Saji Rainbow Blue #2 Damascus Wa Bunka 180mm

The bunka is a versatile Japanese knife format - the reverse-tanto tip adds precision for detail work while the relatively flat profile suits push-cutting through vegetables and the blade height at 52mm gives it real presence on the board. At 183mm this is a compact, nimble format that suits cooks who prefer a shorter all-purpose knife. In the Saji Rainbow Damascus line it becomes something more than a working tool: a Blue #2 carbon steel core wrapped in hammer-forged layers of stainless steel, brass, and copper that produce a shifting multi-colored pattern that has made this line one of the most distinctive at CKTG for years.

Takeshi Saji is a third-generation blacksmith in Takefu City, Echizen, who holds the title of certified Traditional Masters Craftsman. His approach to knife making carries the precision discipline of his earlier outdoor knife work into kitchen cutlery - the grinds are well-executed, the profiles are deliberate, and the fit and finish reflects serious craft rather than production line output. The rosewood octagonal handle is comfortable and well-matched to the wa bunka format. The knife comes in a wooden box for storage or as a gift.

What Customers Are Saying: Michele Dorenkamp, a serious home cook, describes it as exacting - a perfect edge, performance second to none, styling that is beautiful, and weight that is ideal for this type of knife. She recommends it to anyone interested in luxury in the kitchen. John Maesaka tracked this series down after it went out of stock - he waited for a restock because of how good it looked, and says it exceeded his expectations in every way: beautiful finish, great balance, takes a superb edge, and capable of anything you would want from a knife in this style.

Care Instructions: The Blue #2 core is reactive carbon steel and will develop a patina with use. Wipe and dry immediately after each use. Avoid acidic foods on the edge. Hand wash only. Apply camellia oil for long-term storage. The stainless cladding is low maintenance.

• Blacksmith: Takeshi Saji
• Location: Takefu City, Echizen, Japan
• Construction: San Mai, Hammer Forged
• Edge Steel: Blue #2 (Aogami #2)
• Cladding: Hammer Rainbow Damascus (Stainless, Brass, Copper)
• HRC: 62-63
• Edge Grind: Even (50/50)
• Engraving: Laser Engraved
• Handle: Rosewood Octagonal
• Weight: 5.5 oz (156 g)
• Blade Length: 183mm
• Total Length: 324mm
• Spine Thickness at Base: 2mm
• Blade Height: 52mm
• Storage: Wooden Box Included