There are many knives and styles that garner praise and an almost cult following among kitchen knife lovers and collectors. Amongst these are the many fans of the profile and performance characteristics of the classic Sabatier chef knife. The shape has been mimicked by many makers resulting in some particular iterations receiving unmitigated praise. As a result of this demand we asked one of our favorite blacksmiths, Tanaka-san, to realize his interpretation of this ubiquitous blade.
Matsubara blades have a rich tradition of blacksmithing that goes back many centuries. The techniques that have come from these centuries of smithing are still being used today in the production of knives and farm tools. Tanaka Kama Kogyo is a 4th generation blacksmith who owns the shop and his blades are very popular in this part of Japan. Tanaka-san lives and works with his entire family in his blacksmith shop outside Nagasaki.
Tanaka-san hand forges these fine blades out of Aogami 2 steel. 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 hammer marks you see on these blades are real, not stamped with a press.Brand: Matsubara
Location: Nagasaki
Blacksmith: Tanaka-San
Steel: Blue #2
Cladding: Stainless
Finish: Nashiji
Knife Type: Gyuto
Edge: Even
Engraving: Hand Engraved
Weight: 6.1 ounces / 174g
Blade Length: 244 mm
Total Length: 390 mm
Spine Thickness at Base: 3mm
Blade Height: 49mm
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.
Matsubara blades have a rich tradition of blacksmithing that goes back many centuries. The techniques that have come from these centuries of smithing are still being used today in the production of knives and farm tools. Tanaka Kama Kogyo is a 4th generation blacksmith who owns the shop and his blades are very popular in this part of Japan. Tanaka-san lives and works with his entire family in his blacksmith shop outside Nagasaki.
Tanaka-san hand forges these fine blades out of Aogami 2 steel. 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 hammer marks you see on these blades are real, not stamped with a press.
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