The bunka is one of the most practical knife formats in the Japanese kitchen - the versatility of a santoku knife with a reverse tanto tip built for precision work that a flat blade cannot do. Hatsukokoro builds the Kumokage Bunka around a Blue #2 carbon steel core, hammer-forged in Tosa into san mai construction. Kumokage means cloud shadow, and the Damascus cladding on the blade road earns that name - shifting and glimmering against the kurouchi forge finish.
At 182mm blade length and 62 HRC, this is a high carbon steel kitchen knife that handles daily prep with authority. The tall blade gives good knuckle clearance for board work while the pointed tip handles fine cuts that a nakiri or santoku would struggle with. Even double-bevel grind works equally well for right- and left-handed cooks. Wenge octagonal handle with buffalo horn ferrule. Photos by Gustavo Bermudez.
Care Instructions: Blue #2 is a reactive carbon steel that will patina naturally with use. Wipe and dry the blade immediately after each use. Do not leave moisture or acidic foods on the edge. Hand wash only, never dishwasher. Apply a light coat of camellia oil before storage.
At 182mm blade length and 62 HRC, this is a high carbon steel kitchen knife that handles daily prep with authority. The tall blade gives good knuckle clearance for board work while the pointed tip handles fine cuts that a nakiri or santoku would struggle with. Even double-bevel grind works equally well for right- and left-handed cooks. Wenge octagonal handle with buffalo horn ferrule. Photos by Gustavo Bermudez.
Care Instructions: Blue #2 is a reactive carbon steel that will patina naturally with use. Wipe and dry the blade immediately after each use. Do not leave moisture or acidic foods on the edge. Hand wash only, never dishwasher. Apply a light coat of camellia oil before storage.
- Maker: Hatsukokoro
- Line: Kumokage
- Location: Tosa, Japan
- Construction: San Mai, Hammer Forged
- Edge Steel: Blue #2 Carbon Steel
- Cladding: Soft Iron
- Finish: Kurouchi and Damascus
- HRC: 62+-
- Edge Grind: Even
- Engraving: Stamped
- Handle: Wenge Octagonal
- Ferrule: Buffalo Horn
- Weight: 5.4 oz (155g)
- Blade Length: 182mm
- Total Length: 323mm
- Spine Thickness at Base: 4mm
- Blade Height: 46mm
- Photos by Gustavo Bermudez
