Yoshikazu Tanaka is one of the most famous knifemakers in Japan. Tanaka-san works in Sakai City, forging knives for some of the top brands and chefs. He is particularly well known for his blue steel knives that he creates for one of the country’s top makers. He is universally lauded for his heat treatment and his forging skills. One aspect of his knives that is loved by all is a very unique clad-line between the hagane and jigane compared to other makers. He also usually has more core steel exposed than you would normally see on other blades.
The versions we are stocking are made from Blue #1 steel that have a soft iron jigane featuring a very nice kurouchi finish. The dark upper blade contrasts perfectly with the sand-blasted lower face along the shinogi. Some lovely kanji elements add to the refined look of the knife. That look is further enhanced by adding a very well-finished octagonal handle made from rosewood and colored pakka wood.
Like all Sakai knives, it also runs a bit shorter than advertised. Check our specifications below for actual measurements.
We are so pleased to be able to offer you these wonderful creations made by a true Master Blacksmith.
Blacksmith: Tanaka
Sharpener: Tsuyoshi Yauchi
Location: Sakai, Japan
Edge Steel: Blue #1
Cladding: Soft Iron Clad
Hardness: 62-64 HRC
Handle: Rosewood Octagonal
Ferrule: Colored Pakka Wood
Weight: 6.9 oz (196 g)
Blade Length: 182 mm
Total Length: 330 mm
Spine Thickness at Base: 2.4 mm
Blade Height: 57.8 mm
We do not have a saya that fits this knife well; try the felt guard instead.