Can anyone identify the maker of this Tsubaya 165mm White #2 Nakiri?
I’m trying to identify the maker/blacksmith of this 165 mm Nakiri I bought from Tsubaya (つば屋) in Tokyo.
I’ve attached several photos of the knife, the maker’s inscription, the box/label, and the packaging.
What I know from Tsubaya:
Nakiri
165 mm
White Steel #2 / Shirogami #2
Made in Niigata Prefecture
Purchased from Tsubaya in Tokyo
Tsubaya told me that the specific maker information is confidential
The blade has a distinctive layered/forged-looking surface pattern. It does not appear to be a conventional hammered/dimpled Tsuchime finish.
I have also searched Tsubaya’s current and older listings but haven’t been able to find this exact knife.
There is Japanese writing on the box and an inscription on the blade, but I don’t trust my ability to read the kanji correctly, so I’m intentionally not transcribing them here. I’d really appreciate it if someone familiar with Japanese knife makers could read the writing from the original photos.
Does anyone recognize this maker or knife?
In particular, I’d love help with:
Reading the inscription on the blade.
Reading/translating the writing on the box.
Identifying the Niigata maker/blacksmith.
Finding an old Tsubaya listing or archived page for this exact knife.
I’ve included all the photos I have so far. Any leads would be greatly appreciated!