Kato Yuki Bunka 170mm (6.7″)

The striking collection by the brand Masakage and blacksmith Yoshimi Kato is called Yuki – snow. The subtle whiteness of the blade and the light magnolia handle are designed to remind one of a snowy winter landscape. With a carbon steel core and stainless outer layers, this line represents the perfect blend of beauty and performance.

BLADE SHAPE:
The shape of the blade is called bunka which means culture in Japanese. Bunka makes for a highly versatile knife suitable for cutting vegetables, meat, and fish. The blade is wide and flat at the handle, has a softly curved belly of the blade, suitable for both long and short cuts, and a pointy reverse tanto tip for precise cuts and carvings. The angle of the spine rapidly changes to meet the tip which is referred to as a »K-Tip«. Besides looking badass, this shape allows the user precision and makes getting to the hard-to-get-places a bit easier.

BLADE FINISH:
The finish of the blade is called Nashiji, the literal translation of the word being “the skin of an (Asian) pear”. It refers to the slightly matted surface of the upper part of the blade, which not only has aesthetic value but is also practical, since the uneven surface reduces the sticking of the food to the blade when slicing.  

STEEL AND LAMINATION:
The knife’s core is Shirogami 2 (White 2) steel, surrounded by two layers of stainless steel that also hugs the spine of the blade. The knife is hardened to 62-63 HRC. The combination of carbon steel core and stainless outer layers gives us the best of both worlds: easy maintenance and rust protection on one hand and sharpness, a silky smooth edge and efficient cutting and chopping on the other. Using the blade will give it a patina on the lower edge of the blade along the shinogi line separating the layers of steel. Despite the rust-proof outer layers, the knife must be cleaned with regular and careful wiping and occasional application of Ballistol oil is recommended.

HANDLE:
Yoshimi Kato, a relatively young blacksmith from the famous Takefu village, known for many skilled blacksmiths, gave the blade a traditional wa japanese handle, oval in shape, made of magnolia wood with a ring made of red (stabilized) wood.

The knife is packed in a beautiful box – the natural blue colored paper has silver coloured kanji – signature by the master blacksmith. The box comes with a gift coin and a certificate stamped by the blacksmith and sharpener.

BLACKSMITH:
This knife is made at the Kato Smithy, part of the Takefu Knife Village, home to legendary Japanese master blacksmiths and sharpeners. Yoshimi Kato is renowned among them as the finest master of heat-treating premium steels such as SG2 and Aogami Super, and his knives stand out visually, especially for their hand-made damascus patterns.