Third-generation blacksmith Shosui Takeda is renowned for his work using Aogami Super Steel to make his iconic kitchen knives. Takeda knives are instantly recognizable due to their kurouchi finish and unusually tall blade height. The combination of these design elements lends the knives a weapon-like appearance.
The knife featured here comes from the Stainless Clad collection, wherein the core AS steel is covered with a layer of softer stainless steel. The outer layer is applied to either side of the blade but not over the spine. This technique is called “san mai,” and it refers to the Japanese translation meaning three flat things. This process offers the practical and visible advantage of a superb cutting edge with a corrosion-resistant exterior. Corrosion can be avoided by keeping the exposed portion of the non-stainless part of the blade clean and dry after each use.
The blade length of these knives runs a bit longer than advertised, around 220mm. Each handmade blade will be slightly different in length and height. The cutting edge is ground with a 50/50 bevel. The blade face is finished with a kurouchi coating all the way to the edge and hand-engraved kanji characters add to the traditional look of this great looking knife.
This is a wonderful all-arounder which should find favor with users wanting a tall blade for extra board clearance. The flat profile will appeal to those chefs who like to push cut. We think that every knife enthusiast should have a Takeda in their collection and this bunka is a great example of this iconic brand.
One per customer.Brand: Takeda Hamono
Blacksmith: Shosui Takeda
Location: Niimi, Japan
Construction: San Mai, Hammer Forged
Core Steel: Aogami Super
Cladding: Stainless
Finish: Kurouchi
Handle: Rosewood Octagonal
Ferrule: Black Pakka Wood
Edge Grind: Even 50/50
Edge Length: (Each one varies) 216mm
Blade Height: (Each one varies) 60mm
Spine Thickness at heel: 2.5mm
Weight: 5.5oz / 156g
Engraving: Hand Engraved with a stamp
The knife featured here comes from the Stainless Clad collection, wherein the core AS steel is covered with a layer of softer stainless steel. The outer layer is applied to either side of the blade but not over the spine. This technique is called “san mai,” and it refers to the Japanese translation meaning three flat things. This process offers the practical and visible advantage of a superb cutting edge with a corrosion-resistant exterior. Corrosion can be avoided by keeping the exposed portion of the non-stainless part of the blade clean and dry after each use.
The blade length of these knives runs a bit longer than advertised, around 220mm. Each handmade blade will be slightly different in length and height. The cutting edge is ground with a 50/50 bevel. The blade face is finished with a kurouchi coating all the way to the edge and hand-engraved kanji characters add to the traditional look of this great looking knife.
This is a wonderful all-arounder which should find favor with users wanting a tall blade for extra board clearance. The flat profile will appeal to those chefs who like to push cut. We think that every knife enthusiast should have a Takeda in their collection and this bunka is a great example of this iconic brand.
One per customer.
Reviews
6 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) satisfaction galorePosted By: Ernest
3 people found this review helpful
really amazing.
takedas are pieces of art.
this bunka is not only crafted and finished perfectly, it also has an ideal blade hight to somehow merge the acuteness of a very thin blade with the ability to get a neat "cleaveresque" grip. not to mention the beatiful edge and great ease of sharpening.
also big thank you for a perfect and super fast delivery!
worth paying those annyoing import taxes to europe. ;)
3 people found this review helpful
really amazing.
takedas are pieces of art.
this bunka is not only crafted and finished perfectly, it also has an ideal blade hight to somehow merge the acuteness of a very thin blade with the ability to get a neat "cleaveresque" grip. not to mention the beatiful edge and great ease of sharpening.
also big thank you for a perfect and super fast delivery!
worth paying those annyoing import taxes to europe. ;)
This is what perfection looks likePosted By: John R - verified customer
2 people found this review helpful
Simply a thing of beauty. Hands down my favorite knife over ever picked up. Mine was 223mm so a bit longer than the listed length bit it was exactly what I asked for. I've only had to take it to a ceramic honing rod once while owning it and it's become my main prep knife for weeks now. Its laser thin and makes dicing anything enjoyable. Intend to like thin light knives so this was a perfect addition to the family.
2 people found this review helpful
Simply a thing of beauty. Hands down my favorite knife over ever picked up. Mine was 223mm so a bit longer than the listed length bit it was exactly what I asked for. I've only had to take it to a ceramic honing rod once while owning it and it's become my main prep knife for weeks now. Its laser thin and makes dicing anything enjoyable. Intend to like thin light knives so this was a perfect addition to the family.
Just as I'd hopedPosted By: Greg Harrison - verified customer
2 people found this review helpful
I love this knife. My hope was that it would live up to the many positive reviews, and for me it really has.At first some of the negative opinions expressed on forums made me hesitate . . . . but I was lucky to receive a good example. Mine is beautiful, sharp, well crafted, and not at all laborious to use (wedge monster? not hardly.) I value its geometry because food release is excellent - I never expected it would perform like a laser and pass through food like it wasn't there. Octagonal handles aren't my favorite, but I like the knife enough I may change it. Looking forward to sharpening it when required.
2 people found this review helpful
I love this knife. My hope was that it would live up to the many positive reviews, and for me it really has.At first some of the negative opinions expressed on forums made me hesitate . . . . but I was lucky to receive a good example. Mine is beautiful, sharp, well crafted, and not at all laborious to use (wedge monster? not hardly.) I value its geometry because food release is excellent - I never expected it would perform like a laser and pass through food like it wasn't there. Octagonal handles aren't my favorite, but I like the knife enough I may change it. Looking forward to sharpening it when required.
Takeda BunkaPosted By: Billy Unroe - verified customer
2 people found this review helpful
I love the knife, but a very small fraction of the point broke off. I have only used the knife on an end grain wooden cutting board to chop vegetables. Not a huge deal, but it is a $330 dollar knife. I am slightly disappointed, but it seems like a big hassle to send the knife back for repair.
2 people found this review helpful
I love the knife, but a very small fraction of the point broke off. I have only used the knife on an end grain wooden cutting board to chop vegetables. Not a huge deal, but it is a $330 dollar knife. I am slightly disappointed, but it seems like a big hassle to send the knife back for repair.
Believe the hype...Posted By: Jason H. - verified customer
2 people found this review helpful
This knife has me hiding jobs from the prep cooks just so I have a reason to use it more. It's almost not fair how fast and effortless it allows me to breeze through prep. Balance is perfect.
2 people found this review helpful
This knife has me hiding jobs from the prep cooks just so I have a reason to use it more. It's almost not fair how fast and effortless it allows me to breeze through prep. Balance is perfect.
What a blast!Posted By: Edward Silver - verified customer
2 people found this review helpful
This is a great knife. Looks stunning, cuts well, easy to sharpen, lots of real estate for moving product, and fun to use. All the functionality of a nakiri along with very handy extra length and a slightly pointed tip. Love it!
2 people found this review helpful
This is a great knife. Looks stunning, cuts well, easy to sharpen, lots of real estate for moving product, and fun to use. All the functionality of a nakiri along with very handy extra length and a slightly pointed tip. Love it!
