Blacksmith: Kisuke Manaka 間中 貴輔
Sharpener: Kisuke Manaka 間中 貴輔
Line: ENN
Made In: Kasukabe, Saitama - Japan
Profile: Gyuto
Edge Length: 250mm
Blade Height: 57mm
Edge Steel: Blue #1
Steel Type: Carbon
Construction: Awase/Clad, Warikomi Kitaeji
Cladding: Blue #2 & Soft Iron
Finish: Kurouchi Tsuchime
Bevel: Double
Bevel Symmetry: 50/50
Hand Orientation: Ambidextrous
Handle: Quince Burl w/ Brass Spacer
Handle Material: Quince Burl
Ferrule/Bolster: Dyed Maple Burl, Metal Spacer
Total Length: 413mm
Spine Length: 272mm
Thickness of Spine at Handle: 4.1mm
Thickness ½ way: 2.3mm
Thickness ~1cm from Tip: 1.7mm
Handle Length: 140mm
Weight: 276g
Saya/Guard: Purchased Separately
About Manaka Hamono:
A one-man workshop, Kisuke Manaka, the fifth generation head of Manaka Hamono Tarenjo (forge), is one of the most promising and interesting makers in Japan today. He has the unique combination of being both primarily self-taught, reading countless books & notes and using supplies left behind in his great father-in law's (the third generation Manaka) forge, who was a master smith. After toiling away with intent and focus for several years by himself, Manaka-san eventually earned the tutelage of the legendary Tsukasa Hinoura-san, which is quite a statement of Manaka-san's skill in itself. Manaka-san uses both traditional carbon Yasugi steels (Aogami, Shirogami), as well as modern stainless powder metals and high-speed tool steels (ATS-34, VANADIS, ZDP-189), and explores fun and comfortable handles.
Furthermore, Manaka-san is one of the few makers in all of Japan who do not use any power tools, does the forge welding of his San-Mai billets by hand, AND finishes the blades on stones (Honkasumi). It is difficult to convey how much work all of that is and he is doing it on some very, very wear resistant/difficult to work with modern steels. We are very excited to be able to work with Manaka-san and see how he continues to expand his skillsets.
Please note: These pictures and measurements are examples. Individual knives may differ slightly in appearance and measurements.
Care advisement: This blade is fully carbon and care must be taken to avoid rust. Wipe dry after each use and ideally between preparing different products, especially when using acidic and salty products. A patina will form over time helping increase stain resistance slightly. Hand wash and dry only. Store away from liquids and open windows. Keep the blade covered when storing or traveling. Use only on appropriate cutting surfaces such as soft woods and plastics.