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 tall petty at 120mm blade length and 35mm height gives knuckle clearance that a standard petty cannot provide - better for board work through aromatics, herbs, and smaller ingredients. Michael calls it a great little workhorse - the tall blade is great for vegetables and proteins, long enough to slice lengthwise vegetables with ease, and pairs well with his 170mm bunka. Blue #2 at 62-63 HRC, nashiji cladding, burnt urushi oak octagonal handle. 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 Martin - bought on Mark recommendation as a gift. Very well made, sharp out of the box. Photos do not do the nashiji finish justice. His sixth knife from CKTG and he has never been disappointed.
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 tall petty at 120mm blade length and 35mm height gives knuckle clearance that a standard petty cannot provide - better for board work through aromatics, herbs, and smaller ingredients. Michael calls it a great little workhorse - the tall blade is great for vegetables and proteins, long enough to slice lengthwise vegetables with ease, and pairs well with his 170mm bunka. Blue #2 at 62-63 HRC, nashiji cladding, burnt urushi oak octagonal handle. 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 Martin - bought on Mark recommendation as a gift. Very well made, sharp out of the box. Photos do not do the nashiji finish justice. His sixth knife from CKTG and he has never been disappointed.
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: Burnt Urushi Oak Octagonal
- Weight: 2.5 oz (72g)
- Blade Length: 120mm
- Total Length: 248mm
- Spine Thickness at Heel: 2.5mm
- Blade Height: 35mm
Reviews
1 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) Very Nice Tall Petty, November 7, 2025Posted By: Martin
I bought this as a gift on Mark’s recommendation. This is a very well made knife that is sharp out of the box. The photos don’t do it justice as the nashiji finish is very nice. This is the 6th knife I’ve gotten from CKTG and have never been disappointed.
I bought this as a gift on Mark’s recommendation. This is a very well made knife that is sharp out of the box. The photos don’t do it justice as the nashiji finish is very nice. This is the 6th knife I’ve gotten from CKTG and have never been disappointed.
