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Sukenari  |  SKU: SKNR-BLUE2-US210

Sukenari Blue 2 Kanto Usuba 210mm, Ebony Spacer Handle

Regular price $13,655.00

IMPORTANT: Carbon steel knives can rust or patina quickly if not cared for properly. They require regular cleaning, drying, and oiling. If you are unfamiliar with carbon steel maintenance, we recommend choosing a stainless steel option instead.

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Availability

  • St Peters, NSW
    2 Bishop St, Unit 2, St Peters NSW 2044
  • Crows Nest, NSW
    107 West St, Shop 1, Crows Nest NSW 2065
    Pickup only
  • Prahran, VIC
    180 Commercial Road, Shop 1, Prahran VIC 3181
    Pickup only
Detailed Specifications
Line Sukenari Blue Steel Single Bevel Migaki
Profile Usuba
Bevel Type Double Bevel
Weight 296 g | 10.4 oz
Edge Length 199 mm | 7 53/64″
Heel Height 48 mm | 1 57/64″
Width @ Heel 4.0 mm | 5/32″
Width @ Mid 3.7 mm | 9/64″
Width @ 1cm from Tip 3.2 mm | 1/8″
Steel Blue 2 / Aogami #2 | Carbon
Blade Construction Nimai - Soft Iron Clad
Hardness (HRC) 61 - 63
Surface Finish Migaki
Handle
Region Toyama
Best for
  • Pro chefs
  • Enthusiasts
  • Free shipping for knives over AU$200 Australia wide.
  • World-wide shipping via DHL Express, 3 to 5 days.


Traditional Single-Bevel Performance with Lasting Edge Retention

Forged in Toyama, Japan, the Sukenari Blue Steel Single Bevel Migaki series combines traditional Japanese blade geometry with the dependable performance of Blue Steel carbon steel.

Blue Steel is highly regarded for its excellent balance of sharpness, edge retention and sharpening response. Its alloyed carbon steel composition allows it to take a very keen edge while maintaining that sharpness through extended use, making it particularly well suited to professional kitchens and experienced users who value consistent cutting performance.

The traditional single-bevel geometry provides precise control, clean slicing and highly accurate cuts, making the series ideal for sashimi, fish preparation and other detailed Japanese kitchen work. A smooth Migaki polished finish gives the blade a clean, understated appearance that complements its professional character.

Backed by Sukenari’s established craftsmanship, this line offers a refined balance of sharpness, durability and traditional Japanese performance.



Pros Cons
  • Excellent performance
  • Great for professionals
  • Need extra care
  • A little bit brittle
Care Instruction
  1. Don't cut hard things! Japanese knives are brittle so bone hacking is a NO NO!
  2. Wash with neutral detergent after use, and wipe dry;
  3. Please don't wash knife with dishwasher, it will damage the wood handle;
  4. Be careful not to leave the knife close to a heat source for a long time;
  5. It is a lot more dangerous to cut with a blunt knife than a sharp knife!
  6. It is best to sharpen a Japanese knife regularly on a waterstone.
  7. Oil the (carbon) knife if storing for an extended period of time to prevent rust.

Sukenari

Sukenari: The Toyama Forge That Tames Steel No One Else Can

Sukenari(佑成), a brand with a trademark written in two Kanji, one is "to support" or can be broken down to "human and its right side", the other one is "become, achieve). According to the current Representative Director Nobuo Hanaki, this name is filled with the desire of making product that will become an inseparable part in the right hand of those who cook.

Eversince the founding of the company in Showa 8th (1933), Sukenari have been renowned for its products utilizing the hardest manufacturing technique of Honyaki. This applies not only to the traditional carbon steel, but also to modern stainless alloy steels, or even powder metallurgy steels. It is quite safe to say Sukenari, is one of the most, if not the most pioneering Japanese company in terms of new steel selection, with glorious track records of forging with steels never seen on any other kitchen knives.

Read more

Sukenari(佑成), a brand with a trademark written in two Kanji, one is "to support" or can be broken down to "human and its right side", the other one is "become, achieve). According to the current Representative Director Nobuo Hanaki, this name is filled with the desire of making product that will become an inseparable part in the right hand of those who cook.

Eversince the founding of the company in Showa 8th(1933), Sukenari have been renowned for its products utilizing the hardest manufacturing technique of Honyaki. This applies not only to the traditional carbon steel, but also to modern stainless alloy steels, or even powder metallurgy steels. It is quite safe to say Sukenari, is one of the most, if not the most pioneering Japanese company in terms of new steel selection, with glorious track records of forging with steels never seen on any other kitchen knives.

ZDP-189, YXR7 and HAP-40, these are the steels with extreme performance that was never considered by the industry to be suitable for knife making, yet Sukenari was daring enough to experiment with them, which lead to the adoptation by the industry. Without this company, we are likely unable to get our hands on some of the extreme performer knives today. It is great to see a Japanese company with rich history can breake the stereotype of lacking in innovation, and show us there are still potential for improvement. Just like the current company owner, 3rd-generation Hanaki - Mr. Nobuo Hanaki said: "we are willing to work hard to improve our skill and technique, so we can be relied upon by those who cook."

“The knife behind the knife — and the steel no one else dares.”

Est. 1933 | 昭和8年
Known for Forging the "unforgable" powdered steels
Website sukenari.jp Instagram @sukenari_official Read more about Sukenari
Sukenari — Toyama

Knife details

Profile: Usuba
Profile

Usuba

The Japanese kitchen knife "Usuba" - translates directly to Thin Edge - is a traditional vegetable knife known for its precision and sharpness, essential for delicate cutting tasks in Japanese cuisine. This knife is particularly celebrated for "Katsuramuki," a technique of slicing vegetables such as cucumbers and radishes into extremely thin, continuous sheets. There are two main styles of Usuba knives: the Kanto Usuba and the Kansai/Kamagata Usuba. The standard Usuba features a straight-edged blade, perfect for clean cuts and chopping, while the Kamagata Usuba has a slightly curved and pointy tip, which is advantageous for intricate decorative cuts and peeling. Both types are typically made from high-carbon steel, ensuring a sharp, durable edge essential for the precise work required in preparing traditional Japanese dishes.
Composition

Blue 2 / Aogami #2 Element Composition

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    Blue 2 / Aogami #2
    1.25% 0.9% 0.6% 0.3% 0
    C
    1.1%
    Cr
    0.35%
    W
    1.25%
    Mn
    0.25%
    Si
    0.15%
    P
    0.025%
    S
    0.004%
    C — Carbon Cr — Chromium W — Tungsten Mn — Manganese Si — Silicon P — Phosphorus S — Sulfur
    Hardness 61–63 HRC
    555759616365+
    Steel
    Blue 2 / Aogami #2
    Category
    Carbon
    Manufacturer
    Hitachi Special Steel, Japan 🇯🇵
    Hardness
    61–63 HRC
    Steel

    Blue 2 / Aogami #2

    • Manufacturer
      • Hitachi Special Steel, Japan
    • Nature Carbon
    • Hardness61–63 HRC
    Blue Steel No.2, also recognized as Aogami No.2, is a distinguished high carbon steel produced by Hitachi Metals Ltd, enhanced by the addition of chromium and tungsten to the base of White Steel No.2. This modification brings about an improvement in toughness and the creation of hard carbide molecules, which significantly boost edge retention. Although its sharpness is comparable to that of White Steel No.2, Blue Steel No.2 offers a slight advantage in maintaining its edge.

    Widely favored for its versatility, Aogami No.2 is celebrated for its ease of sharpening and robust resistance to chipping, making it an ideal choice for those new to Aogami steel knives. Containing 1.0–1.2% carbon and achieving a typical hardness of 62–63 HRC on the Rockwell scale, it stands as the benchmark in evaluating Aogami steel cutlery.
    Construction: Nimai - Soft Iron Clad
    Construction

    Nimai - Soft Iron Clad

    Nimai(Two Piece) is the Japan's traditional approach to the kitchen knife making, this construction method is typically found on knives with native Japanese origins like Yanagiba, Deba and Usuba. When constructing a Nimai knife, a piece of soft cladding metal will be placed onto a core steel, the two pieces of metal are then forgewelded and shaped into the knife.

    The Nimai knives are usually sharpened in single-bevel fashion, with hardened core steel exposed on the flat/hollow-ground side and soft cladding warping over the other side and over the spin. The soft cladding offers support for the harder yet more brittle core steel so the knive can have a thin, sharp edge while have some overall strength. Since the single bevel Japanese knives usually don't have a secondary bevel, the combination of soft cladding and hollow-grind have made the sharpening process easier than Monosteel and Honyaki knives.

    If Nimai construction represents the classic Japanese knifemaking, then the Nimai with carbon steel core and soft iron cladding is the essence of this classical approach. Although the entire blade will be prone to rusting, the ease of sharpening have made these blades the first choice for chefs who work in traditional Japanese restaurants, where the constant wiping and routine shrpening offset the downsides. If you are interested in experiencing traditional Japanese kitchen knife ownership and willing to spend time take care of your knife, a Nimai Soft Iron Clad knife will deliver that experience with hundreds of years of history behind it.

    Finish: Migaki
    Finish

    Migaki

    "Migaki" means "polished" or "shined" in Japanese, The term "Migaki finish" in the context of Japanese kitchen knives indeed does not exclusively refer to a mirror polish but encompasses a broader range of polished finishes that can vary from semi-gloss to a more refined, subtle sheen, rather than a highly reflective surface. The primary goal of a Migaki finish is to enhance the knife's functionality and aesthetic appeal, focusing on a smooth finish that improves resistance to corrosion and minimizes drag during cutting, rather than achieving a purely mirror-like appearance.

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    Frequently asked questions

    Will a carbon steel knife rust, and how do I look after it?

    Yes - carbon steels such as Aogami (Blue) and Shirogami (White) react with food, moisture, and acids. Left wet they can spot or rust, and with normal use they develop a grey-blue patina. That patina is expected and is part of owning a carbon-steel knife; it is not damage.

    Care is simple once it becomes habit: hand-wash in warm water, never leave the knife soaking or sitting in a wet sink, and dry it thoroughly the moment you finish. Avoid the dishwasher entirely, and wipe the blade between tasks when you are cutting acidic foods like citrus, tomato, or onion.

    If the knife will sit unused for a while, wipe a very thin film of food-safe camellia oil (or a neutral mineral oil) onto the blade before storing it. A light surface rust spot lifts easily with a rust eraser or a little Bar Keepers Friend; sustained neglect is the only thing to really avoid.

    Carbon steel rewards this small amount of attention with a keener edge and easier sharpening than most stainless. If you would rather not think about maintenance at all, ask us about stainless or stainless-clad options instead.

    Blue 2 vs White 2 steel for Japanese kitchen knives

    Blue 2 (Aogami #2) and White 2 (Shirogami #2) are both Hitachi high-carbon steels, but Blue 2 adds chromium and tungsten to White 2’s base, giving it noticeably better edge retention while keeping similar sharpness. The trade-off is that Blue 2 is slightly more abrasion-resistant during sharpening, so it takes a little more time to refine an edge, whereas White 2 is easier to sharpen and can take a finer, more aggressive edge but dulls faster in use.

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