The Matsubara Blue #2 Nashiji Cleaver combines rustic beauty with exceptional cutting performance. Forged by blacksmith Katsuto Tanaka in Omura City, this cleaver reflects the distinctive style and bold character of his blades. Tanaka-san has become well known for producing beautiful, confident tools with refined forging work and expressive finishes, and this cleaver continues that tradition.
The core steel is Aogami #2 (Blue #2) — one of the most popular high-carbon alloys in Japanese knife making. Tanaka-san hardens it to about 62 HRC, a sweet spot that balances excellent edge retention with ease of sharpening. The core (hagane) is clad in soft stainless steel using the san mai method, leaving the carbon edge exposed along the blade and sometimes at the spine. This provides the cutting feel and sharpening benefits of carbon steel with easier maintenance thanks to the protective stainless jacket.
The blade receives Tanaka-san’s signature nashiji (pear skin) finish, giving it a tactile, organic look that helps with food release and highlights the hand-forged character of the knife. This cleaver has a broad, flat profile that powers through vegetables and proteins with ease and efficiency, yet still handles comfortably thanks to its balance and moderate weight. A walnut octagonal wa handle completes the build with a natural feel in hand.
Because the edge steel is reactive, it should be kept clean and dry after use. With basic care, the Blue #2 core will develop a protective patina over time and reward you with years of outstanding performance.
Each knife is made by hand, so measurements may vary.Brand: Matsubara Blacksmith: Tanaka-San Location: Omura City, Japan Construction: Hammer Forged, San Mai Core Steel: Blue #2 Carbon Steel Cladding: Stainless Steel Finish: Nashiji Edge Grind: Even
Weight: 11.7 oz (330 g)
Edge Length: 218 mm
Total Length: 363 mm
Spine Thickness at Heel: 3 mm
Blade Height: 85 mm
Handle: Walnut Octagonal
Ferrule: Black Pakka Wood
The core steel is Aogami #2 (Blue #2) — one of the most popular high-carbon alloys in Japanese knife making. Tanaka-san hardens it to about 62 HRC, a sweet spot that balances excellent edge retention with ease of sharpening. The core (hagane) is clad in soft stainless steel using the san mai method, leaving the carbon edge exposed along the blade and sometimes at the spine. This provides the cutting feel and sharpening benefits of carbon steel with easier maintenance thanks to the protective stainless jacket.
The blade receives Tanaka-san’s signature nashiji (pear skin) finish, giving it a tactile, organic look that helps with food release and highlights the hand-forged character of the knife. This cleaver has a broad, flat profile that powers through vegetables and proteins with ease and efficiency, yet still handles comfortably thanks to its balance and moderate weight. A walnut octagonal wa handle completes the build with a natural feel in hand.
Because the edge steel is reactive, it should be kept clean and dry after use. With basic care, the Blue #2 core will develop a protective patina over time and reward you with years of outstanding performance.
Each knife is made by hand, so measurements may vary.
Reviews
1 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) Incredible, April 1, 2023Posted By: Alpine Knifeworks
1 people found this review helpful
I have had a few Chinese Cleavers now and this is my favorite by far. It is very light for it's size, thin, and effective. It looks amazing as well. Fit and finish on the blade is immaculate. Handle is a little boring but that can be changed. The edge profile is the most flat I've ever worked with, but it works for this style. Definitely want to stick with push cutting with this one.
OOTB Edge: 6/10, but I got it to pop hairs after working it on the stones
Seems to be a little more reactive than other Blue #2 I've had in the past for some reason but that's no biggie.
Overall, 9/10
1 people found this review helpful
I have had a few Chinese Cleavers now and this is my favorite by far. It is very light for it's size, thin, and effective. It looks amazing as well. Fit and finish on the blade is immaculate. Handle is a little boring but that can be changed. The edge profile is the most flat I've ever worked with, but it works for this style. Definitely want to stick with push cutting with this one.
OOTB Edge: 6/10, but I got it to pop hairs after working it on the stones
Seems to be a little more reactive than other Blue #2 I've had in the past for some reason but that's no biggie.
Overall, 9/10
