Naoki Mazaki is a blacksmith located in Sanjo, Niigata. He works alone in his small workshop and handles all aspects of his knife making. He focuses primarily on forging Shirogami (White) #2 carbon steel cladded in iron. The nashiji kurouchi displays all of the character and detail that happens during the forging process. The bevels are finished by hand on Japanese whetstones to ensure an even grind and geometry. The forged distal taper is quite impressive and has a nice progressive thinness towards the tip. Lightly convexed bevels and very thin behind the cutting edge. The octagonal handle is made from magnolia and walnut ferrule.
Weight: 144g
Height at heel: 53mm
Spine thickness above heel: 4.2mm
Edge length: 172mm