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.
Richard calls it a lovely wing-like shape with some weight to it - the choil comes back a bit toward the handle and the nashiji surface reminds him of a beach shoreline. Cuts really well and is a pleasure to use. At 173mm blade length and 53mm height with a 3mm spine this is a well-proportioned santoku at 5.0 oz. Blue #2 at 62-63 HRC, nashiji stainless cladding. 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 Richard - calls it a lovely wing-like shape with some weight to it. The choil curves back toward the handle. The surface reminds him of a beach shoreline. Cuts really well and is a pleasure to use.
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.
Richard calls it a lovely wing-like shape with some weight to it - the choil comes back a bit toward the handle and the nashiji surface reminds him of a beach shoreline. Cuts really well and is a pleasure to use. At 173mm blade length and 53mm height with a 3mm spine this is a well-proportioned santoku at 5.0 oz. Blue #2 at 62-63 HRC, nashiji stainless cladding. 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 Richard - calls it a lovely wing-like shape with some weight to it. The choil curves back toward the handle. The surface reminds him of a beach shoreline. Cuts really well and is a pleasure to use.
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 Steel
- HRC: 62-63
- Finish: Nashiji
- Edge Grind: Even 50/50 Double Bevel
- Handle: Walnut Octagonal
- Weight: 5.0 oz (144g)
- Blade Length: 173mm
- Total Length: 302mm
- Spine Thickness at Heel: 3mm
- Blade Height: 53mm
Reviews
1 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) Sandy BeachPosted By: Richard Mack
45 people found this review helpful
The Matsubara has a lovely wing like shape, has some weight to it so it feels really spill. The choil comes back a bit towards the handle. The surface reminds me of the shoreline of a beach. Cuts really well and is a pleasure to use.
45 people found this review helpful
The Matsubara has a lovely wing like shape, has some weight to it so it feels really spill. The choil comes back a bit towards the handle. The surface reminds me of the shoreline of a beach. Cuts really well and is a pleasure to use.
