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The Tanaka line of Blue #2 kurouchi knives hits a sweet spot in so many ways, none less than value and abilities. These knives are made from one of the top steels used in the business, Blue Paper #2 by Hitachi Metals. This high carbon alloy is basically the same as White #2 steel as far as carbon content goes, but with chromium and tungsten added. These elements increase edge retention and corrosion resistance.
Shigeki Tanaka is the son of master blade maker Kazuyuki Tanaka and he is now the patriarch of the family business. Together with a small cadre of artisans, he makes some of our favorite knives out of his small workshop in Miki City. He hardens the core steel to about 62-63 HRC and clads it with a softer carbon steel to add strength and resilience. The cladding is left with the forger’s carbon scale, better known as a kurouchi finish. While this coating will inhibit oxidation, care still needs to be given to cleaning and drying the blade between uses.
This bunka is a perfect knife for lovers of shorter blades or those with smaller board space. Bunkas are also a great choice for prepping garnishes and other smaller items. As the blade is ground with a 50/50 grind it is an ambidextrous tool. With the slight curved belly it will work for rock and push cutters alike.Weight: 4.4 ounces
Blade Length: 188 mm
Total Length: 330 mm
Spine Thickness at Base: 2.5 mm
Blade Height: 46.6 mm
Shigeki Tanaka is the son of master blade maker Kazuyuki Tanaka and he is now the patriarch of the family business. Together with a small cadre of artisans, he makes some of our favorite knives out of his small workshop in Miki City. He hardens the core steel to about 62-63 HRC and clads it with a softer carbon steel to add strength and resilience. The cladding is left with the forger’s carbon scale, better known as a kurouchi finish. While this coating will inhibit oxidation, care still needs to be given to cleaning and drying the blade between uses.
This bunka is a perfect knife for lovers of shorter blades or those with smaller board space. Bunkas are also a great choice for prepping garnishes and other smaller items. As the blade is ground with a 50/50 grind it is an ambidextrous tool. With the slight curved belly it will work for rock and push cutters alike.
Reviews
3 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval)
Knife , September 30, 2020
Good Value, January 21, 2020Posted By: Justin - verified customer
As others have stated, the handle leaves much to be desired. Also, the blade had a slight twist to it upon arrival and one pretty heavy rust dot. I was able to straighten it almost back to straight and used a Birchwood Casey lead and rust remover cloth to remove the rust dot. This is my first japanese blade and its far easier to maintain than originally anticipated.
As others have stated, the handle leaves much to be desired. Also, the blade had a slight twist to it upon arrival and one pretty heavy rust dot. I was able to straighten it almost back to straight and used a Birchwood Casey lead and rust remover cloth to remove the rust dot. This is my first japanese blade and its far easier to maintain than originally anticipated.
It's all about the blade, January 9, 2020Posted By: Miles Matsumoto
Love this knife. It looks rugged and has an aggressive profile. Bought as a sharpening practice knife but it's got a great blade and will be in the home kitchen rotation. OTB, it was dull and had a tough time cutting paper. I'm a novice sharpener but it easily sharpened to razor sharp with CKTG 2000 and Rika 5000. Main negative is the handle- plastic ferrule and needed a bit of sanding to reduce the step. Haven't processed enough product to talk about edge retention. It's a lot of knife for $100.
Love this knife. It looks rugged and has an aggressive profile. Bought as a sharpening practice knife but it's got a great blade and will be in the home kitchen rotation. OTB, it was dull and had a tough time cutting paper. I'm a novice sharpener but it easily sharpened to razor sharp with CKTG 2000 and Rika 5000. Main negative is the handle- plastic ferrule and needed a bit of sanding to reduce the step. Haven't processed enough product to talk about edge retention. It's a lot of knife for $100.
