Yoshimi Kato makes knives for several leading brands, including Masakage and Kanehiro, but the Enju line marked the first to carry his own name. The quality of grinds, fit, and finish that has made his work for other brands so respected is on full display here, and the overall aesthetic appeal is genuinely stunning. The bunka is built from VG10, a stainless steel designed and engineered specifically for kitchen cutlery, hardened to 61-62 HRC for excellent edge retention alongside easy sharpening.
The VG10 edge steel is wrapped in a multi-layer Damascus cladding made from soft stainless steel, which keeps the entire blade genuinely easy to maintain while delivering a striking visual texture. The compact, tall bunka profile with its reverse tanto tip handles push cutting, chopping, and fine detail work with equal confidence. The blade is matched to a handsome oak wood handle in an octagonal shape that balances well and wears comfortably over long prep sessions.
Care Instructions: VG10 is a fully stainless steel - low maintenance and resistant to corrosion. Hand wash and dry after each use. Avoid the dishwasher. Sharpen on quality water stones as needed.
The VG10 edge steel is wrapped in a multi-layer Damascus cladding made from soft stainless steel, which keeps the entire blade genuinely easy to maintain while delivering a striking visual texture. The compact, tall bunka profile with its reverse tanto tip handles push cutting, chopping, and fine detail work with equal confidence. The blade is matched to a handsome oak wood handle in an octagonal shape that balances well and wears comfortably over long prep sessions.
Care Instructions: VG10 is a fully stainless steel - low maintenance and resistant to corrosion. Hand wash and dry after each use. Avoid the dishwasher. Sharpen on quality water stones as needed.
- Blacksmith: Yoshimi Kato
- Location: Echizen, Japan
- Construction: San Mai, Hammer Forged
- Core Edge Steel: VG10
- Cladding: Damascus Stainless
- HRC: 61-62
- Engraving: Hand Engraved
- Edge Grind: Even
- Handle: Oak Octagonal
- Weight: 4.0 oz (114 g)
- Blade Length: 172mm
- Total Length: 315mm
- Spine Thickness at Heel: 2mm
- Blade Height: 47mm
