Tanaka Kama Kogyo in Omura City, Nagasaki Prefecture, is a four-generation blacksmithing shop whose origins trace back over 800 years to the Battle of Dannoura - one of the longest unbroken blacksmithing lineages in Japan. Katsuto Tanaka hand forges the Wavy Face Tall Nakiri from Blue #2 (Aogami 2) steel at 62 HRC, applies the san-mai cladding of stainless steel using awasi forge-welding, and finishes the surface with the hand-hammered wavy face texture that gives the line its name. The tall nakiri format takes that construction and pushes the blade height to 74mm, creating a knife that occupies its own space between a standard nakiri and a small cleaver.
At 170mm blade length and 254g, this is a substantial knife - heavier than a typical nakiri but balanced in a way that makes it maneuverable rather than fatiguing. The extra height gives genuine knuckle clearance for cooks with larger hands and creates a wide flat face for efficient bench-scraping work between cuts. The 4mm spine gives solid board feel through hard produce. The stainless cladding protects the reactive Blue #2 core across most of the blade road, though the exposed core at the edge requires attentive drying after use. The burnt oak octagonal handle is well-fitted and comfortable for extended sessions. Each knife is made by hand so measurements may vary.
Care Instructions: Blue #2 is a reactive carbon steel that will develop a natural patina with use. Wipe and dry the blade thoroughly after each use and avoid leaving acidic foods on the edge. Hand wash only - no dishwasher. Apply a light coat of camellia oil before extended storage. Sharpen on quality water stones and strop regularly between full sharpenings.
At 170mm blade length and 254g, this is a substantial knife - heavier than a typical nakiri but balanced in a way that makes it maneuverable rather than fatiguing. The extra height gives genuine knuckle clearance for cooks with larger hands and creates a wide flat face for efficient bench-scraping work between cuts. The 4mm spine gives solid board feel through hard produce. The stainless cladding protects the reactive Blue #2 core across most of the blade road, though the exposed core at the edge requires attentive drying after use. The burnt oak octagonal handle is well-fitted and comfortable for extended sessions. Each knife is made by hand so measurements may vary.
Care Instructions: Blue #2 is a reactive carbon steel that will develop a natural patina with use. Wipe and dry the blade thoroughly after each use and avoid leaving acidic foods on the edge. Hand wash only - no dishwasher. Apply a light coat of camellia oil before extended storage. Sharpen on quality water stones and strop regularly between full sharpenings.
- Brand: Matsubara
- Blacksmith: Katsuto Tanaka
- Location: Nagasaki, Japan
- Construction: Hammer Forged, San Mai
- Edge Steel: Blue #2 (Aogami 2)
- Cladding: Stainless, Wavy Face (Hammered)
- HRC: 62
- Edge Grind: Even
- Handle: Burnt Oak Octagonal
- Weight: 8.9 oz (254g)
- Blade Length: 170mm
- Spine Thickness at Base: 4mm
- Blade Height: 74mm
