Masakage Yuki Ko-Bunka 130mm

 

About Masakage Yuki – 

When you pick up the Yuki, you’ll notice just how light it is. The steel is hammered thinner than your average knife, which lets it fly through dense veggies with ease. Shirogami, or ‘white carbon’ in English, is a very traditional steel prized by blacksmiths and knife nerds alike for its great edge retention and legendary sharpness. Yuki knives are clad in softer stainless steel, so only the very edge has to be kept dry to prevent rust. This line is one of our most popular and a frequent gateway into the world of hand-hammered knives.

 The name Yuki (meaning ‘snow’ in Japanese) comes from the frosty looking ‘nashiji,’ or ‘pear skin,’ finish. 

Yoshimi Kato is the son-in-law and successor of Hiroshi Kato, one of the founders of Takefu Knife Village. The transition from apprentice to master blacksmith and company head has been seamless for Yoshimi-san. He tells me that he strives to continuously improve his skill day-by-day, and I look forward to working with the next generation of Kato for decades to come! 

Yoshimi-san is a quiet man, calmly pushing forward at a steady pace and speaking more through his knives than his words. And boy, do they speak! Yoshimi-san’s knives are among the most gorgeous, laser-like blades I’ve ever handled.

About the Shape – The Ko-Bunka is a smaller version of a Bunka. Any guesses on what “Ko” means in Japanese? You nailed it! It translates to “small.” This little knife is awesome because it still gives you knuckle clearance on the cutting board. Making sure you can mince garlic and comfortably chop veggies. A badass love child of the Bunka and Petty knife, it works for smaller jobs in the hand or as an all-purpose blade.