Mazaki Blue 2 Migaki Kiritsuke Yanagiba 240mm w/ Urushi Handle and Guard

Mazaki is known in the Sanjo region for his double bevel knives, but his single bevel work carries the same distinctive character — and the Blue 2 Migaki line is a good example of what that means in practice. The forged taper that makes his gyuto and santoku feel so responsive translates into a single bevel knife that sits noticeably lighter in hand than a comparable Sakai blade of the same length. The weight balance leans away from the tip in a way that feels nimble and precise, which is a refreshing departure from the more forward-weighted feel of many traditionally forged single bevel knives.

The finish is clean and considered throughout. The Hira and Ura carry a uniform Migaki polish, the spine is mirror finished, and the choil is properly chamfered — the kind of fit and finish details that speak to a maker who takes the whole knife seriously, not just the bevel. The hand forged cladding line is where Mazaki's personality really shows. Where Sakai single bevel knives typically maintain a flat, strictly parallel cladding line running close to the edge, Mazaki's has a noticeable waviness to it — more organic, more lively, and a clear reflection of his hand forging approach rather than the more controlled production methods common in Sakai.

The core steel is Blue 2 (Aogami 2) with soft iron cladding — a combination Mazaki uses across his single bevel range. Blue 2 produces a sharp, aggressive edge with good retention, and the iron cladding develops a natural patina over time that many single bevel users appreciate. The entire blade requires regular maintenance to prevent rust, which is the standard trade-off for any carbon steel single bevel knife and should be factored in before committing.

Offered in Deba and Yanagiba, this line sits at a higher price than more uniformly finished alternatives, but offers something genuinely different in character. For collectors who have grown fatigued with single bevel knives that all look the same, and for enthusiasts who want the Sanjo hand forging experience in a single bevel format, the Mazaki Blue 2 Migaki is a compelling and characterful choice.