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. CKTG carries the Matsubara line exclusively and has a long personal relationship with the Tanaka family.
The oak handle version of the 190mm kiri cleaver - same Ginsan Silver #3 core and nashiji stainless cladding in a lighter octagonal oak handle without ferrule. 190mm blade length, 8.4 oz. The tapered tanto tip makes fine cuts and dicing possible in a knife with full cleaver blade height. Even 50/50 double-bevel grind. CKTG exclusive US source for Matsubara. Free US shipping over $100.
Care Instructions: Ginsan (Silver #3) is a fully stainless steel - low maintenance and resistant to corrosion. Hand wash and dry after each use. Avoid the dishwasher. Use wood or rubber cutting boards. Avoid bones, frozen foods, and hard materials. Sharpen on quality water stones - Ginsan at 62 HRC sharpens more easily than most stainless and takes a fine edge that rivals carbon steel.
The oak handle version of the 190mm kiri cleaver - same Ginsan Silver #3 core and nashiji stainless cladding in a lighter octagonal oak handle without ferrule. 190mm blade length, 8.4 oz. The tapered tanto tip makes fine cuts and dicing possible in a knife with full cleaver blade height. Even 50/50 double-bevel grind. CKTG exclusive US source for Matsubara. Free US shipping over $100.
Care Instructions: Ginsan (Silver #3) is a fully stainless steel - low maintenance and resistant to corrosion. Hand wash and dry after each use. Avoid the dishwasher. Use wood or rubber cutting boards. Avoid bones, frozen foods, and hard materials. Sharpen on quality water stones - Ginsan at 62 HRC sharpens more easily than most stainless and takes a fine edge that rivals carbon steel.
- Blacksmith: Katsuto Tanaka
- Workshop: Tanaka Kama Kogyo
- Location: Omura City, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan
- Construction: Hammer Forged, San Mai
- Edge Steel: Ginsan (Silver #3) Stainless Steel
- Cladding: Nashiji (Pear Skin) Stainless
- HRC: 62
- Finish: Nashiji (Pear Skin)
- Edge Grind: Even 50/50 Double Bevel
- Handle: Octagonal Oak Wood
- Weight: 8.4 oz (238g)
- Blade Length: 190mm
- Total Length: 350mm
- Spine Thickness at Heel: 4mm
