Yoshimitsu AS Bunka 180mm

The Yoshimitsu Brothers are a noteworthy group of blacksmiths heralding from the Nagasaki region of Southern Japan. They do most of their own cladding work by inserting the hard steel into soft iron, an operation that is currently mostly done by specialty steel mills in other parts of Japan. These traditional methods are becoming more scarce in knife making and it is why we were originally attracted to them.

We were the first US distributor to handle these wonderful creations which now run into 4 basic product groups.

The AS line is, as the name implies, made from the well-liked Aogami Super high carbon steel. Aogami Super steel is the highest grade YSS steel. It contains high percentages of carbon, chrome, and tungsten to increase hardness and improve edge retention and corrosion resistance. This results in a knife that will keep a fine edge longer than many on the market. Its HRC is approximately 62-63. The carbon-rich steel is then inserted into soft iron using the traditional methods. This san-mai construction gives the inner core protection and strength and results in a blade that can take and keep a super fine edge while remaining light and strong.

The Yoshimitsu AS bunka is average in length at 180mm and is excellent for slicing, dicing, and mincing. The combination of a light, mid-sized blade, and a well-refined edge gives this knife a speed and dexterity that will surprise you.

Brand: Yoshimitsu

Construction: San Mai, Hammer Forged

Edge Grind: Even

Edge Steel: Aogami Super Steel

Cladding: Soft Iron

Handle: Walnut Octagonal

Ferrule: Black Pakka Wood

Weight: 4.4 ounces

Blade Length: 180 mm

Overall Length: 316 mm

Thickness at Heel: 3.6 mm

Blade Height: 47.4 mm

Handle: Walnut Octagonal

Ferrule: Pakka Wood