The bunka is the format in the Nigara Damascus lineup that shows the Anmon pattern most dramatically. The reverse tanto profile and generous blade height put more surface area on display than a narrower knife, and on a 180mm blade with 48mm of height the 25-layer raindrop Damascus cladding has room to develop its full visual character - different on every knife because every knife is hand-finished individually. Nigara Hamono has been forging in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture since the Edo period, when the city was a castle town with over one hundred blacksmith shops. The Anmon pattern takes its name from the Anmon Waterfalls at the foot of the World Heritage Shirakami Mountains nearby - the rippling water quality that gives the falls their character is what appears in these folded steel layers above the SG2 edge.
The 180mm bunka with its 188mm actual blade length, 48mm height, and 158g sits between the smaller 170mm version from the first Nigara Damascus batch and a full-size gyuto in terms of board presence. The reverse tanto tip opens up fine point work, the flat heel delivers full board contact on push cuts, and the 2mm spine keeps the knife light and responsive for a blade this tall. SG2 at 62+ HRC is fully stainless, hard enough for excellent edge retention, and sharpens well on quality water stones. The burnt urushi oak octagonal handle - oak finished with urushi lacquer - is durable, water-resistant, and carries a warm, traditional character that suits the Damascus blade well. Each knife is made by hand so measurements may vary.
Care Instructions: SG2 is stainless and resistant to rust, but hard and chip-prone at this HRC. Use wood or rubber cutting boards only. Avoid bones, frozen foods, and hard materials. Hand wash and dry after use - no dishwasher. Strop regularly and use quality water stones for full sharpenings.
The 180mm bunka with its 188mm actual blade length, 48mm height, and 158g sits between the smaller 170mm version from the first Nigara Damascus batch and a full-size gyuto in terms of board presence. The reverse tanto tip opens up fine point work, the flat heel delivers full board contact on push cuts, and the 2mm spine keeps the knife light and responsive for a blade this tall. SG2 at 62+ HRC is fully stainless, hard enough for excellent edge retention, and sharpens well on quality water stones. The burnt urushi oak octagonal handle - oak finished with urushi lacquer - is durable, water-resistant, and carries a warm, traditional character that suits the Damascus blade well. Each knife is made by hand so measurements may vary.
Care Instructions: SG2 is stainless and resistant to rust, but hard and chip-prone at this HRC. Use wood or rubber cutting boards only. Avoid bones, frozen foods, and hard materials. Hand wash and dry after use - no dishwasher. Strop regularly and use quality water stones for full sharpenings.
- Maker: Nigara Hamono
- Location: Hirosaki, Aomori, Japan
- Construction: Hammer Forged, San Mai
- Edge Steel: SG2 Stainless Steel
- Cladding: 25-Layer Stainless Damascus (Anmon - Raindrop)
- HRC: 62+
- Edge Grind: Double Bevel, Even
- Handle: Burnt Urushi Oak Octagonal
- Weight: 5.6 oz (158g)
- Blade Length: 188mm
- Total Length: 332mm
- Spine Thickness at Heel: 2mm
- Blade Height: 48mm
