Katsuko Tanaka is the principal blacksmith at Tanaka Kama Kogyo, a famed shop in the town of Matsubara in the city of Omura, Nagasaki Prefecture. They have their origins in a blacksmithing tradition that came to the town with refugees from the Battle of Dannoura, over 800 years ago.
Tanaka-san hand forges all of these fine blades out of the very popular Aogami 2 steel as his core component. He hardens the steel to a Rockwell rating of 62HRC, which is a sweet spot for Blue #2. He then forge-welds a layer of soft stainless steel to the core using the san-mai method of awasi (cladding). The soft stainless steel not only protects the inner core of Aogami 2 steel, but also adds a level of dampening to the blade which reduces the chances of fractures while making the blade easier to maintain.
Even though the cladding is stainless, these knives should be kept clean and dry to avoid corrosion to the exposed core steel. The cladding receives a really lovely nashiji, or pear skin, finish. This not only enhances the visual appeal of the knife but offers a huge amount of protection to the otherwise corrosion-prone inner core. This particular knife comes with a very nice custom octagonal handle pictured. Our Kiri cleaver saya does not fit this knife.Brand: Matsubara
Blacksmith: Mr. Tanaka
Location: Nagasaki
Construction: Hammer Forged, San Mai
Cladding: Nashiji Stainless
Edge Steel: Blue #2
Edge Grind: Even
Weight: 7.6 ounces / 216g
Blade Length: 190mm
Spine Thickness at Base: 3.5mm
Blade Height: 79mm
Handle: Burnt Oak Octagonal
Please note, Mr. Tanaka puts a notch in the tang and this is done on purpose and is not an installation mistake.
Tanaka-san hand forges all of these fine blades out of the very popular Aogami 2 steel as his core component. He hardens the steel to a Rockwell rating of 62HRC, which is a sweet spot for Blue #2. He then forge-welds a layer of soft stainless steel to the core using the san-mai method of awasi (cladding). The soft stainless steel not only protects the inner core of Aogami 2 steel, but also adds a level of dampening to the blade which reduces the chances of fractures while making the blade easier to maintain.
Even though the cladding is stainless, these knives should be kept clean and dry to avoid corrosion to the exposed core steel. The cladding receives a really lovely nashiji, or pear skin, finish. This not only enhances the visual appeal of the knife but offers a huge amount of protection to the otherwise corrosion-prone inner core. This particular knife comes with a very nice custom octagonal handle pictured. Our Kiri cleaver saya does not fit this knife.
Reviews
2 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) Beautiful Beast, August 18, 2024Posted By: Michael Wilson
Just have to say that this beautiful cleaver from Matsubara is another great addition to my Japanese knife inventory. Its rustic finish, weight and feel is awesome. Cuts larger produce like Cabbage without any issues. I was so glad to see that it was back in stock and I got one before they sold out. Extremely pleased with it. Thanks to CKTG for the great customer service,and fast shipping.
Just have to say that this beautiful cleaver from Matsubara is another great addition to my Japanese knife inventory. Its rustic finish, weight and feel is awesome. Cuts larger produce like Cabbage without any issues. I was so glad to see that it was back in stock and I got one before they sold out. Extremely pleased with it. Thanks to CKTG for the great customer service,and fast shipping.
Perfect for someone with large hands like mePosted By: Ryan Barrett
2 people found this review helpful
Knife is light and perfectly balanced for something of this size. The size is really nice for someone with large hands, which is why I got this. Choil is rounded smooth and is comfortable. Knife gets very sharp, and stays sharp. Surface area makes it great for scooping food, so no need for a bench scraper to take up precious counter space.
The thing is just a beast. Only negative is that the food release is not great, but that's the case with any cleaver.
2 people found this review helpful
Knife is light and perfectly balanced for something of this size. The size is really nice for someone with large hands, which is why I got this. Choil is rounded smooth and is comfortable. Knife gets very sharp, and stays sharp. Surface area makes it great for scooping food, so no need for a bench scraper to take up precious counter space.
The thing is just a beast. Only negative is that the food release is not great, but that's the case with any cleaver.
