Matsubara knives are made by Tanaka-san in Nagasaki, Japan — a region with a long tradition of blade making that extends well beyond the more famous knife centers to the north. In the south of Japan this style of knife is known as a hakata, but most cooks outside Japan will recognize it immediately as a bunka — a compact, tall-bladed knife with a distinctive reverse tanto tip that has become one of the most popular formats in the Japanese kitchen. Tanaka-san hammer-forges each blade by hand, and it shows in the fit, finish, and cutting feel.
This bunka is built around a Blue #2 carbon steel core — also known as Aogami #2, meaning blue paper steel, named after the paper that wraps the steel bars when delivered to the blacksmiths. Blue #2 is prized for its ability to take a very sharp edge, hold it well, and be hardened to a higher degree than many other carbon steels. The softer jigane cladding is finished in a nashiji — meaning pear skin — stainless pattern that gives the blade a beautiful, subtly textured appearance and helps food release cleanly during prep. At 172mm with a generous 53mm blade height this knife commands the cutting board with excellent knuckle clearance. The reverse tanto tip excels at detail work, garnishes, and getting into tight spaces, while the flat profile is perfectly suited to push cutting and chopping. The walnut octagonal handle completes a knife that is both elegant and deeply functional.
What Customers Are Saying:
Customers are immediately struck by how light and agile this knife feels despite its impressive blade height. One reviewer put it through paper-thin slices of tomatoes, potatoes, and cucumbers and found it required almost no effort to control — the pinch grip on the heel delivering absolute precision for fine detail work. The Blue #2 steel holds its edge remarkably well, with only occasional honing needed even after sustained daily use. The overall consensus is that this is a stunning knife that delivers far beyond what its price would suggest.
Care Instructions:
Blue #2 carbon steel is reactive and will develop a natural patina with use — this is normal and helps protect the steel. Wipe the blade clean during use and dry it thoroughly immediately after washing. Avoid leaving water or acidic foods on the blade for any length of time. A light coat of camellia oil is recommended for long-term storage. Hand wash only. Each knife is made by hand so measurements may vary.
This bunka is built around a Blue #2 carbon steel core — also known as Aogami #2, meaning blue paper steel, named after the paper that wraps the steel bars when delivered to the blacksmiths. Blue #2 is prized for its ability to take a very sharp edge, hold it well, and be hardened to a higher degree than many other carbon steels. The softer jigane cladding is finished in a nashiji — meaning pear skin — stainless pattern that gives the blade a beautiful, subtly textured appearance and helps food release cleanly during prep. At 172mm with a generous 53mm blade height this knife commands the cutting board with excellent knuckle clearance. The reverse tanto tip excels at detail work, garnishes, and getting into tight spaces, while the flat profile is perfectly suited to push cutting and chopping. The walnut octagonal handle completes a knife that is both elegant and deeply functional.
What Customers Are Saying:
Customers are immediately struck by how light and agile this knife feels despite its impressive blade height. One reviewer put it through paper-thin slices of tomatoes, potatoes, and cucumbers and found it required almost no effort to control — the pinch grip on the heel delivering absolute precision for fine detail work. The Blue #2 steel holds its edge remarkably well, with only occasional honing needed even after sustained daily use. The overall consensus is that this is a stunning knife that delivers far beyond what its price would suggest.
Care Instructions:
Blue #2 carbon steel is reactive and will develop a natural patina with use — this is normal and helps protect the steel. Wipe the blade clean during use and dry it thoroughly immediately after washing. Avoid leaving water or acidic foods on the blade for any length of time. A light coat of camellia oil is recommended for long-term storage. Hand wash only. Each knife is made by hand so measurements may vary.
- Brand: Matsubara
- Blacksmith: Tanaka-san
- Location: Nagasaki, Japan
- Construction: Hammer Forged, San Mai
- Edge Steel: Blue #2 Carbon Steel (Aogami #2)
- Cladding: Stainless Nashiji
- Edge Grind: 50/50
- Handle: Walnut Octagonal
- Weight: 4.6 oz (132 g)
- Blade Length: 172 mm
- Total Length: 312 mm
- Spine Thickness at Heel: 3 mm
- Blade Height: 53 mm
Reviews
3 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) Matsubara Blue#2 Bunka, October 23, 2025Posted By: Frederick Bellamy
7 people found this review helpful
Simply Wow! This thing is perfection for vegetables. It is sharp enough to slice paper thin tomatoes, potatoes, cucumber, and everything else I could slice, chop, and dice. The entire knife is so lightweight that it requires almost no effort to control. The traditional pinch grip on the heel gives absolute control for fine detail work for decorative food art or trimming. It is carbon steel, so it requires drying and care, but it is a habit that is easily adopted. Only honing has been needed (probably not needed, but it is habit now)
7 people found this review helpful
Simply Wow! This thing is perfection for vegetables. It is sharp enough to slice paper thin tomatoes, potatoes, cucumber, and everything else I could slice, chop, and dice. The entire knife is so lightweight that it requires almost no effort to control. The traditional pinch grip on the heel gives absolute control for fine detail work for decorative food art or trimming. It is carbon steel, so it requires drying and care, but it is a habit that is easily adopted. Only honing has been needed (probably not needed, but it is habit now)
Oh YesPosted By: Cory
24 people found this review helpful
This is a great knife.
Recently arrived and is exactly what I was looking for. Sometimes you don't know for sure until it arrives and, yes, this is "it".
Has a really nice weight, very good handling and has all of the handcrafted Japanese character that anyone could ever want.
Oh yes.
24 people found this review helpful
This is a great knife.
Recently arrived and is exactly what I was looking for. Sometimes you don't know for sure until it arrives and, yes, this is "it".
Has a really nice weight, very good handling and has all of the handcrafted Japanese character that anyone could ever want.
Oh yes.
