Masashi Shiroshu Ko-Bunka 135mm

About Masashi Shiroshu – 

Look at this knife! It’s so pretty. I’ve always referred to blades this good-looking as functional art pieces because they’re still tools meant to be used. The simple, elegant handle perfectly contrasts the stunning blade and keeps the knife lightweight yet confident, exactly how I like my kitchen knives.

Masashi-san made this knife from a phenomenal steel called SLD, which he can push to the absolute limits of hardness due entirely to his knifemaking genius and a few top-secret techniques. He sharpens this knife with his unique trademark edge, making the back end a little tougher for chopping and the tip finer for delicate work.

First training with his brother at Yoshikane, then striking out on his own, Masashi Yamamoto relentlessly pursues the creation of a perfect knife using the traditional techniques passed down in his family and augmented by a modern understanding of metallurgy. He’s also a certified badass, forging in flip-flops and lighting cigarettes off red-hot steel like an 80’s action hero.

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.