There is a fascination with kiritsuke tipped knives that is very understandable. The look is most obvious. They resemble weapons more than any other kitchen knife shape. But just as important is the function they provide from having a slightly flatter profile than a regular gyuto.
Push cutters will love the profile more than rockers. The fine tip is also great for intricate detail work. Unlike many of the breed, the Matsubara Blue #2 Nashiji Kiritsuke is a double bevel design so users whether right- or left-handed will be able to enjoy the virtues of the incredibly useful and fun to use knife.
This knife is made from Blue #2 high carbon steel. It is a Hitachi manufactured metal and is regarded as one of the best steels to use in the making of kitchen knives. The steel is high carbon, so Tanaka-san clads the blade in a layer of stainless steel so that only the mirror finished edge will be reactive. The nashiji is a hand applied finish that helps with food release while adding a great look to this finely crafted blade. The hammer marks you see on these blades are made in the forging process and not stamped with a press.
Brand: Matsubara
Location: Nagasaki
Blacksmith: Tanaka-San
Steel: Blue #2
Cladding: Stainless
Finish: Nashiji
Edge: Even
Engraving: Hand Engraved
Weight: 7.5 oz (212 g)
Blade Length: 243 mm
Total Length: 390 mm
Spine Thickness at Base: 3.6 mm
Blade Height: 52.0 mm
Handle: Rosewood Octagonal
Please note, Mr. Tanaka puts a notch in the tang and this is done on purpose and is not an installation mistake.
The felt guard is a better fit than any of the sayas we carry.
Reviews
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Matsubara Blue
Posted By: Jonathan Marques Martini - verified customer
Very good knife. Needs attention and maintenance if you have this it's a knife for life.