The Matsubara White #1 Kiri Cleaver is a fine example of a traditional cleaver but with a twist--the kiritsuke-shaped tip. It 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 hand-hammers his blades from Hitachi White Paper #1, a very 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.Brand: Matsubara
Blacksmith: Tanaka San
Location: Nagasaki, Japan
Construction: Hammer Forged, San Mai
Cladding: Soft Iron
Weight: 8.7 oz (248 g)
Blade Length: 188 mm
Overall Length: 333 mm
Spine Thickness at Heel: 4 mm
Blade Height at Heel: 76 mm
Handle Type: Walnut 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-hammers his blades from Hitachi White Paper #1, a very 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.
