The Tanaka family has been forging blades in Omura City, just outside Nagasaki, for four generations. Their craft traces its roots back over 800 years to refugees who settled in the region following the Battle of Dannoura - one of the decisive naval conflicts of medieval Japan. Katsuto Tanaka carries that tradition forward today at Tanaka Kama Kogyo, producing knives that reflect centuries of forge-welded craft in a region most buyers associate with history rather than cutlery.
The wavy face santoku delivers all-purpose performance with the hand-hammered texture that improves food release. Blue #2 steel is paired with a stainless cladding, and the knife is fitted to an octagonal oak handle. The even, double-bevel grind suits both right- and left-handed users.
What Customers Are Saying: One five-star review from Michael, who owns seven Matsubara knives, six of the hammered wavy face. Extremely well balanced, hold an excellent edge, and he has not needed to sharpen them yet. The defining endorsement for the Wavy Face line.
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 Oak Octagonal
Weight: 5.6 oz (158 g)
Blade Length: 173 mm
The wavy face santoku delivers all-purpose performance with the hand-hammered texture that improves food release. Blue #2 steel is paired with a stainless cladding, and the knife is fitted to an octagonal oak handle. The even, double-bevel grind suits both right- and left-handed users.
What Customers Are Saying: One five-star review from Michael, who owns seven Matsubara knives, six of the hammered wavy face. Extremely well balanced, hold an excellent edge, and he has not needed to sharpen them yet. The defining endorsement for the Wavy Face line.
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.
Reviews
1 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) Great Cutlery Posted By: Michael Wilson
12 people found this review helpful
First of all this is a Matsubara knife. Superb quality.I own 7 of them in my large kitchen cutlery inventory.Six are of the hammered “wavy face”. These knives are extremely well balanced,and hold an excellent edge. I haven’t needed to sharpen any of them yet.The hammered finish is so rustic looking, and I get many compliments from friends. Just all around pleased to own these great knives. And thanks to CKTG for the quick shipping as usual.
12 people found this review helpful
First of all this is a Matsubara knife. Superb quality.I own 7 of them in my large kitchen cutlery inventory.Six are of the hammered “wavy face”. These knives are extremely well balanced,and hold an excellent edge. I haven’t needed to sharpen any of them yet.The hammered finish is so rustic looking, and I get many compliments from friends. Just all around pleased to own these great knives. And thanks to CKTG for the quick shipping as usual.
