Sujihiki • 240 mm • Blue #2 steel • Japanese walnut handle • Suitable for both left- and right-handed use

A fully handmade knife by Shu Matsubara, forged by fourth-generation blacksmith Katsuto Tanaka and his son Hiroki. The blade is forged from Aogami #2 (Blue #2) steel and features a stainless-steel cladding on the outside. The blade is hand-ground, resulting in an exceptionally thin edge and very little resistance when cutting. This allows the knife to glide through food with virtually no effort. The blade features a tsuchime finish, a traditional Japanese finish with a distinctive hammered surface. The small indentations in the blade are created by hammering the steel during the forging process, giving the knife a handcrafted and robust appearance.

What makes these knives particularly special is their taller blade profile. Combined with the Japanese-style handle, the additional blade height places the balance point noticeably further forward. The extra blade height also contributes to stability while cutting.

Matsubara knives are known for their rugged, authentic appearance. Each blade visibly bears the marks of the traditional forging process, giving it a unique character. These are not machine-produced knives, but knives in which the craftsmanship of the blacksmith can literally be seen. No two hammer strikes are exactly the same.

A=395mm B=3.0mm C=40mm D=170gram E=240mm

Blue #2

Blue #2 is a carbon steel known for its excellent balance between sharpness, edge retention and toughness. Compared to Blue #1 and AS+, it is slightly tougher and more forgiving, making it an excellent choice for everyday use. Thanks to its small addition of chromium, it is also somewhat more resistant to rust than White Steel, although the steel will certainly develop a patina over time. The blade features stainless-steel cladding, meaning that the carbon steel cutting core is covered with a rust-resistant outer layer. This makes the exterior of the knife significantly easier to maintain while retaining the characteristic properties of Blue #2 steel.

Elwin de Veld aboout Matsubara

Matsubara Hamono originates from Nagasaki, a region with a centuries-old tradition of producing Japanese knives and swords. The Tanaka family continues this tradition to this day. Katsuto Tanaka has spent more than twenty years dedicating himself to traditional Japanese forging techniques, carefully executing every step of the process with great precision and attention to detail. The combination of traditional craftsmanship, high-quality Blue #2 or Ginsan steel, and the distinctive geometry of the blades makes Matsubara knives particularly appealing to those who value sharpness, control, character and craftsmanship.