Michio Ishikawa is a 4th generation blacksmith working for Nakaniida Traditional Blades. The workshop is located in the Miyagi Prefecture and has been in operation for over 350 years. Once in a while we are lucky enough to be able to offer a unique and historically significant knife line to our customers. The knife line we present here is significant in that it is probably the last series of knives being produced using the Nakaniida process.
This very interesting process involves 28 steps and is significant in that the blade is hardened 3 times. The complete operation is carried out by Mr. Ishikawa. In addition to this unique process, all of his knives are single beveled designs.
White #2 carbon alloy is his steel of choice; it is clad with a soft iron outer layer which is enhanced by leaving the carbon forging scale in place, thus creating the finish known as kurouchi. While these knives have average fit and finish, it is obvious that Ishikawa-san places value on shape and sharpness more than on visual appeal.
This nakiri has an unusual single-beveled edge and thus comes with the customary inclusive edge angle of about 20 degrees as opposed to a double edge where the angle is around 30 degrees. This enhances the cutting abilities, makes food release easier, and minimizes wedging. However, it does result in a blade that is restricted to right-handed users. The handle is a nice custom octagonal using burl wood and it's stabilized for long use.Blacksmith: Ishikawa
Location: Kami, Japan
Construction: Hammer Forged, San Mai
Core Steel: White #2
Edge: Asymmetric Right Handed (See Choil Photo)
Handle: Custom Octagonal
Weight: 5.4 oz (154 g)
Blade Length: 161 mm
Overall Length: 314 mm
Spine Thickness at Heel: 3.6 mm
Blade Height at Heel: 52.9 mm
Please note you will receive the knife in the pictures.
This very interesting process involves 28 steps and is significant in that the blade is hardened 3 times. The complete operation is carried out by Mr. Ishikawa. In addition to this unique process, all of his knives are single beveled designs.
White #2 carbon alloy is his steel of choice; it is clad with a soft iron outer layer which is enhanced by leaving the carbon forging scale in place, thus creating the finish known as kurouchi. While these knives have average fit and finish, it is obvious that Ishikawa-san places value on shape and sharpness more than on visual appeal.
This nakiri has an unusual single-beveled edge and thus comes with the customary inclusive edge angle of about 20 degrees as opposed to a double edge where the angle is around 30 degrees. This enhances the cutting abilities, makes food release easier, and minimizes wedging. However, it does result in a blade that is restricted to right-handed users. The handle is a nice custom octagonal using burl wood and it's stabilized for long use.
Reviews
2 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) Great knife made betterPosted By: JC
5 people found this review helpful
I bought a Nakiri directly from Michio before they were sold on CKTG. What I received from Michio was overall a great blade, but unfortunately, the handle, the tang, and the grind on the blade were lacking. I resurfaced the entire grind surface, correcting the sloppy grind and then I fixed the D-style wa handle that it came with. After doing that, it's been a great knife with cutting properties similar to most other White #2 nakiri knives.
It looks like CKTG has either squeezed better quality out of Michio or are replacing the handles themselves. I know from past experience with CKTG that they sharpen the knives before they go out the door and likely fix any issues with the grind before the customer receives it. While you might be able to find a Michio Ishikawa knife cheaper elsewhere, trust me when I say it isn't worth it due to having the fix the handle and grind yourself. Having bought one elsewhere, I recommend getting this one from CKTG. It really is a great blade. CKTG's loving touch just makes it that much better.
5 people found this review helpful
I bought a Nakiri directly from Michio before they were sold on CKTG. What I received from Michio was overall a great blade, but unfortunately, the handle, the tang, and the grind on the blade were lacking. I resurfaced the entire grind surface, correcting the sloppy grind and then I fixed the D-style wa handle that it came with. After doing that, it's been a great knife with cutting properties similar to most other White #2 nakiri knives.
It looks like CKTG has either squeezed better quality out of Michio or are replacing the handles themselves. I know from past experience with CKTG that they sharpen the knives before they go out the door and likely fix any issues with the grind before the customer receives it. While you might be able to find a Michio Ishikawa knife cheaper elsewhere, trust me when I say it isn't worth it due to having the fix the handle and grind yourself. Having bought one elsewhere, I recommend getting this one from CKTG. It really is a great blade. CKTG's loving touch just makes it that much better.
Great buying experience Posted By: Faye - verified customer
2 people found this review helpful
Bought this knife as a gift for my chef boyfriend. I haven't given it to him yet but it seems super sharp and came packed well. Also had a great interaction with customer service when there was an issue with my initial order. Will definitely shop again
2 people found this review helpful
Bought this knife as a gift for my chef boyfriend. I haven't given it to him yet but it seems super sharp and came packed well. Also had a great interaction with customer service when there was an issue with my initial order. Will definitely shop again
