Kohetsu Shinano Blue #2 Bunka 170mm

San mai construction - three layers of steel with a hard carbon core and softer stainless cladding on each side - is the foundation of the Kohetsu Shinano line. The Blue #2 core at 62 HRC does the cutting work: sharp, edge-retentive, and responsive on quality water stones in a way stainless steels at this price cannot match. The stainless cladding protects everything but the mirror-finished edge from moisture and keeps daily maintenance simple. Named after the Shinano River in Niigata Prefecture, made in Sanjo City exclusively for CKTG.

The bunka at 173mm combines the versatility of a santoku with a reverse tanto tip for precision detail work a flat-tipped blade cannot handle cleanly. At 46mm height and 4mm spine this is a knife with real board presence and enough tip control for fine cuts through aromatics and herbs. The shiny migaki finish on the polished cladding gives it an eye-catching appearance that draws comments - paired with a Blue #2 edge that backs up the looks. Even 50/50 double-bevel grind works equally well for right- and left-handed cooks. CKTG is the only source for the Kohetsu Shinano line.

What Customers Are Saying: Five five-star reviews. The standout comes from a reviewer who compares it favorably to a Shun Classic and a Jikko AS santoku - calling it the sharpest he owns out of the box and praising the long neck to the choil for a comfortable pinch grip. He notes the polished cladding is eye candy despite initial skepticism about the shiny finish. One very minor note: the ferrule-to-handle fit runs at 98-99 percent - almost imperceptible. The Blue #2 reactive edge draws praise for developing a nice patina with proper care. An excellent blade at a very reasonable price for the steel.

Care Instructions: Blue #2 is a reactive carbon steel - the stainless cladding protects the flanks but the exposed carbon edge will patina naturally with use. Wipe and dry the blade immediately after every use. Avoid leaving acidic foods on the edge. Hand wash only, never dishwasher. Apply camellia oil for long-term storage. Sharpen on quality water stones - Blue #2 at 62 HRC sharpens easily and rewards good technique. Strop regularly between sharpenings.

• Brand: Kohetsu
• Line: Shinano
• Exclusive: CKTG Exclusive - Available Only at CKTG
• Location: Sanjo City, Niigata Prefecture, Japan
• Construction: San Mai
• Edge Steel: Blue #2 (Aogami #2) Carbon Steel
• Cladding: Stainless
• HRC: 62
• Edge Grind: Even 50/50 Double Bevel
• Handle: Walnut Octagonal
• Ferrule: Black Pakka Wood
• Weight: 4.2 oz (118g)
• Blade Length: 173mm
• Total Length: 317mm
• Spine Thickness at Base: 4mm
• Blade Height: 46mm