The Matsubara ZDP189 line of knives are a recent addition to our store. They combine beautiful aesthetics with fine craftsmanship and outstanding performance. Katsuto Tanaka is the principal blacksmith responsible for hand-forging these lovely blades in his famed shop located in the town of Matsubara in the city of Omura, Nagasaki Prefecture.
Tanaka-San uses the very popular ZDP189. He hardens the steel to a Rockwell rating of 65+-. This is a sweet spot for ZDP189. He then forge welds a layer of stainless steel to the core (hagane) using a technique known as san mai. This involves covering both sides of the blade without wrapping the outer layer (jigane) over the spine. The hagane thus shows through at the edge and on top of the spine. The jigane then receives a really lovely Damascus etching followed by a near mirror polish.
The Matsubara ZDP189 Damascus Gyuto 210mm has a profile that is quite flat at the heel end and then transitions into a nice curved belly about halfway along the edge. Blade height is very generous for a 210mm gyuto. This is a robust blade in size and weight which will find favor with users looking for a knife that feels solid and stiff. The heft and strength are confidence-inspiring. It comes with a very nice custom octagonal handle.Brand: Matsubara
Blacksmith: Tanaka-San
Steel: ZDP189
HRC 65+-
Cladding: Stainless
Finish: Damascus
Knife Type: Gyuto 210mm
Edge: Even
Weight: 6.7 oz/ 190g
Blade Length: 220mm
Overall Length: 360mm
Spine Thickness at Heel: 2.4mm
Blade Height at Heel: 57.2mm
Handle: Walnut Octagonal
Ferrule: Black Pakkawood
Tanaka-San uses the very popular ZDP189. He hardens the steel to a Rockwell rating of 65+-. This is a sweet spot for ZDP189. He then forge welds a layer of stainless steel to the core (hagane) using a technique known as san mai. This involves covering both sides of the blade without wrapping the outer layer (jigane) over the spine. The hagane thus shows through at the edge and on top of the spine. The jigane then receives a really lovely Damascus etching followed by a near mirror polish.
The Matsubara ZDP189 Damascus Gyuto 210mm has a profile that is quite flat at the heel end and then transitions into a nice curved belly about halfway along the edge. Blade height is very generous for a 210mm gyuto. This is a robust blade in size and weight which will find favor with users looking for a knife that feels solid and stiff. The heft and strength are confidence-inspiring. It comes with a very nice custom octagonal handle.
