Hiroyuki Nagaike has been making kogatana blades at Mikisyo in Miki City for decades, and at 50mm, this smaller kogatana is as compact as these blades get while still being useful for the kind of small, precise cutting tasks the format was designed for. The blade is hammer forged from Blue #2 carbon steel with soft iron cladding in a traditional ni-mai construction, ground to a single bevel right-sided edge.
This a tool for detail work, whittling, and precision cutting rather than kitchen prep, though it finds its way into kitchens and onto cheese boards as much as into workshops. Nagaike-san is one of only two traditional kogatana blacksmiths still operating in Miki City.
Care Instructions: Blue #2 is a reactive carbon steel. Wipe and dry the blade after each use, avoid leaving moisture or acidic materials against the blade, and apply a light coat of camellia or food-safe oil before storage. Hand wash only.Business Name: Mikisyo
Location: Miki City, Japan
Blacksmith: Hiroyuki Nagaike
Construction: Hammer Forged, Ni Mai
Edge Steel: Blue #2 Carbon Steel
Cladding: Soft Iron
Edge: Single Bevel, Right Sided
Weight: 2.2 oz (62 g)
Blade Length: 52 mm
Total Length: 178 mm
Spine Thickness at Heel: 3 mm
Blade Height: 24 mm
Care Instructions: Blue #2 is a reactive carbon steel. Wipe and dry the blade after each use, avoid leaving moisture or acidic materials against the blade, and apply a light coat of camellia or food-safe oil before storage. Hand wash only.
