The Matsubara White #1 Tall Nakiri is hand-forged by 4th generation master bladesmith Katsuto Tanaka, who was born in Matsubara in 1962. He is the fourth president of Tanaka Kama Kogyo, Blacksmith.
Tanaka-san hammer forges his blades from Hitachi White Paper #1, a pure carbon alloy renowned for its hardness and ability to take and hold a sharp edge. This knife is hardened to 63-64 HRC, which is at the upper end of hardness for this steel. The core (hagane) is then covered in a layer of softer carbon steel to add strength and protection. This layer is finished in a kurouchi style of blacksmith carbon which further protects the blade and aids in food release. It also endows the knife with a very nice rustic appearance. A lovely hand-engraved motif further adds to the fine aesthetic of the knife.
The Matsubara White #1 tall nakiri is a tweener knife between a nakiri and a cleaver and it's fun for chopping a wide variety of foods. The double-sided grind features a very well-finished symmetrical edge bevel. This knife should occupy a spot on the shopping list of anyone seeking a medium-sized and modestly priced kitchen knife capable of handling most cutting tasks.Brand: Matsubara
Blacksmith: Tanaka San
Location: Nagasaki, Japan
Construction: Hammer Forged, San Mai
Cladding: Soft Iron
Weight: 7.9 oz (224 g)
Edge Length: 175 mm
Total Length: 320 mm
Spine Thickness at Heel: 2 mm
Blade Height at Heel: 78 mm
Handle Type: Walnut Octagonal
Please note that Mr. Tanaka often puts a notch in the tang; this is done on purpose and is not an installation mistake.
Tanaka-san hammer forges his blades from Hitachi White Paper #1, a pure carbon alloy renowned for its hardness and ability to take and hold a sharp edge. This knife is hardened to 63-64 HRC, which is at the upper end of hardness for this steel. The core (hagane) is then covered in a layer of softer carbon steel to add strength and protection. This layer is finished in a kurouchi style of blacksmith carbon which further protects the blade and aids in food release. It also endows the knife with a very nice rustic appearance. A lovely hand-engraved motif further adds to the fine aesthetic of the knife.
The Matsubara White #1 tall nakiri is a tweener knife between a nakiri and a cleaver and it's fun for chopping a wide variety of foods. The double-sided grind features a very well-finished symmetrical edge bevel. This knife should occupy a spot on the shopping list of anyone seeking a medium-sized and modestly priced kitchen knife capable of handling most cutting tasks.
