Tanaka Kama Kogyo is the leader of the Matsubara hamono workshop and directs a small team along of around 5 employees along with his son who is slated to take over operations after Tanaka-sans retirement. He forge welds the steel he uses to make his knives in house which is becoming a rarity even amongst skilled blacksmiths in Japan. They work in the Nagasaki region of Japan and make some truly awesome knives which are loved by knife enthusiasts for their edge retention and tall blades. Each blade is very handmade and unique, as head Blacksmith, Katsuto Tanaka-san, hand forges using traditional techniques, working with primarily Shirogami #2 and Aogami #2 steel. The family also has a history in sword-making and tool making, and has since transitioned to kitchen knives, for their practicality and growing demand for traditionally crafted products. 

Matsubara Hamono blades have an above average blade height, as they tend to lean over 50mm tall. Their profiles are easily recognizable for the height, as well as gentle curve, with a large flat spot towards the heel, making them very versatile in shape. The height makes knuckle clearance a non-issue, and doubles as an easy ingredient scooper! The blade width typically holds steady from heel to tip, and the thinness towards the edge varies from midweight to quite fine, making them feel robust with a smooth cutting feel.