Yu Kurosaki senko 16.5cm SG2 steel artisanal hammered japanese bunka knife

This 16.5cm bunka knife is part of the Senko series. Its blade is hand-forged by Kurosaki san, a renowned blacksmith. Initially, he takes a single piece of steel and presses it into the shape of the knife. In the end, the piece is stronger because it's all in one piece. The knife has no welding points that could weaken it.

The blade is called San Maï, meaning it is constructed from 3 layers of steel. You could say it's a simplified damascus, and the San Maï structure is typically Japanese. Here's how it's built:

- an SG2 stainless steel core. This high-end alloy has a hardness of around 63 HRC. This level of hardness is synonymous with excellent edge retention. It can also withstand a razor-sharp finish, to guarantee easy, impeccable cutting. Another advantage of "powder" steel is its microscopic structure: it is more homogeneous, which reduces the risk of chipping.

- a layer of stainless steel that sandwiches the SG2 core (it folds around it, which is why we end up with 3 layers). This helps protect it, and gives it a slight suppleness (it doesn't make it flexible, but rather a little more resistant to breakage).

Although much harder than average, the steel of the Kurosaki Senko knife is easy to sharpen when the need arises. Simply use a Sharpening stone, and you're done!

The knife has been hand-grinded for high cutting performance, right from the very first use. The hammering is unique to each knife. It's visible on both sides of the blade, giving it great originality.

Finally, the brand name has been engraved on the cutting surface, for even greater authenticity. All this is enhanced by an elegant mirror polish.

The handle is made of sandalwood, a dark, grit wood. It is lightweight, shaped into an octagon. In this way, it can be used by both right- and left-handed cooks! It is completed by a bolster in Pakkawood, a robust composite material much appreciated in the kitchen for its resistance to impact and temperature variations. White, it contrasts perfectly with the dark side of the sandal.

Finally, wood pulp fills the space between blade and handle, protecting the heart of the knife from moisture.

Please note: the color of the handle may vary slightly (more or less dark) depending on the knife, as each one is unique.

Good to know:

The knife should be washed by hand, then wiped dry with a soft cloth, before storing away from moisture. It is delivered in a cardboard box.

Please note that quantities are limited, due to the origin of the knives and the production capacity of the blacksmith, who carries out all operations by hand.

A few words about the blacksmith:

Yu Kurosaki Japanese knives are highly appreciated by connoisseurs and lovers of handcrafted knives. They are made by the blacksmith of the same name, who owns a workshop in the heart of the TakefuKnife Village, a hotbed of artisanal knife production. In fact, the area is home to a large number of artisan blacksmiths whose methods derive directly from ancestral know-how. Gathered together in the same place, they are able to share their techniques, while preserving Japan's internationally recognized heritage.

This craftsman has been officiating since the 2000s, and was a pupil of renowned master blacksmiths. He is particularly renowned for the original work he does on his blades, whose hammerings are each more beautiful than the last.

Want to discover more knives? Find all Yu Kurosaki san knives here!