The bunka is the format in the Nigara Damascus lineup that shows this Damascus pattern most dramatically. The reverse tanto profile and generous blade height put more surface area on display than a narrower knife, and on a 180mm blade with 48mm of height, the 25-layer Damascus cladding has room to develop its full visual character. Nigara Hamono has been forging in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture, since the Edo period, when the city was a castle town with over one hundred blacksmith shops. Nigara Hamono developed this Damascus pattern exclusively for CKTG several years ago, and it is hand-finished on each blade so the folded steel layers above the SG2 edge come out a little different every time.
The 180mm bunka sits between the smaller 170mm version from the first Nigara Damascus batch and a full-size gyuto in terms of board presence. The reverse tanto tip opens up fine point work, the flat heel delivers full board contact on push cuts, and the 2mm spine keeps the knife light and responsive for a blade this tall. SG2 at 62+ HRC is fully stainless, hard enough for excellent edge retention, and sharpens well on quality water stones. The burnt urushi oak octagonal handle - oak finished with urushi lacquer - is durable, water-resistant, and carries a warm, traditional character that suits the Damascus blade well.
Care Instructions: SG2 is stainless and resistant to rust, but hard and chip-prone at this HRC. Use wood or rubber cutting boards only. Avoid bones, frozen foods, and hard materials. Hand wash and dry after use - no dishwasher. Strop regularly and use quality water stones for full sharpenings.
Each knife is made by hand so measurements may vary.Maker: Nigara Hamono
Location: Hirosaki, Aomori, Japan
Construction: Hammer Forged, San Mai
Edge Steel: SG2 Stainless Steel
Cladding: 25-Layer Stainless Damascus (Custom CKTG Pattern)
HRC: 62+
Edge Grind: Double Bevel, Even
Handle: Burnt Urushi Oak Octagonal
Weight: 5.6 oz (158 g)
Blade Length: 188 mm
Total Length: 332 mm
Spine Thickness at Heel: 2 mm
Blade Height: 48 mm
The 180mm bunka sits between the smaller 170mm version from the first Nigara Damascus batch and a full-size gyuto in terms of board presence. The reverse tanto tip opens up fine point work, the flat heel delivers full board contact on push cuts, and the 2mm spine keeps the knife light and responsive for a blade this tall. SG2 at 62+ HRC is fully stainless, hard enough for excellent edge retention, and sharpens well on quality water stones. The burnt urushi oak octagonal handle - oak finished with urushi lacquer - is durable, water-resistant, and carries a warm, traditional character that suits the Damascus blade well.
Care Instructions: SG2 is stainless and resistant to rust, but hard and chip-prone at this HRC. Use wood or rubber cutting boards only. Avoid bones, frozen foods, and hard materials. Hand wash and dry after use - no dishwasher. Strop regularly and use quality water stones for full sharpenings.
Each knife is made by hand so measurements may vary.
