Blue #2 - Hitachi Aogami #2 - earns its place in professional kitchens through a combination of edge sharpness, retention, and toughness that makes it one of the most trusted carbon steels in the Japanese knife tradition. Katsuto Tanaka heat-treats it to 62-63 HRC at Tanaka Kama Kogyo in Omura City, Nagasaki Prefecture - a four-generation blacksmith shop whose roots trace back over 800 years. Stainless cladding protects the flanks while the carbon edge does the cutting work. CKTG carries the Matsubara line exclusively and Mark knows the Tanaka family personally.
The Togatta at 243mm blade length is a hybrid profile between gyuto and sujihiki - more forward weight than a standard gyuto, slightly narrower, suited for cooks who want reach and momentum through large prep. Michael loves it - calls it the best knife. Peter calls it super. At 6.7 oz with Blue #2 at 62-63 HRC and hand-applied nashiji finish. Even 50/50 double-bevel grind. CKTG exclusive US source for Matsubara. Free US shipping over $100.
What Customers Are Saying: Two five-star reviews. Peter calls it super. Michael loves it - calls it a great knife across everything he uses it for.
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 Togatta at 243mm blade length is a hybrid profile between gyuto and sujihiki - more forward weight than a standard gyuto, slightly narrower, suited for cooks who want reach and momentum through large prep. Michael loves it - calls it the best knife. Peter calls it super. At 6.7 oz with Blue #2 at 62-63 HRC and hand-applied nashiji finish. Even 50/50 double-bevel grind. CKTG exclusive US source for Matsubara. Free US shipping over $100.
What Customers Are Saying: Two five-star reviews. Peter calls it super. Michael loves it - calls it a great knife across everything he uses it for.
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 Carbon Steel
- Cladding: Stainless
- HRC: 62-63
- Finish: Nashiji (Hand Applied)
- Edge Grind: Even 50/50 Double Bevel
- Handle: Walnut Octagonal
- Weight: 6.7 oz (190g)
- Blade Length: 243mm
- Total Length: 395mm
Reviews
2 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) Top knife Very nice knife.Posted By: Michael
9 people found this review helpful
I love this knife. I'll start first by saying this is my first wa 240 and it definitely feels much larger that a western 240 but I love it. Whoever made this handle did a fantastic job the matte type finish goes perfect with the hammered finish of the knife for a rustic look. On top of great looks so far the knife has been performing very well. I haven't got to use it much but it was very sharp otb after a few stropes. I will be using this one very often for sure. The blade has very good corrosion resistance as well which is nice. It's not stainless but you don't need to baby it like some other knives I have. My only negative comment and it's very small is I'd like to see the spine and Choil rounded just and hair more but it is still very comfortable. Awesome and beautiful knife. If you have a chance to buy one of the others jump on it.
9 people found this review helpful
I love this knife. I'll start first by saying this is my first wa 240 and it definitely feels much larger that a western 240 but I love it. Whoever made this handle did a fantastic job the matte type finish goes perfect with the hammered finish of the knife for a rustic look. On top of great looks so far the knife has been performing very well. I haven't got to use it much but it was very sharp otb after a few stropes. I will be using this one very often for sure. The blade has very good corrosion resistance as well which is nice. It's not stainless but you don't need to baby it like some other knives I have. My only negative comment and it's very small is I'd like to see the spine and Choil rounded just and hair more but it is still very comfortable. Awesome and beautiful knife. If you have a chance to buy one of the others jump on it.
