Yuzou Tani works as a blacksmith in Sakai, Japan, the historic center of Japanese knife making on Osaka Bay. Born in 1962, he has been smithing for over 35 years at the shop his father established 50 years ago, taking over the family business when his father retired. Tani-san makes every blade entirely by hand and laminates the steel himself - a rare combination of skills, since most shops split forging and lamination between different craftsmen.
This bunka is hammer forged san mai style from Shirogami #2 high carbon steel, with a soft iron cladding that adds strength and shock resistance without sacrificing the keen edge White #2 is known for. The bunka format brings a relatively tall blade and a gently curved belly, giving good hand-to-board clearance across all cutting styles, while the pointed tanto-style tip handles detail work and tight spaces with ease. The blade carries a migaki, or polished, finish with attractive contrasting surfaces, and the keyaki wood handle with brown pakka wood ferrule is well finished and comfortable in hand.
Care Instructions: White #2 is a reactive carbon steel and will develop a natural patina with use. Wipe and dry the blade immediately after every use to prevent rust. Hand wash only. Apply a light coat of camellia oil for long-term storage.
This bunka is hammer forged san mai style from Shirogami #2 high carbon steel, with a soft iron cladding that adds strength and shock resistance without sacrificing the keen edge White #2 is known for. The bunka format brings a relatively tall blade and a gently curved belly, giving good hand-to-board clearance across all cutting styles, while the pointed tanto-style tip handles detail work and tight spaces with ease. The blade carries a migaki, or polished, finish with attractive contrasting surfaces, and the keyaki wood handle with brown pakka wood ferrule is well finished and comfortable in hand.
Care Instructions: White #2 is a reactive carbon steel and will develop a natural patina with use. Wipe and dry the blade immediately after every use to prevent rust. Hand wash only. Apply a light coat of camellia oil for long-term storage.
- Blacksmith: Mr. Tani
- Location: Sakai, Japan
- Construction: Hammer Forged, San Mai
- Edge Steel: White #2
- Cladding: Soft Iron
- Finish: Migaki (Polished)
- Edge Grind: Even
- Weight: 6.5 oz (184 g)
- Blade Length: 172 mm
- Total Length: 312 mm
- Spine Thickness: 3 mm
- Blade Height: 47.5 mm
- Handle: Keyaki Wood
- Ferrule: Brown Pakka Wood
