Tanuki

Made in Sanjo Niigata Japan

Tanuki means Japanese raccoon dog. It is the JNS affordable knife series made in Sanjo, Niigata, for people who want a real handmade Japanese knife without paying a lot for it.

The steel is White 2 carbon clad with soft iron, and the finish is kurouchi only. It is a carbon knife, so it can rust. Wipe it dry after use and it will be fine. In return you get a knife that takes an edge easily and gets very sharp on a natural stone.

What makes Tanuki good for the money is the grind. Extra thin behind the edge, with the tapering you normally only see on much more expensive Sanjo knives. It cuts better than the price suggests.

The handle is Ho wood, D shape, with a buffalo horn ferrule.

Gyuto in 180, 210 and 240mm, santoku and nakiri in 165mm, petty 135mm, sujihiki 270mm, and a three knife set. If you are buying your first carbon Japanese knife, this is the easiest place to start.