Ko bunka means small bunka, and at 132mm this is a compact, nimble knife sized for in-hand work, smaller prep tasks, and precision cuts where a full 170mm or 180mm knife would feel oversized. Yoshimi Kato hammer forges this at Takefu Village in Echizen from the same White #2 carbon steel core and nashiji stainless cladding found across the Yuki line.
The angled bunka tip carries through even at this scale, giving the knife a distinctive, precise point for detailed work. At 34mm tall it is not a towering blade, but the height is proportional to the length and the result is a well-balanced, easy-to-control small knife that excels at breaking down chicken, working around small bones, prepping aromatics and herbs, and handling any in-hand task where a longer knife would be inconvenient.
Care Instructions: The White #2 core is reactive carbon steel and will develop a natural patina with use. The stainless cladding protects the blade faces, so daily care is straightforward: wipe and dry the blade after use, avoid leaving acidic foods against the edge, and hand wash only.
The angled bunka tip carries through even at this scale, giving the knife a distinctive, precise point for detailed work. At 34mm tall it is not a towering blade, but the height is proportional to the length and the result is a well-balanced, easy-to-control small knife that excels at breaking down chicken, working around small bones, prepping aromatics and herbs, and handling any in-hand task where a longer knife would be inconvenient.
Care Instructions: The White #2 core is reactive carbon steel and will develop a natural patina with use. The stainless cladding protects the blade faces, so daily care is straightforward: wipe and dry the blade after use, avoid leaving acidic foods against the edge, and hand wash only.
- Brand: Masakage
- Line: Yuki
- Blacksmith: Yoshimi Kato
- Workshop: Takefu Knife Village
- Location: Echizen, Japan
- Construction: San Mai, Hammer Forged
- Edge Steel: White #2 (Shirogami #2)
- Cladding: Nashiji Stainless
- HRC: 62-63
- Edge Grind: Even (See Choil Shot)
- Handle: Oval Magnolia
- Ferrule: Red Dyed Pakka Wood
- Weight: 2.5 oz (70 g)
- Blade Length: 132 mm
- Total Length: 259 mm
- Spine Thickness at Heel: 3 mm
- Blade Height: 34 mm
