The Matsubara White #1
bunka is fashioned from Hitachi White Paper #1 steel, also known as Shirogami 1. The inner core, or hagane, is clad in a soft carbon jigane (outer layer). The outer layer features a rustic and attractive kurouchi finish. Kurouchi is a black carbonized finish put on knives to protect the steel and provide a barrier against corrosion on carbon steel knives. It also adds strength to the inner core. However as this is a carbon blade, care must be taken to clean and dry it after use.
Bunkas, or banno-bunkas, can be viewed as a cross between a
gyuto and a
nakiri. They are similar in overall dimension to a
santoku, but with that distinctive Edo-style sword tip. They are versatile and nimble knives capable of tackling all sorts of cutting, chopping, and slicing jobs around the kitchen. Bunkas feature a flatter profile than many other gyuto blades and are particularly suited to push cutting techniques rather than rocking styles. The attractive and great looking sword tip makes it very useful for small or intricate work like preparing garnishes.
The knife comes with a simple but good looking octagonal rosewood handle and black pakka wood ferrule.
Brand: Matsubara
Blacksmith: Tanaka-San
Region: Nagasaki
Construction: San Mai
Edge Steel: White #1
Cladding: Soft Iron
Finish: Hammer Kurouchi
Weight: 4.8 oz (136 g)
Blade Length: 173 mm
Total Length: 320 mm
Spine Thickness at Base: 3.2 mm
Blade Height: 50.6 mm
HRC: 61
Style: Bunka
Engraving: Hand Engraved
Handle: Rosewood Octagonal (New since May 2018)
Ferrule: Black Pakkawood