Masakage Shimo Bunka 165mm

Yu Kurosaki is one of the most celebrated blacksmiths working in Echizen today, and the Shimo line for Masakage is among the most visually striking work he produces. Shimo means frost in Japanese, and the name describes exactly what the cladding looks like: the iron Damascus is hammered to create patterns that closely resemble the frost formations that appear on glass windows during winter. No two blades look precisely the same. The Shirogami (white paper steel) #2 core takes some of the sharpest edges available in kitchen knives and sharpens with an ease that rewards anyone willing to spend time on a good set of water stones.

The 165mm bunka is essentially a santoku - three virtues - with a sword tip: the flat heel section and gentle belly of the santoku profile, with the angled forward tip that gives more precision on detail cuts and less drag through the final inches of each stroke. At 175mm actual blade length and 47mm height it has comfortable board presence and knuckle clearance in a pinch grip. The convex grind is the signature of every Kurosaki knife: ultra-thin behind the edge, blending into a generous convex section through the middle of the blade. Not a laser, but a blade that moves through soft and hard produce with equal ease. 3mm spine at the heel. Maple octagonal handle with black pakka ferrule. Hand engraved. 4.2 oz. One important note: both the White #2 core and the iron cladding are reactive. The entire blade will patina with use - developing a distinctive blue-frost appearance over time - and requires consistent care during every session.

What Customers Are Saying: Five reviewers with consistent themes. The knife arrives razor sharp - sharp enough to shave - and improves further with a strop before use. Several reviewers are working line cooks who have used it across multiple professional kitchen environments: tight spaces, hot and cold sections, prep, butchery, fish. The Damascus pattern is described as unlike anything else available, and the patina it develops over time - blue and frost-like - is considered an asset rather than a problem. One reviewer left it in a wet bag overnight, got surface rust, cleaned it with vinegar and baking soda, and came back with a beautiful patina. The blade is highly reactive and requires more attention than most, but everyone who accepts that going in describes it as worth every bit of the effort.

Care Instructions: Shirogami (white paper steel) #2 core and iron cladding are both highly reactive - more reactive than most knives on the site. Wipe and dry during and after every use. Avoid acidic foods on the blade. Apply camellia oil for storage. Hand wash only. Sharpen on quality water stones.

• Brand: Masakage
• Line: Shimo
• Blacksmith: Yu Kurosaki
• Location: Echizen, Japan
• Construction: San Mai, Hammer Forged
• Edge Steel: Shirogami (White Paper Steel) #2
• Cladding: Reactive Iron Damascus
• Finish: Hammered Frost Pattern
• HRC: 62
• Edge Grind: Even Convex
• Engraving: Hand Engraved
• Handle: Maple Octagonal
• Ferrule: Black Pakka Wood
• Weight: 4.2 oz (120 g)
• Blade Length: 175mm
• Total Length: 319mm
• Spine Thickness at Heel: 3mm
• Blade Height: 47mm