White #1 - Hitachi Shirogami #1 - is among the finest-taking carbon steels made in Japan. A pure grain structure with minimal additives produces an edge that responds to the stone like no other steel - capable of acute bevel angles and a sharpness that rewards dedicated technique. Katsuto Tanaka at Tanaka Kama Kogyo in Omura City, Nagasaki Prefecture applies a soft iron cladding and kurouchi (black as-forged) finish - a fully reactive construction that develops character with every use. Four generations of forge-welded craft behind each blade. CKTG is the exclusive US source for Matsubara.
Josh calls it one of a kind for the price - admits it might be too laser-thin at first, chipped once, resharpened and has not chipped since. White #1 at this hardness rewards careful use and proper sharpening technique but delivers exceptional sharpness. At 173mm blade length, 4.8 oz, kurouchi finish with soft iron 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 Josh - calls it one of a kind for the price. Admits it might be too laser-thin at first, chipped once, resharpened and has not chipped since. White #1 at this hardness rewards careful use and proper sharpening technique but delivers exceptional sharpness.
Care Instructions: White #1 is a reactive carbon steel and the soft iron cladding is also reactive - both the edge and the cladding will patina naturally with use. The kurouchi finish provides initial protection. Wipe and dry the blade immediately after every use. Avoid acidic foods and moisture. Hand wash only, never dishwasher. Apply camellia oil for long-term storage. Sharpen on quality water stones - White #1 takes one of the finest edges available in carbon steel.
Josh calls it one of a kind for the price - admits it might be too laser-thin at first, chipped once, resharpened and has not chipped since. White #1 at this hardness rewards careful use and proper sharpening technique but delivers exceptional sharpness. At 173mm blade length, 4.8 oz, kurouchi finish with soft iron 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 Josh - calls it one of a kind for the price. Admits it might be too laser-thin at first, chipped once, resharpened and has not chipped since. White #1 at this hardness rewards careful use and proper sharpening technique but delivers exceptional sharpness.
Care Instructions: White #1 is a reactive carbon steel and the soft iron cladding is also reactive - both the edge and the cladding will patina naturally with use. The kurouchi finish provides initial protection. Wipe and dry the blade immediately after every use. Avoid acidic foods and moisture. Hand wash only, never dishwasher. Apply camellia oil for long-term storage. Sharpen on quality water stones - White #1 takes one of the finest edges available in carbon steel.
- Blacksmith: Katsuto Tanaka
- Workshop: Tanaka Kama Kogyo
- Location: Omura City, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan
- Construction: San Mai
- Edge Steel: White #1 (Shirogami #1) Carbon Steel
- Cladding: Soft Iron
- HRC: 62-63
- Finish: Kurouchi (Black As-Forged)
- Edge Grind: Even 50/50 Double Bevel
- Handle: Walnut Octagonal
- Weight: 4.8 oz (136g)
- Blade Length: 173mm
- Total Length: 320mm
- Spine Thickness at Heel: 3mm
Reviews
1 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) An amazing all around bunkaPosted By: Josh Semlak
43 people found this review helpful
I must say for the price of this knife is one of a kind with what is behind the edge of this knife. I will admit to that this knife might be toooooo lazery but with a little sharpening it chipped once and resharpened and hasn’t onced chipped again. It is my favorite knife. The finish on the knife is smooth around the edges and has no sharp corners. Great quality for the price of the knife. Great height as well. Probably a higher blade then posted but all in all I love how the core steel is exposed really well and shows off quite beautifully. One of a kind. Enjoying the knife and many years to come!
43 people found this review helpful
I must say for the price of this knife is one of a kind with what is behind the edge of this knife. I will admit to that this knife might be toooooo lazery but with a little sharpening it chipped once and resharpened and hasn’t onced chipped again. It is my favorite knife. The finish on the knife is smooth around the edges and has no sharp corners. Great quality for the price of the knife. Great height as well. Probably a higher blade then posted but all in all I love how the core steel is exposed really well and shows off quite beautifully. One of a kind. Enjoying the knife and many years to come!
