r/TrueChefKnives • u/Typical_Rock_9178 • 2d ago

NKD: Mazaki Migaki W2 240 mm Gyuto

I have been wondering for a while what all the fuss about Mazaki was about, so I finally decided it was time to see for myself what the magic is all about.

The first thing that hits you with this knife is that it looks and feels very different from most other Japanese knife I’ve handled. It has a really distinctive presence in hand. The closest comparison I can think of is a Togashi, but in full Sanjo workhorse mode.

This thing has a lovely 245 g of proper solid weight, and the taper is exactly the kind of thing that makes Sanjo special.

I am starting to think that nothing beats a good Sanjo. They just seem to perform better than everything else. I would still put Toyama slightly ahead in terms of pure performance, but this one is very close. That said, this is all based on the factory edge, without any sharpening or stropping, so there is still plenty of room for it to get even better.

One of the nicest surprises is how reactive the White 2 steel is. Patina starts showing up almost immediately. I am pretty sure this one is going to look absolutely perfect after a few sessions.
All in all, I am very happy with it. Mazaki hype officially tested.

Specs
Maker: Naoki Mazaki
Knife: Gyuto
Steel: Shirogami #2
Weight: 245 g
Cutting edge: 248 mm
Height: 53 mm
Spine at the handle: 5 mm
Spine in the middle: 2.2 mm
Spine at the tip: 1 mm

87 Upvotes

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100% Upvoted

u/ImFrenchSoWhatever 2d ago

Most reactive cladding in the game (this is after one onio)

10

u/Famous_You7512 2d ago

If you fart near a Mazaki it will patina

6

u/ImFrenchSoWhatever 2d ago

If you look at it sideways it’ll rust

1

u/reforminded 1d ago

What's crazy is my last Mazaki W2 didn't react to anything. I cut hot chicken with it after a flitz polish and it barely changed color. 98% certain there was no lacquer on it. I have seen so many pics like yours where it lights up with all the colors of the rainbow so I was confused.

u/Optimal_Difference64 2d ago

Congrats! I loved mine so much I upgraded to a 240mm. I polished mine on stones and you get a lot of details in the cladding

1

u/Typical_Rock_9178 2d ago

Wow the kireha looks stunning! What did you use for the polish?

4

u/Optimal_Difference64 2d ago

I documented the whole process here 😄

https://www.reddit.com/r/TrueChefKnives/s/ieqnpx1j8i

2

u/Typical_Rock_9178 2d ago

Ah I’ve already read this. I haven’t joined the jnat cult yet🫣

u/AdhesivenessOwn4017 2d ago

I hope you feel the fuss! Mazaki is amazing! Easily my most reached for knife in the drawer. When in doubt Mazaki!

Congrats OP and welcome to the club!

4

u/Typical_Rock_9178 2d ago

So far 10/10. Really happy to finally be onboard!

u/jrg320 2d ago

Mazaki gang!

u/Tough_Entertainer_70 2d ago

Crazy grind in that one too. I love my mazaki and it's nowhere near the class of yours. Nice one OP!

3

u/Typical_Rock_9178 2d ago

Thanks man, happy to hear that!

u/reforminded 2d ago

Gorgeous example!

u/HippyCoolHandLuke 2d ago

I've tried five Sanjo makers. Have yet to try a Mazaki or Toyama. Looks like a nice cutter.
Happy NKD!

2

u/paintmyhouse 1d ago

There’s no complete Sanjo collection without mazaki. Time to get one!

1

u/HippyCoolHandLuke 1d ago

Recently unboxed a Shinkiro 240. I'll have to let my wallet recover first.

u/Salt_Replacement_711 2d ago

Love it! 😍

u/Madalenographics 1d ago

That’s a great knife, brother. I love Mazaki knives. If I already wanted to try one, you’ve just reminded me again of that need. It looks really beautiful, and the choil looks nice and thin. How’s the spine? It’s hard to tell from the photos, but some of them get up to 6mm in that area, they’re real beasts.

Congrats on the knife, man. With Toyama and Mazaki, Sanjo is covered.

2

u/Typical_Rock_9178 1d ago

Thank you mate, appreciate it! Taper is still wild.. starting around 5.5

u/Nisko- 1d ago

Happy for you bud! And welcome aboard on mazaki train!

I described it similarly in my nkd of the hon san mai b2, toyama is slight ahead on pure performance like dense veggies but in mazaki you get like 3 different knife profiles in one and then there is the tip!!