katsuto Tanaka at Tanaka Kama Kogyo in Omura City has been forging knives in a four-generation family shop whose origins trace back over 800 years. Mark discovered this workshop, developed a personal relationship with the Tanaka family, and carries their work exclusively at CKTG. The result is one of the most distinctive and underappreciated knife lines in the catalog.
Jonathan calls it a knife for life - needs attention and maintenance, but if you give it that, it will perform. The 243mm kiritsuke has the flat profile and tanto tip that distinguishes it from a gyuto - better for sustained push-cutting through large batches, with the precise tip that handles detail work a rounded blade cannot. At 7.5 oz and 52mm height 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 Jonathan - calls it a very good knife, a knife for life. Needs attention and maintenance, but given that care it will perform for decades.
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.
Jonathan calls it a knife for life - needs attention and maintenance, but if you give it that, it will perform. The 243mm kiritsuke has the flat profile and tanto tip that distinguishes it from a gyuto - better for sustained push-cutting through large batches, with the precise tip that handles detail work a rounded blade cannot. At 7.5 oz and 52mm height 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 Jonathan - calls it a very good knife, a knife for life. Needs attention and maintenance, but given that care it will perform for decades.
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: 7.5 oz (212g)
- Blade Length: 243mm
- Total Length: 390mm
- Spine Thickness at Heel: 4mm
- Blade Height: 52mm
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