Name: Anryu Knives Aogami Nakiri
Brand: Katsushige Anryu
SKU: ANRY-004
Price: 172.0 USD
Availability: OutOfStock

First Impressions

Aogami blue #2 steel, is considered a very tough steel, not quite as hard as super blue but not as brittle which gives you the perfect knife if you don't want to spend a long time sharpening it.

These are very sharp out of the box for the average user but if you want to take them to the stones you can achieve a sharper edge still.

Beauty

They are beautiful. The hammer marks really give a sense of how the knife was made, in a hot forge by a blacksmith rather than a pristine machine. The handles are quite understated leaving all the cooing to be done over the blade!

Please note that newer knives in the range have an octagonal shaped handle not an oval one.

In Hand

A classic walnut and black buffalo wa handle offers a light and comfortable grip making for a nimble and well balanced knife.

Please note: These knives are supplied with either an oval or octagonal shaped handle and availability of a specific shape isn't possible to guarantee so the handle fitted is what is available at the time. If you'd like to double check which is fitted before ordering, please contact us.

Durability

Aogami blue #2 is considered a very tough and durable steel, the steel doesn't get as hard as super blue so not as brittle. As is normal with all our knives, treat it with care and it will last a lifetime.

Ease of Care

The core steel in these knives is carbon which is reactive but with the stainless steel cladding you don't need to worry much. The only part of the carbon core that is exposed is on the edge of the blade. This will patina over time but gives the knife a lovely unique look and in our eyes, becomes part of its history.

All you need to do is wipe, dry and store, don't put it in the dishwasher and don't leave it sat around in the wet. Keep the edge in tip top condition with a go on the ceramic rod every few weeks and every now and again take it to the stones.

Our Verdict

The blue #2 steel coupled with the great fit and finish makes these knives absolute winners in our eyes. The reputation regarding performance that goes before them makes the price hard to believe.

Product details

Blade Length: 155mm (Measurement of the cutting edge)
Total Length: 310mm (Blade tip to handle end)
Blade Height: 50mm (Heel to spine)
Blade Thickness: 4mm (Spine width above the heel)
Total Weight: 155 grams
Core Steel: Blue Steel #2
Care Tip – Reactive Carbon Steel

The core (and on some ranges, the cladding steel too) of this knife is made using a carbon steel which can react with moisture and acids in your food and so is not stainless or rust-proof.

Read our carbon steel care guide

View all carbon steel knives

View all non-reactive knives

RECOMMENDED Carbon steel care kit
Cladding Steel: Stainless
Hardness: 62 (HRC)
Handle Style: Japanese
Handle Material: Walnut with black buffalo ferrule (Oval or octagonal - see comfort section above)
Left or Right handed: Either (Double Bevel)

Product SKU: ANRY-004

Our aim is to measure and photograph our products as accurately as possible but due to many items being handmade, finished or using natural materials, there can be minor variance in measurements and things such as blade or wood finishes can vary. We will always endeavour to provide the most accurate measurements, photos and descriptions of our products.

Some measurements such as HRC are provided by manufacturers and should therefore be used as a guide.

Blacksmith Profile

Takumi Ikeda / Katsushige Anryu

The aogami range has been made for many years by master blacksmith Anryu san but with his retirement at the start of 2021, production of this line has passed to his nephew and apprentice and highly skilled blacksmith Takumi Ikeda who continues to make the knives in the same way.

View all knives from Katsushige Anryu

Anryu Knives Aogami Nakiri