Ishikawa White #2 Nakiri 165mm

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.