Blue #2 (Aogami #2) earns its place in professional kitchens through a combination of edge sharpness, retention, and toughness that makes it one of the most trusted carbon steels in the Japanese knife tradition. Katsuto Tanaka heat-treats it to 62-63 HRC at Tanaka Kama Kogyo in Omura City, Nagasaki Prefecture - a fourth-generation blacksmith shop whose roots trace back over 800 years. Stainless cladding protects the flanks while the carbon edge does the cutting work.
The 240mm gyuto is the professional standard length in the Wavy Face line, and at about 8 oz it will power through a long shift with ease. The hand-hammered wavy face texture gives each knife a distinctive appearance. The even, double-bevel grind and octagonal oak handle will suit both right- and left-handed users equally well.
Care Instructions: Blue #2 is a reactive carbon steel - the stainless cladding protects the flanks, but the exposed carbon edge will patina naturally with use. Wipe and dry the blade immediately after every use. Avoid leaving acidic foods on the edge. Hand wash only, and never use the dishwasher. Apply camellia oil for long-term storage. Sharpen on quality water stones - Blue #2 at 62-63 HRC sharpens easily and rewards good technique. Strop regularly between sharpenings.
Each knife is made by hand so measurements may vary.Blacksmith: Katsuto Tanaka
Workshop: Tanaka Kama Kogyo
Location: Omura City, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan
Construction: Hammer Forged, San Mai
Edge Steel: Blue #2 (Aogami 2) Carbon Steel
Cladding: Stainless
HRC: 62-63
Finish: Wavy Face (Hammered)
Edge Grind: Even (50/50), Double Bevel
Handle: Burnt Oak Octagonal
Weight: 8.1 oz (230 g)
Blade Length: 242 mm
Total Length: 399 mm
Spine Thickness at Base: 3 mm
Blade Height: 61 mm
The 240mm gyuto is the professional standard length in the Wavy Face line, and at about 8 oz it will power through a long shift with ease. The hand-hammered wavy face texture gives each knife a distinctive appearance. The even, double-bevel grind and octagonal oak handle will suit both right- and left-handed users equally well.
Care Instructions: Blue #2 is a reactive carbon steel - the stainless cladding protects the flanks, but the exposed carbon edge will patina naturally with use. Wipe and dry the blade immediately after every use. Avoid leaving acidic foods on the edge. Hand wash only, and never use the dishwasher. Apply camellia oil for long-term storage. Sharpen on quality water stones - Blue #2 at 62-63 HRC sharpens easily and rewards good technique. Strop regularly between sharpenings.
Each knife is made by hand so measurements may vary.
