Compared to many bunkas, this 175mm version from the Masakage Kumo line carries extra blade height, giving larger hands more clearance between the board and the knuckles. The reverse tanto tip adds precision for detail work, slicing scallions, chopping herbs, or breaking down chicken and other proteins with equal control.
The blade is all stainless steel, built around a VG-10 core with a softer stainless alloy used for the Damascus layer. VG-10 takes a very sharp edge, holds that sharpness for a long time, and is fairly easy to bring back to sharp when it does need attention. The cloudy looking Damascus pattern is exactly where the Kumo name comes from, since kumo translates to clouds in Japanese. The handle is a fine rosewood and black pakka wood combination, comfortable to hold for long stretches of prep work.
Care Instructions:VG-10 is a low maintenance stainless steel, so hand wash and dry the blade after use rather than running it through a dishwasher. Avoid cutting through bones or frozen foods, and sharpen on quality water stones when the edge needs attention.
The blade is all stainless steel, built around a VG-10 core with a softer stainless alloy used for the Damascus layer. VG-10 takes a very sharp edge, holds that sharpness for a long time, and is fairly easy to bring back to sharp when it does need attention. The cloudy looking Damascus pattern is exactly where the Kumo name comes from, since kumo translates to clouds in Japanese. The handle is a fine rosewood and black pakka wood combination, comfortable to hold for long stretches of prep work.
Care Instructions:VG-10 is a low maintenance stainless steel, so hand wash and dry the blade after use rather than running it through a dishwasher. Avoid cutting through bones or frozen foods, and sharpen on quality water stones when the edge needs attention.
- Brand: Masakage
- Line: Kumo
- Blacksmith: Ikeda San
- Region: Echizen, Japan
- Construction: San Mai
- Edge Steel: VG-10
- Cladding: Stainless Damascus
- HRC: 61-62
- Engraving: Hand Engraved
- Handle: Rosewood Octagonal
- Ferrule: Black Pakka Wood
- Weight: 4.8 oz (138 g)
- Blade Length: 174 mm
- Total Length: 320 mm
- Spine Thickness at Base: 4 mm
- Blade Height: 48 mm
