The Matsubara ZDP189 line of knives are a recent addition to our store. They combine beautiful aesthetics with fine craftsmanship and outstanding performance. Katsuto Tanaka is the principal blacksmith responsible for hand-forging these lovely blades in his famed shop located in the town of Matsubara in the city of Omura, Nagasaki Prefecture.
Tanaka-San uses the very popular ZDP189 for the edge. He then forge welds a layer of stainless steel to the core (hagane) using a technique known as san mai. This involves covering both sides of the blade without wrapping the outer layer (jigane) over the spine. The hagane thus shows through at the edge and on top of the spine. These knives must be kept clean and dry to avoid corrosion to the exposed hagane. HRC after heat treating is HRC65+-.
The Matsubara ZDP189
Gyuto 210mm has a profile that is quite flat at the heel end and then transitions into a nice curved belly about halfway along the edge. Blade height is very generous for a 210mm
gyuto. This is a robust blade in size and weight which will find favor with users looking for a knife that feels solid and stiff. The heft and strength are confidence-inspiring. It comes with a very nice octagonal handle.
Brand: Matsubara
Blacksmith: Tanaka-San
Steel: ZDP189
HRC: 65+-
Cladding: Stainless
Finish: Near Mirror
Knife Type: Gyuto 210mm
Edge: Even
Weight: 5.5 oz (156 g)
Edge Length: 209 mm
Total Length: 353 mm
Spine Thickness at Heel: 2.4 mm
Blade Height at Heel: 52.8 mm
Handle: Walnut Octagonal
Ferrule: Black Pakka Wood