Kei Kobayashi is a well renowned knife sharpener based in Seki City who, in recent years, has also trained as a blacksmith and now produces some of the most exquisite knives we've seen.
Kobayashi knives are finished to perfection and sharpened (as you would expect) to a staggeringly sharp edge. Like almost nothing else we've seen.
These are real works of art with their own unique Handle designs and perfect form.
R2 steel is a hard stainless steel used by leading blacksmiths to provide some of the best sharpness and retention specifications that can be achieved from stainless steel. It makes for a superbly sharp knife that lasts a long time but can require a little more elbow grease when sharpening due to being a harder steel.
Bunka knives are similar to a Santoku in blade proportions, but have a more angular tip, often referred to as a K tip, or Kiritsuke.
They make excellent all round knives as they are versatile due to their curved cutting edge and shorter blade length. They are an excellent alternative to the more common Gyuto, chef's knife shape if you prefer a shorter blade.
Specifications:
Knife Type: Bunka
Steel Type: R2/SG2 (Stain resistant steel)
Blade Hardness: HRC 62-63
Blade Type: Double edged blade
Blade Length: 170mm (6.7")
Blade Height: 47mm (1.9")
Blade Thickness: 2mm (0.079")
Ferrule Material: Pakka wood
Handle Material: Honduras
Handle Length: 124mm (4.9")
Weight: 135g (4.8 ounces)
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Do not use the knife to chop hard materials such as bones or frozen items unless the knife is made for that specific purpose. Always ensure you keep your knife clean and dry, and sharpen it as required to prevent a dull edge.
If in doubt, give us a shout
Please read our guidance pages below to help you make the right choice and make the most of the knives you choose:
Steel Types Explained
Knife Types Explained
Care Guidelines for all Knives
