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New Handle as of 8/9/2021.
The Daovua Bunka Style Knife is the most recent addition to a new line of knives from a young barefoot bladesmith we discovered working in Vietnam. He uses car and truck leaf springs as his steel of choice. This is not quite as crazy as it sounds because these car parts are made with some rather good high-carbon steel. In fact, most leaf springs are made from 5160, which is excellent blade steel.
We asked him to make us some unusual shapes that resemble traditional knives and this fun bunka style blade is one of his responses. The blade runs approximately 180mm at the edge and has a very curved belly starting just a couple of inches from the heel. Obviously, every blade is going to be slightly different in these dimensions.
Let’s make no mistake here. These knives do not possess the best fit and finish in the knife world! Rustic is a word that definitely comes to mind when looking at them. But the other word that comes out when you experience them is SHARP! These knives have an amazing edge on them that if not perfect out of the box, gets there easily with a few strokes on your favorite stone.
While the handle is also not perfect, it actually feels really nice in hand. A bit of sanding and some varnish or oil will take it to a very acceptable level. We think these knives are perfect for projects, new sharpeners, or anyone looking for a really low-cost cutter that has personality and uniqueness in spades. Watch the video below to see how they're made. Please remember these are made under crude conditions with used steel so you should expect that they're rough and have imperfections that exceed most of our other knives. Expect dents, scratches odd sizes, different handles etc. If you're into great fit and finish or are overly particular run away! If you want to try a cool piece of living history and you're not uptight about a crude but cool cutting tool then you'll love it.Weight: 4.2 oz/ 120g
Blade Length: 187mm
Overall Length: 310mm
Spine Thickness at Heel: 2.1mm
Blade Height at Heel: 50.8mm
Edge: Double Bevel 50/50
Handle: Octagonal (wood varies from knife to knife)
The Daovua Bunka Style Knife is the most recent addition to a new line of knives from a young barefoot bladesmith we discovered working in Vietnam. He uses car and truck leaf springs as his steel of choice. This is not quite as crazy as it sounds because these car parts are made with some rather good high-carbon steel. In fact, most leaf springs are made from 5160, which is excellent blade steel.
We asked him to make us some unusual shapes that resemble traditional knives and this fun bunka style blade is one of his responses. The blade runs approximately 180mm at the edge and has a very curved belly starting just a couple of inches from the heel. Obviously, every blade is going to be slightly different in these dimensions.
Let’s make no mistake here. These knives do not possess the best fit and finish in the knife world! Rustic is a word that definitely comes to mind when looking at them. But the other word that comes out when you experience them is SHARP! These knives have an amazing edge on them that if not perfect out of the box, gets there easily with a few strokes on your favorite stone.
While the handle is also not perfect, it actually feels really nice in hand. A bit of sanding and some varnish or oil will take it to a very acceptable level. We think these knives are perfect for projects, new sharpeners, or anyone looking for a really low-cost cutter that has personality and uniqueness in spades. Watch the video below to see how they're made. Please remember these are made under crude conditions with used steel so you should expect that they're rough and have imperfections that exceed most of our other knives. Expect dents, scratches odd sizes, different handles etc. If you're into great fit and finish or are overly particular run away! If you want to try a cool piece of living history and you're not uptight about a crude but cool cutting tool then you'll love it.
Reviews
41 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval)
Just what I wanted !, December 29, 2021Posted By: Ted Bell
This knife is exactly what I was looking for: thin blade, tall, 7-8 inch carbon steel blade, handmade, rustic finish, nice wood WA handle and very light and nimble. The blade shape is killer. Feels great in the hand and slices like a new razor blade. Great price too. I hope they keep making this knife.
This knife is exactly what I was looking for: thin blade, tall, 7-8 inch carbon steel blade, handmade, rustic finish, nice wood WA handle and very light and nimble. The blade shape is killer. Feels great in the hand and slices like a new razor blade. Great price too. I hope they keep making this knife.
Fantastic knife !!!, December 23, 2021Posted By: Ted Bell
I have been a knife enthusiast for 50 years. I have many German knives and several commercial Japanese knives. I like clevers, nakiris and santokus I wrote out the specs for my perfect knife and went looking for it. I found it and this is the knife ! Flat belly, thin spine ( less than 2 mm ) 6.5 to 7.0 inch blade, high carbon steel, handmade, rough finish, less than 60 HRC hardness and a wa style handle. This is the knfe ! This is much better tahn I expected. Nice wood handle. VERY light and nimble ( what I was looking for. ) This is now my favorite every day knife.
I hope they don't stop making the " Leaf Spring Knife ". This is a true classic and a really nice handmade knife.
I have been a knife enthusiast for 50 years. I have many German knives and several commercial Japanese knives. I like clevers, nakiris and santokus I wrote out the specs for my perfect knife and went looking for it. I found it and this is the knife ! Flat belly, thin spine ( less than 2 mm ) 6.5 to 7.0 inch blade, high carbon steel, handmade, rough finish, less than 60 HRC hardness and a wa style handle. This is the knfe ! This is much better tahn I expected. Nice wood handle. VERY light and nimble ( what I was looking for. ) This is now my favorite every day knife.
I hope they don't stop making the " Leaf Spring Knife ". This is a true classic and a really nice handmade knife.
Beautiful but not sharp, November 22, 2021Posted By: Ken.M
After doing a lot of research, reading reviews (a lot of them negative) and seeing that these knives require extra care due to rust issues , not being sharp out of the box and some knives have been bent or have cracked handles etc. I decided to go ahead and order these unique brand of knives from DaoVua to see if the rumours and reviews had any ground.
I ordered the Bunka and Petty from the Spring Steel series.
Shipping took about 2.5 weeks which isn’t to terrible. But what came in the box was very surprising.
The knives are virtually weightless. The box weighed more to be honest. Handles are well made, Blades seem straight, and only a small patch or rust on the Petty that can easily be removed. But as everyone had stated, the knives weren’t sharp at all. But after a quick hone on a ceramic steel they were so sharp.
I’m extremely happy with my purchase and will be looking into possibly buying more in the future.
Don’t believe all the negative reviews, and find out yourself. The knives are extremely rustic and are not for everyone.
After doing a lot of research, reading reviews (a lot of them negative) and seeing that these knives require extra care due to rust issues , not being sharp out of the box and some knives have been bent or have cracked handles etc. I decided to go ahead and order these unique brand of knives from DaoVua to see if the rumours and reviews had any ground.
I ordered the Bunka and Petty from the Spring Steel series.
Shipping took about 2.5 weeks which isn’t to terrible. But what came in the box was very surprising.
The knives are virtually weightless. The box weighed more to be honest. Handles are well made, Blades seem straight, and only a small patch or rust on the Petty that can easily be removed. But as everyone had stated, the knives weren’t sharp at all. But after a quick hone on a ceramic steel they were so sharp.
I’m extremely happy with my purchase and will be looking into possibly buying more in the future.
Don’t believe all the negative reviews, and find out yourself. The knives are extremely rustic and are not for everyone.
my new favorite, March 30, 2021Posted By: Kaleb A Timberlake
This is now my go to knife for many things. love the look, feels great, sharpened it a bit and it has been holding an edge very well. The blade is very thin for it's size, and feels wonderful to use. I have a few others that cost 3x+ what this one did, and this one just feels great to use.
This is now my go to knife for many things. love the look, feels great, sharpened it a bit and it has been holding an edge very well. The blade is very thin for it's size, and feels wonderful to use. I have a few others that cost 3x+ what this one did, and this one just feels great to use.
Punching above it's weight, February 27, 2021Posted By: Klaus
This knife is really punching above it's weight class and doing an amazing job. I'm sure knife to knife it really differs but the one I got was really well made. The ootb sharpeness is the only grip I have with it but I'll hit it on the stones when the factory edge gets dull. The knife is thin, the knife is nimble and it's a great project knife. I love the handle. I'll be looking into getting a petty from them, or even getting he big daddy slicer when it's available. I love project knives and this is a great one.
This knife is really punching above it's weight class and doing an amazing job. I'm sure knife to knife it really differs but the one I got was really well made. The ootb sharpeness is the only grip I have with it but I'll hit it on the stones when the factory edge gets dull. The knife is thin, the knife is nimble and it's a great project knife. I love the handle. I'll be looking into getting a petty from them, or even getting he big daddy slicer when it's available. I love project knives and this is a great one.
Spring steel Bunka knife, February 16, 2021Posted By: Jeff - verified customer
5 stars.
The price was fair.
The response was very quick.
The service was great.
The knife was as adovertised. I wasn't expecting a $500.00 knife for $45.00, but I love what I ordered. It's a handmade knife from a family in a small village. It can be used without worrying that it will get a water stain or a mark on it. It goes well in my collection of other knives from other parts of the world.
Overall...I will purchase again from CHEFKNIVESTOGO.
5 stars.
The price was fair.
The response was very quick.
The service was great.
The knife was as adovertised. I wasn't expecting a $500.00 knife for $45.00, but I love what I ordered. It's a handmade knife from a family in a small village. It can be used without worrying that it will get a water stain or a mark on it. It goes well in my collection of other knives from other parts of the world.
Overall...I will purchase again from CHEFKNIVESTOGO.
Beautiful Bunka by Daovua, January 30, 2021 Great, inexpensive knife, January 6, 2021Posted By: Gabriel - verified customer
For the price, it's a nice knife. The tip of mine is a little crooked, but its no biggie. The knife was not sharp out of box, but took a nice edge of a whetstone. It's a nice weight and actually looks pretty beautiful, imperfections and all. A fun carbon steel if you don't want something too fancy or precious!
For the price, it's a nice knife. The tip of mine is a little crooked, but its no biggie. The knife was not sharp out of box, but took a nice edge of a whetstone. It's a nice weight and actually looks pretty beautiful, imperfections and all. A fun carbon steel if you don't want something too fancy or precious!
ehh, expected a bit more for the price, September 14, 2020Posted By: Christopher R Taylor - verified customer
Grind is horribly lop-sided. Wish I could submit pics. Edge is bent in places that should have been obvious and taken care of with finishing service. That said, they made it OOTB razor sharp, but that won't last long. After it's ground properly, I will set up a small fire-brick forge to HT properly, given the reputation. This blade needs too much work to cost $50. Should be more like $20, until the manufacturer (Barefoot Knife-tessa) can get their stuff together. I congratulate CKTG for working with the small time folks like this and supposedly helping them get better, but they have a long way to go. The saya is a different review, but the knife rattles around in it, which defeats the purpose. Gonna have to slice 'er open and glue some felt into it, Either custom build your sayas to the blades or don't offer them at all. Even if you have to charge more for them, I would gladly pay more for one that actually fits the knife. Did not return only because I am up to the challenge.
Grind is horribly lop-sided. Wish I could submit pics. Edge is bent in places that should have been obvious and taken care of with finishing service. That said, they made it OOTB razor sharp, but that won't last long. After it's ground properly, I will set up a small fire-brick forge to HT properly, given the reputation. This blade needs too much work to cost $50. Should be more like $20, until the manufacturer (Barefoot Knife-tessa) can get their stuff together. I congratulate CKTG for working with the small time folks like this and supposedly helping them get better, but they have a long way to go. The saya is a different review, but the knife rattles around in it, which defeats the purpose. Gonna have to slice 'er open and glue some felt into it, Either custom build your sayas to the blades or don't offer them at all. Even if you have to charge more for them, I would gladly pay more for one that actually fits the knife. Did not return only because I am up to the challenge.
It's a Spring Knife...Car Spring, August 26, 2020Posted By: Jason Comfort - verified customer
Since my place of employment in Las Vegas has re-reopened, this has become my new second line knife. So, it has seen a total of 4 hours and 43 minutes of action at the time of writing this.
Aside from the mysterious bounce this blade brings to the board, it seems like it was born to be next to the low boys and not the walk-in. During it's infancy tonight, it has cut romaine, sliced three types of tomato and fanned out a steak. We shall see tomorrow night when it's known we have turned the gas back on and we are ready to serve good food to wonderful folks winning get jackpots. Hopefully.
Since my place of employment in Las Vegas has re-reopened, this has become my new second line knife. So, it has seen a total of 4 hours and 43 minutes of action at the time of writing this.
Aside from the mysterious bounce this blade brings to the board, it seems like it was born to be next to the low boys and not the walk-in. During it's infancy tonight, it has cut romaine, sliced three types of tomato and fanned out a steak. We shall see tomorrow night when it's known we have turned the gas back on and we are ready to serve good food to wonderful folks winning get jackpots. Hopefully.
Pretty great!, July 2, 2020Posted By: Jason H - verified customer
Being noticeably light of weight, it feels very good in hand. The handle looks lovely and seems well built. Very sharp; the first thing I cut was an aging tomato, which it went through with ease. I do have two complaints, the first being that blade stains very easily. Maybe it's normal with knives like this, but I've never seen stains set in so quickly. Seems like I have no choice but to rinse the blade immediately after using it, which feels inconvenient. And which leads me to my second complaint; the knife came without any sort of instructions on care. How do I best avoid staining? Is it washer safe? These are the sort of things I'd love to know from the start, but instead all I really know is that it cuts well and stains within minutes.
Being noticeably light of weight, it feels very good in hand. The handle looks lovely and seems well built. Very sharp; the first thing I cut was an aging tomato, which it went through with ease. I do have two complaints, the first being that blade stains very easily. Maybe it's normal with knives like this, but I've never seen stains set in so quickly. Seems like I have no choice but to rinse the blade immediately after using it, which feels inconvenient. And which leads me to my second complaint; the knife came without any sort of instructions on care. How do I best avoid staining? Is it washer safe? These are the sort of things I'd love to know from the start, but instead all I really know is that it cuts well and stains within minutes.
Solid Kitchen Tool, April 3, 2020 Great knife, March 31, 2020 If a knife can have soul this one has it!, March 21, 2020Posted By: Wim - verified customer
No need to repeat all the other positive comments about this knife; I second all of them. I can only add that this knife has a soul not present in most of my other knives, including much higher end ones. Coookie maybe...but when I'm reaching for a knife this little bunka seems to call out Use me, which I invariably do and am never dissatisfied. ( Note: while I find that the leaf spring steel doesn't hold an edge quite as well as the pipeline Daovuas, restoring an edge to the leaf spring knives is so easy that it doesn't really seem to be a disadvantage. I've also found that the edge thickness on the leaf spring Daovuas is quite uniform end to end, whereas the pipeline version ( at least on my one gyuto) has a bit of variation - as though the harder steel is more difficult to work by hand.)
No need to repeat all the other positive comments about this knife; I second all of them. I can only add that this knife has a soul not present in most of my other knives, including much higher end ones. Coookie maybe...but when I'm reaching for a knife this little bunka seems to call out Use me, which I invariably do and am never dissatisfied. ( Note: while I find that the leaf spring steel doesn't hold an edge quite as well as the pipeline Daovuas, restoring an edge to the leaf spring knives is so easy that it doesn't really seem to be a disadvantage. I've also found that the edge thickness on the leaf spring Daovuas is quite uniform end to end, whereas the pipeline version ( at least on my one gyuto) has a bit of variation - as though the harder steel is more difficult to work by hand.)
Great value, good looking, February 13, 2020 Sweet knife, January 13, 2020 This knife is awesome. , December 27, 2019Posted By: Tom Dickinson
I purchased this knife for my nephew, who is a chef in Oregon, and he can't stop using it. When it gets dull he just runs it across his stone and it works great. I'm sending him a Kiritsuke knife so he can get familiar with that one as well. Excellent product and value for money.
I purchased this knife for my nephew, who is a chef in Oregon, and he can't stop using it. When it gets dull he just runs it across his stone and it works great. I'm sending him a Kiritsuke knife so he can get familiar with that one as well. Excellent product and value for money.
Buying another, December 13, 2019 great buy , November 26, 2019 Pretty cool, October 29, 2019 Wow!, October 4, 2019Posted By: Jeremy Bowen
I am very impressed with this knife and will definitely buy more from this line. Regarding the heat treat on my knife, I would say that it is around 60. I base this on sharpening the knife. It sharpens very much like my Shun classics. The balance is right on the pinch, the length perfect. F&F is great and I love the handle.It is a lot of knife for 50 bucks.
I am very impressed with this knife and will definitely buy more from this line. Regarding the heat treat on my knife, I would say that it is around 60. I base this on sharpening the knife. It sharpens very much like my Shun classics. The balance is right on the pinch, the length perfect. F&F is great and I love the handle.It is a lot of knife for 50 bucks.
Great value, August 19, 2019Posted By: Leigh - verified customer
I picked up the bunka as a line knife and I'm very pleased with it. Takes and holds an edge nicely, very light and the handle shape is surprisingly comfortable. So far it's been a great way to try out this style of knife while not paying out the nose, while also supporting a small business
I picked up the bunka as a line knife and I'm very pleased with it. Takes and holds an edge nicely, very light and the handle shape is surprisingly comfortable. So far it's been a great way to try out this style of knife while not paying out the nose, while also supporting a small business
Great knife for the price, July 4, 2019Posted By: daniel ullrich
I love the look and feel of the knife. The fit and finish is not as nice as my Yaxell or Shun knives, but it's perfectly acceptable. The knife balances right about where you would hold it with a pinch grip. Out of the box it was sharp enough to shave hair, but didn't do so great on the paper test. A few minutes on a 4000 grit stone followed by the strop and the edge was as good as my more expensive Japanese knives. After preparing a meal with it, the edge needed to be stropped again, so I would put the edge retention at about as good as a typical Western style knife. I will probably be getting a couple more knives from this maker.
I love the look and feel of the knife. The fit and finish is not as nice as my Yaxell or Shun knives, but it's perfectly acceptable. The knife balances right about where you would hold it with a pinch grip. Out of the box it was sharp enough to shave hair, but didn't do so great on the paper test. A few minutes on a 4000 grit stone followed by the strop and the edge was as good as my more expensive Japanese knives. After preparing a meal with it, the edge needed to be stropped again, so I would put the edge retention at about as good as a typical Western style knife. I will probably be getting a couple more knives from this maker.
Great design, June 25, 2019 Leaf spring bunka, June 7, 2019 What a fun knife!, May 7, 2019Posted By: Ryan - verified customer
Really happy with this knife. Feels like a great value for the money and I love the rustic finish. Takes an edge really, really well and is comfortable in hand. It's clearly not a $200 knife, but it performs well and is a great addition to the knife drawer.
Really happy with this knife. Feels like a great value for the money and I love the rustic finish. Takes an edge really, really well and is comfortable in hand. It's clearly not a $200 knife, but it performs well and is a great addition to the knife drawer.
Surprisingly Good, April 23, 2019Posted By: Ken Slaughter
OK, sure, the fit and finish isn't that of a $300 knife. The choil and spine needs some sandpaper, and the blade needs a few minutes on the stones. But this is a very light, nimble and serviceable knife. It's definitely not a chippy knife, despite the blade's thinness. Leaf spring steel is like a box of chocolates, you never know, well, you know. If I had to guess, I'd say either 5160 or 1095 steel, and a 54-58 HRC. As others have noted, it takes a screaming sharp edge. For the price it's awesome. And I got one of the Scratch-n-Dent ones at half off, because it has a little notch at the choil. But it's cosmetic and doesn't affect performance.
OK, sure, the fit and finish isn't that of a $300 knife. The choil and spine needs some sandpaper, and the blade needs a few minutes on the stones. But this is a very light, nimble and serviceable knife. It's definitely not a chippy knife, despite the blade's thinness. Leaf spring steel is like a box of chocolates, you never know, well, you know. If I had to guess, I'd say either 5160 or 1095 steel, and a 54-58 HRC. As others have noted, it takes a screaming sharp edge. For the price it's awesome. And I got one of the Scratch-n-Dent ones at half off, because it has a little notch at the choil. But it's cosmetic and doesn't affect performance.
Great for what it is, March 31, 2019Posted By: Jon Brown - verified customer
For what you pay, this is a really great knife. What it isn't is a Japanese blade. The steel is not especially hard, so while it'll take an amazing edge..it doesn't hold it particularly well. That being said, it performs great as a line knife since I dontd have to caudle it( it takes to a steel well). Overall I'd say ...it's less than 60 bucks..just buy it...I have a hard time seeing how you'd regret it. Also, it came with a complementary CKTG blade guard, which I thought was a classy addition and the service was great! Thanks!
For what you pay, this is a really great knife. What it isn't is a Japanese blade. The steel is not especially hard, so while it'll take an amazing edge..it doesn't hold it particularly well. That being said, it performs great as a line knife since I dontd have to caudle it( it takes to a steel well). Overall I'd say ...it's less than 60 bucks..just buy it...I have a hard time seeing how you'd regret it. Also, it came with a complementary CKTG blade guard, which I thought was a classy addition and the service was great! Thanks!
Great project knofe, March 26, 2019Posted By: Tom
I have to agree with everyone else if you are looking for a "perfect" knife, this isn't it, but if you are willing to put in a little work, you can't beat this deal! The knife arrived sharp, but not laser sharp, and the blade had a slight twist to it but it doesn't really effect the performance. There are a couple of spots where the grind seems to be a touch thinner, but I think they will become less noticeable after a couple sharpenings. The handle wasn't very comfortable with some sharp corners and raised spacers but after about 30 minutes with a file, a progression from 800 to 3000 grit sand paper and 2 coats of Danish Oil, the handle looks and feels great. I think for the price it is definitely going to become one of my favourite knives.
I have to agree with everyone else if you are looking for a "perfect" knife, this isn't it, but if you are willing to put in a little work, you can't beat this deal! The knife arrived sharp, but not laser sharp, and the blade had a slight twist to it but it doesn't really effect the performance. There are a couple of spots where the grind seems to be a touch thinner, but I think they will become less noticeable after a couple sharpenings. The handle wasn't very comfortable with some sharp corners and raised spacers but after about 30 minutes with a file, a progression from 800 to 3000 grit sand paper and 2 coats of Danish Oil, the handle looks and feels great. I think for the price it is definitely going to become one of my favourite knives.
Daovua bunka, March 21, 2019Posted By: Spencer - verified customer
Can't beat it for $50 bucks. It's my new go to line knife. I had the spine rounded out and the person that did that had an edge tester and after finishing on my stone and using a strop it measured out to 100 which is equivalent to a razor blade. Great knife especially for the price
Can't beat it for $50 bucks. It's my new go to line knife. I had the spine rounded out and the person that did that had an edge tester and after finishing on my stone and using a strop it measured out to 100 which is equivalent to a razor blade. Great knife especially for the price
Great knife with lots of character!, February 26, 2019Posted By: Nick - verified customer
When I received this knife the edge was sharp, but not anything special. A bit of time with the waterstones showed demonstrated how nice the steel is to sharpen. WIthout much effort, the knife became a terror to all of the onions in my kitchen. I like the "rusticness" of this knife, and it has a lot of character. I actually like the handle, which I understand was a complaint on the earlier versions of the Daovua knives.
My only complaint is that the grind on mine was slightly uneven, so one side of the knife was a bit thicker behind the edge than the other. This was a little noticeable in cutting through harder vegetables (butternut squash), but I seem to have improved this by spending some time thinning the knife on that side. The choil and spine also had uncomfortable corners, but that was easy enough to fix with some sandpaper. This is a great knife if your looking for a nice cutter with lots of character. As others have said, just be aware that the knife you receive might not have the level of finish as a more expensive knife, but this could make for a fun project.
When I received this knife the edge was sharp, but not anything special. A bit of time with the waterstones showed demonstrated how nice the steel is to sharpen. WIthout much effort, the knife became a terror to all of the onions in my kitchen. I like the "rusticness" of this knife, and it has a lot of character. I actually like the handle, which I understand was a complaint on the earlier versions of the Daovua knives.
My only complaint is that the grind on mine was slightly uneven, so one side of the knife was a bit thicker behind the edge than the other. This was a little noticeable in cutting through harder vegetables (butternut squash), but I seem to have improved this by spending some time thinning the knife on that side. The choil and spine also had uncomfortable corners, but that was easy enough to fix with some sandpaper. This is a great knife if your looking for a nice cutter with lots of character. As others have said, just be aware that the knife you receive might not have the level of finish as a more expensive knife, but this could make for a fun project.
Wow, February 8, 2019Posted By: Brody I Mapes
Bought this knife as an afterthought while buying a much more expensive knife. It gets and stays sharper better and longer than the other "better" knifes that I own. As a chef I use this as my line knife , allowing me to keep my more expensive knifes in the bag. I plan on buying more from this line!
Bought this knife as an afterthought while buying a much more expensive knife. It gets and stays sharper better and longer than the other "better" knifes that I own. As a chef I use this as my line knife , allowing me to keep my more expensive knifes in the bag. I plan on buying more from this line!
Warped blade, January 28, 2019
Not as sharp as I thought it would be, but a cool knife., January 6, 2019Posted By: A.T. - verified customer
Was exactly the size I was looking for and it works decently. This is my first carbon steel knife/ knife over $40 - so far, no rusting issues (but I have been quite diligent with wiping). I had CKTG finishing service (as recommended by some, the piece of paper said that it was sharpened to 12 degrees) and the sharpness is okay (it's not as sharp as my ceramic Kyocera knife) - I'm not experienced enough to say whether or not this is more representative of the service or the knife itself but here is why I chose to purchase it: 1) I needed a new knife and wanted to upgrade from grocery store knives, 2) I wanted a high quality blade without spending too much and it seemed like going non-stainless was the solution, 3) I wanted a flush ferrule (most japanese knives in my price range have a ferrule that is not flush with the handle), 4) I wanted a japanese style handle, 5) I didn't want to have to fill in the blade/ferrule with epoxy, etc). Overall, it does the job, but does it justify the $50 + $15 finishing service price tag? I'm not sure. Perhaps sharpening yourself is the answer here? Hopefully the edge holds up well and that will be the difference. Looks cool and makes me feel super cool to have and use it (the story and the aesthetics). To be fair, I'm comparing it to grocery store knives, kyocera, and a $150 miyabi I tried at a store... I guess it does fall somewhere between there.
Was exactly the size I was looking for and it works decently. This is my first carbon steel knife/ knife over $40 - so far, no rusting issues (but I have been quite diligent with wiping). I had CKTG finishing service (as recommended by some, the piece of paper said that it was sharpened to 12 degrees) and the sharpness is okay (it's not as sharp as my ceramic Kyocera knife) - I'm not experienced enough to say whether or not this is more representative of the service or the knife itself but here is why I chose to purchase it: 1) I needed a new knife and wanted to upgrade from grocery store knives, 2) I wanted a high quality blade without spending too much and it seemed like going non-stainless was the solution, 3) I wanted a flush ferrule (most japanese knives in my price range have a ferrule that is not flush with the handle), 4) I wanted a japanese style handle, 5) I didn't want to have to fill in the blade/ferrule with epoxy, etc). Overall, it does the job, but does it justify the $50 + $15 finishing service price tag? I'm not sure. Perhaps sharpening yourself is the answer here? Hopefully the edge holds up well and that will be the difference. Looks cool and makes me feel super cool to have and use it (the story and the aesthetics). To be fair, I'm comparing it to grocery store knives, kyocera, and a $150 miyabi I tried at a store... I guess it does fall somewhere between there.
Great Knife, , October 23, 2018 Great woody knife, October 15, 2018Posted By: Mark
If your not into the fit and finish as much as sharpness and easy of use. This knife is yours. It sharpens easily. When you get it sharpen it before use or have CKTG sharpen for you. You will be amazed. After honing WoW. It is not Dutiful but it is great also is lite and thin.
If your not into the fit and finish as much as sharpness and easy of use. This knife is yours. It sharpens easily. When you get it sharpen it before use or have CKTG sharpen for you. You will be amazed. After honing WoW. It is not Dutiful but it is great also is lite and thin.
Workhorse , September 5, 2018Posted By: Adelaide
I was looking for a bunka; something versatile easy to pick up came across this knife and was sold by every piece of detail; its rustic thin and I can go hours on dice work with it; the metal was an adjustment in pressure while taking it to a stone but the retention is very nice honing once a week; glad to come across this piece of art i would buy two
I was looking for a bunka; something versatile easy to pick up came across this knife and was sold by every piece of detail; its rustic thin and I can go hours on dice work with it; the metal was an adjustment in pressure while taking it to a stone but the retention is very nice honing once a week; glad to come across this piece of art i would buy two
Rustic yet amazing, July 10, 2018Posted By: Timothy C. - verified customer
Honestly the story of the bladesmith sold this knife to me. Upon receiving it I honed it on a steel I had here and it made quick work of potato and tomato .Very good edge OOTB. I had to use a blowtorch and hammer to straighten the tip and the blade is in the handle at an angle so I had to hammer that back straight as well. Overall I am very happy with this knife and it cheap, amazingly sharp and its got a story like none other. Would recommend to anyone honestly its something that needs a little work but when your done doing the final touches it really becomes something you had to finish yourself and that makes it extra special .
Honestly the story of the bladesmith sold this knife to me. Upon receiving it I honed it on a steel I had here and it made quick work of potato and tomato .Very good edge OOTB. I had to use a blowtorch and hammer to straighten the tip and the blade is in the handle at an angle so I had to hammer that back straight as well. Overall I am very happy with this knife and it cheap, amazingly sharp and its got a story like none other. Would recommend to anyone honestly its something that needs a little work but when your done doing the final touches it really becomes something you had to finish yourself and that makes it extra special .
Great Knife, June 23, 2018Posted By: Andrew Manni
I love this knife, I bought it because I was intrigued after watching the video of the blacksmith making them. I use it during service as a line knife. It takes a decent edge and edge retention is good. Overall this knife is far from perfect but it's as close as a $50 knife can get.
I love this knife, I bought it because I was intrigued after watching the video of the blacksmith making them. I use it during service as a line knife. It takes a decent edge and edge retention is good. Overall this knife is far from perfect but it's as close as a $50 knife can get.
Very Pleased, June 23, 2018Posted By: Bob B
Love the look and feel. And the fact that it was made by hand in a little shop in Vietnam, It is very sharp OTB and in my small kitchen it may just take the place of the CCK 1303. Personality and uniqueness is the perfect description here. Thanks for bringing us this product.
Love the look and feel. And the fact that it was made by hand in a little shop in Vietnam, It is very sharp OTB and in my small kitchen it may just take the place of the CCK 1303. Personality and uniqueness is the perfect description here. Thanks for bringing us this product.
An interesting knife, May 8, 2018Posted By: Ben S
I also bought the nakiri. Like the nakiri this knife is very rustic in both feel and aesthetics, which I like. Out of box it has a decent edge, but it sharpens up nicely. It has more of a belly than a typical santaku,but I like that. It allows for more rock chopping. Overall, its definitely worth the money, as is the nakiri
I also bought the nakiri. Like the nakiri this knife is very rustic in both feel and aesthetics, which I like. Out of box it has a decent edge, but it sharpens up nicely. It has more of a belly than a typical santaku,but I like that. It allows for more rock chopping. Overall, its definitely worth the money, as is the nakiri
