Handcrafted Japanese bunka with coppery accents
Forged in Japan by Takeshi Saji, the Takeshi Saji BS2 Rainbow Japanese Bunka knife features a 16. 5 cm blade with a damascened finish that shimmers with iridescent hues. Its Aogami #2 steel core is encased in layers of stainless steel, copper, and brass; their arrangement creates a pattern unique to each knife. The resin handle, accented with flecks of copper-colored Corian®, echoes these hues with a Western-style silhouette. A piece of Japanese cutlery designed to handle a variety of cutting tasks in the kitchen.
A damascened blade with a carbon steel core
The 16.5 cm blade features a damascene structure, consisting of alternating layers of steel surrounding a core of rigid Japanese Aogami #2 (also known as Blue Paper Steel #2). It contains nearly 1.2% carbon and achieves a hardness of approximately 62 HRC. This combination allows for a fine sharpening and excellent edge retention. The blade requires controlled cutting: avoid impacts, twisting, and contact with frozen foods or bones.
The outer layers of soft stainless steel, copper, and brass create a damascene pattern that varies from blade to blade. The mirror polish highlights the contrasts between the metals and their reflections.The flat grind ensures a smooth, even cut, ideal for linear movements.
The bunka shape is suitable for a variety of prep tasks, such as julienning vegetables or slicing boneless ingredients. The carbon steel core may react to moisture: after each use, wash the blade by hand and dry it thoroughly immediately. This care helps minimize the appearance of oxidation marks.
A Western-style handle with elegant copper accents
The handle is made of resin with flecks of copper-colored Corian®. The resin ensures a sturdy handle that can withstand the rigors of daily use, while the copper-colored flecks echo the warm tones of the Damascus steel, creating a contrast with its metallic sheen. The handle has a Western-style shape that ends in a curved heel, helping to stabilize the hand during cutting motions.
Two stainless steel rivets securely fasten the handle to the knife’s tang. A decorative mosaic is placed between them to enhance the piece’s elegance. A gold-plated stainless steel bolster connects the blade to the handle while providing a good balance to the overall design. These elements come together to form a handle with contrasting finishes and a refined appearance.
Features and Benefits
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- 16.5 cm blade: ideal for many
- everyday
- cutting tasks
- Aogami #2 steel core: produces a fine cutting edge
- Hardness of approximately 62 HRC: long-lasting edge retention
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- Damascene pattern of stainless steel, copper, and brass: a unique pattern for each blade
- Mirror-polished finish: highlights the metals’ reflections
- Flat grind: ensures a smooth, even cut
- Handle made of resin and copper-plated Corian®: combines durability with elegance
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- Western-style curved heel: provides a familiar feel in the
hand
- Two stainless
- steel
- rivets and a central mosaic: secure the handle components and decorate it
- Gold-plated stainless steel bolster: highlights the junction between the blade and the handle
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- Hand-forged by Takeshi Saji: a testament to traditional Japanese craftsmanship
Our recommendations for use and care
Use your knife on a wooden cutting board or a soft synthetic surface, avoiding bones and frozen foods. To preserve its edge, do not subject it to impacts or twisting motions.
After each use, wash it by hand with a soft sponge and dry the blade immediately: Aogami #2 steel can oxidize if left damp. Do not put it in the dishwasher or leave it soaking in the sink. To sharpen it, use a whetstone suitable for hard steels.
Takeshi Saji and Echizen Cutlery
Based in Fukui Prefecture, Takeshi Saji is one of the founding artisans of Takefu Knife Village, a collective created by Echizen knife makers to preserve regional craftsmanship and encourage new creations. Knife-making is an ancient tradition in this region, one that artisans continue to uphold and develop.
As the third generation of the Saji family, Takeshi Saji is recognized as a traditional master craftsman by Takefu Knife Village. He forges various types of knives, including kitchen and outdoor models, while exploring different blade constructions, materials, and finishes. The Rainbow series is a prime example: it combines a carbon steel core with decorative layers of multiple metals. Their design forms a damascene pattern that varies from blade to blade, giving each piece its own unique nuances.
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