Yu Kurosaki Shizuku 17cm SG2 steel handmade hammered japanese bunka knife

A few words about the blacksmith:

Yu Kurosaki makes knives in Echizen, Japan. His workshop is located in the famous Takefu Knife Village , which is home to a large number of master blacksmiths. This enables them to share their know-how with each other. In fact, it's an area much sought-after by apprentices, who can be looked after by a master who will teach them all about traditional methods!

Kurosaki San started in the early 2000s, and worked with master Kanehiro for over 10 years. Master Kanehiro taught him everything: how to forge a knife, how to sharpen it to perfection... It was after receiving orders from very satisfied customers that he decided to set up his own workshop, with the encouragement of his master. He also trained with the famous Hiroshi Kato San, a renowned master blacksmith and one of the founding members of Takefu Village. Now it's Yu Kurosaki San's turn to train his apprentice, so that one day, he himself can open his own workshop!

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

Model:

This 17cm Bunka knife is a versatile knife that's a pleasure to use. It can be used like a santoku knife, allowing you to vary the cuts you make. Its shape gives it a more traditional look, as its tip resembles that of a katana.

Blade :

The blade is forged, i.e. formed from a single piece of steel. To do this, it is heated, then the blacksmith grips it with pliers and passes it under the mechanical press, turning it regularly to gradually give it its shape. This precision work results in a sturdier knife, as the blade will have no sticking points linking the pieces together.

Here we find SG2 powdered steel (also known as R2), a very expensive high-end alloy. Its hardness level reaches 63 HRC on the Rockwell scale, so it holds its edge over time, sparing you the need for sharpening.

SG2 steel is very rigid, but easy to maintain if the need arises, which is a plus! You can also maintain it with a Sharpening stone, to ensure that its incredible cutting capacity lasts. Its razor-sharp edge will surprise you! SG2 steel has another advantage: its purity. At the microscopic level, its structure is very homogeneous, making it more resistant (for example, there's less risk of chipping).

The cutting edge is then hand-finished on a grinding wheel to guarantee excellent cutting quality. The upper part of the blade has been hammered with a highly original pattern. This is what makes Kurosaki san knives so distinctive. It's as if the steel is slightly wet, as if small drops of water are mixing together. This is where the series takes its name from, Shizuku meaning "drop" in Japanese. The brand name has been engraved for added authenticity. Finally, the whole is enhanced by an elegant mirror polish, which brings light to the aforementioned hammering.

The handle:

Made from Sandalwood, a grit wood that is pleasant and light in the hand. Its octagonal shape fits snugly into the palm of your hand, giving you excellent control of the knife. A black Pakkawood bolster links the blade to the handle. The whole contrasts very well.

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

Choose Kurosaki's expertise and discover the other ranges offered by the blacksmith!