Shiro Kamo is one of the most popular blacksmiths we carry, and this bunka is one of the most sought-after knives in his lineup. Kamo-san works out of Takefu Knife Village in Echizen and received the Dento-Kogei-shi title - Master of Traditional Crafts - at just 47 years old. He is one of the few blacksmiths who excels at both grinding and forging, a genuinely rare combination, and keeps a small crew of just two other workmen, so every blade stays under his personal supervision. He also trained Syungo Ogata, one of the most exciting young blacksmiths working in Japan today, for seven years before Ogata struck out on his own.
This bunka is built from White #2 carbon steel clad in reactive Damascus, developing real character as a patina forms with use. The face etching is well realized and reveals a lovely pattern from the cladding layers. It is a light blade that still feels strong and confident in hand, with excellent fit, finish, and out-of-the-box sharpness. The compact, tall reverse-tanto profile suits push and pull cutting equally well, handling everything from chopping to detail work at the pointed tip. The D-shaped sandalwood handle with black pakka wood ferrule completes a knife that is a fun, accessible way to experience White #2 steel from one of the most popular blacksmiths CKTG carries.
What Customers Are Saying: One reviewer who uses this both at home and at work calls it a favorite in his collection. He notes the D-shaped handle feels entirely comfortable once gripped with a proper pinch grip - after a week of prep work, he reports being very satisfied with every aspect of the knife.
Care Instructions: White #2 is a reactive carbon steel and will develop a natural patina with use - this is normal and helps protect the steel. Wipe the blade dry immediately after each use and avoid leaving it wet or in contact with acidic foods. Hand wash only. Apply a light coat of camellia oil for long-term storage. These knives have a thin edge grind on hard steel, so avoid bones, frozen foods, hard root vegetables, and garlic husks - push or pull cuts put less stress on the edge than chopping through hard materials.Blacksmith: Shiro Kamo
Location: Echizen, Japan
Factory: Takefu Village
Construction: San Mai, Hammer Forged
Edge Steel: White Paper #2 Steel
Cladding: Damascus
HRC: 61
Edge Grind: Even
Handle: D-Shaped Sandalwood
Ferrule: Black Pakka Wood
Engraving: Hand Engraved
Weight: 4.6 oz (132 g)
Blade Length: 168 mm
Total Length: 310 mm
Spine Thickness at Base: 2.5 mm
Blade Height: 47 mm
This bunka is built from White #2 carbon steel clad in reactive Damascus, developing real character as a patina forms with use. The face etching is well realized and reveals a lovely pattern from the cladding layers. It is a light blade that still feels strong and confident in hand, with excellent fit, finish, and out-of-the-box sharpness. The compact, tall reverse-tanto profile suits push and pull cutting equally well, handling everything from chopping to detail work at the pointed tip. The D-shaped sandalwood handle with black pakka wood ferrule completes a knife that is a fun, accessible way to experience White #2 steel from one of the most popular blacksmiths CKTG carries.
What Customers Are Saying: One reviewer who uses this both at home and at work calls it a favorite in his collection. He notes the D-shaped handle feels entirely comfortable once gripped with a proper pinch grip - after a week of prep work, he reports being very satisfied with every aspect of the knife.
Care Instructions: White #2 is a reactive carbon steel and will develop a natural patina with use - this is normal and helps protect the steel. Wipe the blade dry immediately after each use and avoid leaving it wet or in contact with acidic foods. Hand wash only. Apply a light coat of camellia oil for long-term storage. These knives have a thin edge grind on hard steel, so avoid bones, frozen foods, hard root vegetables, and garlic husks - push or pull cuts put less stress on the edge than chopping through hard materials.
Reviews
1 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) One beast of a knifePosted By: Nick - verified customer
16 people found this review helpful
this knife is by far one of my favorites to add to my collection and use at work. At first I was upset due to me not reading the description and finding out the handle was asymmetrical, but using a pinch grip it feels comfortable in my hand. I've been using it for a week doing prep work and can say I'm very satisfied with every single aspect of this knife.
16 people found this review helpful
this knife is by far one of my favorites to add to my collection and use at work. At first I was upset due to me not reading the description and finding out the handle was asymmetrical, but using a pinch grip it feels comfortable in my hand. I've been using it for a week doing prep work and can say I'm very satisfied with every single aspect of this knife.
