Kengata means “sword-like” in Japanese and the term can be applied to most knives that have the distinctive reverse tanto tip. Knives like the one featured here very much resemble a gyuto with a tanto tip and are also known as bunkas. The reverse tanto tip is the most obvious design element of the bunka blade. This intriguing and cool-looking tip is a way to get extra edge length to the blade while keeping over all mass down. Aside from general cutting and chopping duties it is also a perfect tool for processing smaller items and performing intricate cuts with the tip. Since this knife has a fairly flat profile, it is most adept at push cutting and chopping rather than rock chopping. It is more gyuto than classic bunka due to its lower blade height and longer edge length.
The blade is made with a core of VG-10 stainless steel which is clad with a layer of damascus stainless steel in the san-mai style. The strong outer layer is given a hammer finish which contrasts beautifully with the damascus layer on the lower blade road.
The great looks of the blade are complemented by a subtle and understated traditional octagonal handle made from maple and red pakka wood.Weight: 6.0 oz (170 g)
Edge Length: 202 mm
Total Length: 362 mm
Spine Thickness at Base: 2.0 mm
Blade Height: 49.7 mm
The blade is made with a core of VG-10 stainless steel which is clad with a layer of damascus stainless steel in the san-mai style. The strong outer layer is given a hammer finish which contrasts beautifully with the damascus layer on the lower blade road.
The great looks of the blade are complemented by a subtle and understated traditional octagonal handle made from maple and red pakka wood.
Reviews
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Beautiful
Posted By: Michael S
3 people found this review helpful
I had wanted a pretty knife for awhile but wanted to make sure my first looker would be of a nice quality. I usually lean towards function over form. About everything covered in the video runs true for the knife.
There was no Machi gap on mine like in the video an pictures, the blade was pressed all the way into the handle, but I don't see anything wrong with that. Balance point is higher than I typically grip so it runs a little blade heavy for me(but not enough to be an issue). Edge length is 200mm but the blade itself it 222 from tip to ferrule. Decently sharp edge OOTB, 6.5/10 but I already had plans to run it through my stones.
If one wasn't comfortable sharpening it would be worth it to pay for the sharpening service, they do a great job everytime. All in all, very satisfied
3 people found this review helpful
I had wanted a pretty knife for awhile but wanted to make sure my first looker would be of a nice quality. I usually lean towards function over form. About everything covered in the video runs true for the knife.
There was no Machi gap on mine like in the video an pictures, the blade was pressed all the way into the handle, but I don't see anything wrong with that. Balance point is higher than I typically grip so it runs a little blade heavy for me(but not enough to be an issue). Edge length is 200mm but the blade itself it 222 from tip to ferrule. Decently sharp edge OOTB, 6.5/10 but I already had plans to run it through my stones.
If one wasn't comfortable sharpening it would be worth it to pay for the sharpening service, they do a great job everytime. All in all, very satisfied
Great knife for the price
Posted By: Nelson Cardenas
3 people found this review helpful
I love the Bunka/kiritsuki style blade. Measured alittle longer than the advertised 200mm. Love the polished finish over the hammered/shicheme style while still accentuating the Damascus layering. Super sharp out of the box. Vg10 more easily sharpened than other brands using same steel. Definitely my go-to everyday knife!
3 people found this review helpful
I love the Bunka/kiritsuki style blade. Measured alittle longer than the advertised 200mm. Love the polished finish over the hammered/shicheme style while still accentuating the Damascus layering. Super sharp out of the box. Vg10 more easily sharpened than other brands using same steel. Definitely my go-to everyday knife!