Takeshi Saji is now 72 years old and is one of the most experienced and famous forge smiths in Takefu (Now Echizen City), Fukui Prefecture. He is still very active and tirelessly researches new ways to improve his products and create original, attractive knives.

When I first handled this Saji Knife, I was immediately impressed by their overall quality. In particular, I felt the blade finish and sleek handle complimented each other exceptionally well and that this combination had a very natural appearance. I realized that Takeshi Saji’s new Custom knives had become a 'next stage' product and reached a new level of refinement.

The hammer forged R-2 blade (HRc. 62 to 63) is clad with soft stainless steel and features a very natural-looking Tsuchime Hammered texture, which is created with simple round dimples.

The simple cladding contrasts vividly with the R-2 blade core and the wavy lamination line provides a beautiful design accent.

The blade is very thin and finely ground, resulting in excellent cutting performance and blade balance. Shaped by hand to ensure a comfortable, secure grip, the oval handle is made from beautifully figured Quince Burl Wood and has a seamless stainless steel bolster and butt for improved balance and durability (Spacers are Black Fiber & Nickel Silver).

A number of forge smiths produce traditional hammer forged kitchen knives, but very few of them have the skill and precise control that is necessary to produce Western-style custom handle that are sturdy and have good blade balance. Takeshi Saji continues to make practical, fine, custom hand-made Western-style kitchen knives using traditional hammer forging techniques!

The Bunka is a general-purpose kitchen knife that used to be just as popular as the Santoku, but has become less commonplace in recent years. With its tall blade, the Bunka knife is particularly suitable for cutting vegetables or fruit and the triangular tip area is particularly useful for detailed work and cutting fish or meat.

Knife Model: Takeshi Saji Nature Series — Hammer Forged R-2 SNR-6 Bunka 180mm

Blade Material: Hammer Forged R-2 Clad

Rockwell Hardness (HRc): 62 to 63

Blade Grind and Edge Shape: Double Bevel Edge 50/50

Handle Material: Quince Burl Wood Handle with Stainless Steel Bolster and Butt

Saya Included: No.

This knife comes with 50/50 double bevel edge geometry for both right and left handed use.  

For your information, Japanese Kitchen knives are generally designed for right hand use with a slightly thicker and rounded grinding on the right side blade and a less rounded (almost straight flat) grinding on the left side blade. However, both right and left hander can use the knives that have double bevel edge sharpened 50/50 without problems. 

We believe the quality and cutting performance of Japanese knives are the best in the world, and hope you enjoy fine craftsmanship and sharp edge with your new knife. With proper cares, every Japanese knife should be your special cooking partner for long times.

Important

This is the Powdered High Speed Tool Steel blade kitchen knife that has a rust resistance for easy maintenance. However, it may get rust, if kept in wet condition.

• Please do not put the knife in the dishwasher machine for cleaning.
• Please do not leave the knife in water or wet condition for long time.
• After using, please hand wash the blade, bolster and handle thoroughly, and wipe it clean and dry with soft clothes, and keep it in dry place.
• This is an extremely sharp knife. Please use special cares in using and storing it.
• Unlike German made knives, Japanese knife blades are ground to thin cutting edge for sharper cutting and easier re-sharpening. Please protect the edge from hitting hard materials to avoid chipping or cracking.
• Please do not use it to cut bone or frozen foods, any hard shell foods such as lobster and crab..
• We recommend using Japanese whetstones to re-sharpen the knife, when it gets dull.