The Wavy Face finish on this line is a hand-hammered texture applied directly to the Blue #2 stainless-clad blade - not a machine-pressed pattern but a genuine hand-worked surface that gives each knife a slightly different character. The hammered texture reduces surface contact between blade and food, improving release on sticky vegetables and proteins. Katsuto Tanaka produces these at Tanaka Kama Kogyo in Omura City, Nagasaki Prefecture using Blue #2 carbon at 62-63 HRC and stainless cladding.
The 175mm bunka is the format that brought many collectors to the Matsubara Wavy Face line in the first place. The reverse tanto tip for fine cutting combines with the flat profile for push-cutting, resulting in a versatile workhorse. The octagonal oak handle and even, double-bevel grind work equally well for both right- and left-handed users.
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.
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 (Aogami 2) Carbon Steel
Cladding: Stainless
HRC: 62-63
Finish: Wavy Face (Hammered)
Edge Grind: Even (50/50), Double Bevel
Handle: Burnt Urushi Oak Octagonal
Weight: 5.6 oz (158 g)
Blade Length: 174 mm
Total Length: 320 mm
Spine Thickness at Base: 4 mm
Blade Height: 52 mm
The 175mm bunka is the format that brought many collectors to the Matsubara Wavy Face line in the first place. The reverse tanto tip for fine cutting combines with the flat profile for push-cutting, resulting in a versatile workhorse. The octagonal oak handle and even, double-bevel grind work equally well for both right- and left-handed users.
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.
Each knife is made by hand so measurements may vary.
