After half a century, Anryu san has passed the reins of his business to his trusted protege, Ikeda san. The Anryu Kurouchi Damascus Bunka knife, a testament to their craft, is meticulously forged using Shirogami #2 high carbon steel, enhanced by a multilayered iron cladding. The hardened steel, with a Rockwell hardness of 61-62 HRC, is particularly prized for its exceptional edge longevity and straightforward sharpening. Known as White #2, this steel is highly favored among blade aficionados. The exterior layer, referred to as the jigane, boasts a traditional kurouchi coating, imparting a distinctive rustic aesthetic. This coating gradually transitions into a beautifully layered, or suminagashi, blade road. While this knife is undeniably attractive, it is also reactive, necessitating careful cleaning and thorough drying both during and post-use to maintain its quality.
The bunka is a really versatile blade that is growing in popularity in the West with both professional and home chefs. The short length and tall blade combine to create a knife with very broad uses and appeal. They can be used to replace a short gyuto or santoku, especially when you favor push-cutting and chopping techniques. Of course, the great-looking reverse tanto profile also offers a compelling aesthetic, especially coupled to the finely crafted rosewood oval handle with black pakka wood ferrule.Workshop: Anryu Hamono
Blacksmith: Ikeda San
Location: Echizen
Construction: Hammer Forged, San Mai
Core Steel: White #2
Cladding: Damascus/Kurouchi
Edge: Even Grind (See Photo)
Handle: Rosewood Oval
Ferrule: Black Pakka Wood
Weight: 4.9 oz (140 g)
Edge Length: 174 mm
Total Length: 320 mm
Spine Thickness at Base: 4 mm
Blade Height: 48 mm
The bunka is a really versatile blade that is growing in popularity in the West with both professional and home chefs. The short length and tall blade combine to create a knife with very broad uses and appeal. They can be used to replace a short gyuto or santoku, especially when you favor push-cutting and chopping techniques. Of course, the great-looking reverse tanto profile also offers a compelling aesthetic, especially coupled to the finely crafted rosewood oval handle with black pakka wood ferrule.
Reviews
5 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval)
Fantastic all purpose blade for any kitchen!Posted By: I.V.
15 people found this review helpful
The contrast between the black kurouchi finish and the steel grey color of the Damascus blade creates a truly beautiful design that immediately catches your eye.
The handle needed a bit of work. After the first wash before using it, it became rough in a few places. After polishing it with 3M 1500 the surface was restored. I added 2-3 coats of MCT oil and some beeswax. The color of the handle changed to a beautiful French roast coffee bean color. I like the result. In the end this is my knife :)
Its sharpness is amazing. Although the spine is 5mm thick at the handle on my knife, it is a thin-bladed knife! Twenty millimeters further on it is close to 2mm, and where the K-point starts it is about 1mm. The knife is very sharp right out of the box. It slices super easily, effortlessly through the vegetables I use. I would feel completely comfortable if I had to use this knife only.
Fantastic all purpose blade for any kitchen! That's all I can say.
15 people found this review helpful
The contrast between the black kurouchi finish and the steel grey color of the Damascus blade creates a truly beautiful design that immediately catches your eye.
The handle needed a bit of work. After the first wash before using it, it became rough in a few places. After polishing it with 3M 1500 the surface was restored. I added 2-3 coats of MCT oil and some beeswax. The color of the handle changed to a beautiful French roast coffee bean color. I like the result. In the end this is my knife :)
Its sharpness is amazing. Although the spine is 5mm thick at the handle on my knife, it is a thin-bladed knife! Twenty millimeters further on it is close to 2mm, and where the K-point starts it is about 1mm. The knife is very sharp right out of the box. It slices super easily, effortlessly through the vegetables I use. I would feel completely comfortable if I had to use this knife only.
Fantastic all purpose blade for any kitchen! That's all I can say.
NOT worth itPosted By: christine ortega
10 people found this review helpful
this knief turns color QUICK! like on the first use. you have to wash it immediately. NO returns if you are not satisfied with the purchase. Its sharp but I would look for a different item/steel!
10 people found this review helpful
this knief turns color QUICK! like on the first use. you have to wash it immediately. NO returns if you are not satisfied with the purchase. Its sharp but I would look for a different item/steel!
This knife is made with carbon steel, and yes it will oxidize when you use the knife. We recommend Bar Keeper's Friend for cleaning your knife. It cleans up stains easily.
Anryu Kirouchi Damascus Bunka 165 mm Great knife
