The Anmon Damascus pattern on Nigara knives takes its name from the Anmon Waterfalls - a series of cascades descending from the World Heritage Shirakami Mountains near Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture, where Nigara Hamono has been forging since the Edo period. The raindrop ripple pattern that emerges from 25 layers of folded stainless steel is Nigara's interpretation of that water in motion, and it is genuinely different on every knife because every knife is made by hand. The SG2 powdered stainless core at 62+ HRC is what the pattern surrounds - an edge steel with exceptional retention and sharpness, brought together with the Damascus cladding in san-mai construction that lets each material do what it does best.
The 170mm bunka delivers the Anmon Damascus in one of the most versatile formats in the lineup. The reverse tanto tip opens up fine point work, the flat heel gives full board contact on push cuts, and the 49mm blade height provides real knuckle clearance through board work. At 168mm blade length and 144g with a 2mm spine, this is a substantial knife that feels confident in the hand. The SG2 core is fully stainless - no reactive surface, no patina to manage - which makes the choice between the visual character of a carbon steel knife and the practicality of stainless entirely unnecessary with a knife like this. The wenge octagonal handle and buffalo horn ferrule complete a package that is as refined as the Damascus it carries. Each knife is made by hand so measurements may vary.
Care Instructions: SG2 is stainless and resistant to rust, but hard and somewhat 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 170mm bunka delivers the Anmon Damascus in one of the most versatile formats in the lineup. The reverse tanto tip opens up fine point work, the flat heel gives full board contact on push cuts, and the 49mm blade height provides real knuckle clearance through board work. At 168mm blade length and 144g with a 2mm spine, this is a substantial knife that feels confident in the hand. The SG2 core is fully stainless - no reactive surface, no patina to manage - which makes the choice between the visual character of a carbon steel knife and the practicality of stainless entirely unnecessary with a knife like this. The wenge octagonal handle and buffalo horn ferrule complete a package that is as refined as the Damascus it carries. Each knife is made by hand so measurements may vary.
Care Instructions: SG2 is stainless and resistant to rust, but hard and somewhat 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: Wenge Octagonal
- Ferrule: Black Buffalo Horn
- Weight: 5.0 oz (144g)
- Blade Length: 168mm
- Total Length: 315mm
- Spine Thickness at Heel: 2mm
- Blade Height: 49mm
