Bunka knives could be regarded as cool looking santokus that are used for general purpose work in the kitchen. The length and the height are ideal for a wide variety of tasks. They are easy to control and make short work of most cutting tasks in the kitchen.
The Yoshimitsu Blue #2
bunka is 175mm at the edge 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. Bunkas and their smaller brethren, ko-bunkas, are gaining in popularity in western kitchens for their compact size, flat profiles, and versatility. The reverse tanto tip makes the knife a good choice for tasks requiring a super thin tip for delicate cuts.
The five brothers who make up Yoshimitsu are making some very nice kitchen knives for us and this is another example of their skills and artisanship. These knives are constructed from Hitachi Blue #2 steel which is then covered in the san-mai style with a soft stainless steel outer layer. The addition of this cladding adds strength to the core steel while aiding with protection and ease of maintenance. The bead-blasted lower blade path offers a nice contrast to the polished upper face and edge.
A nicely realized octagonal handle made from walnut and black pakka wood round out this alluring package.
Brand: Yoshimitsu
Blacksmith: Yoshimitsu Brothers
Location: Nagasaki
Construction: Hammer Forged San Mai
Edge Steel: Blue #2
Cladding: Stainless Steel
Engraving: Hand Stamped
Handle: Walnut Octagonal
Ferrule: Black Pakka Wood
Knife Type: Bunka
Weight: 4.5 oz (128 g)
Edge Length: 172 mm
Total Length: 319 mm
Spine Thickness at Base: 1.7 mm
Blade Height: 47.6 mm