During 2020, we have been working closely with Mr. Gotoh and his Craftsman Team. Today, we are excited to introduce and start selling our new CarboNext Bunka/Kiritsuke knife.
Maintaining the same of high quality finishing and manufacturing standards established by our existing CarboNext line, our stylish new Bunka/Kiritsuke blade comes with a polished blade spine and tip, creating a nice visual accent and providing extra comfort when holding the knife in a pinch grip
Our innovative KAGAYAKI CarboNext product range uses next generation carbon tool steel that we call "CarboNext". Our CarboNext blades allow you to enjoy all the usual advantages of traditional high carbon steels (i.e. Excellent edge sharpness, excellent edge retention and ease of sharpening), but they offer the additional benefit of improved rust resistance.
The blade is made of solid CarboNext special high carbon tool steel that is hardened to HRc. 59-61. The knife features superb fit and finish, full tang construction and comfortable black pakkawood handles. Its thin blade has a slow gradual taper and is finely ground, which results in excellent cutting performance and blade balance. Because this knife offers greater rust resistance and ease of maintenance than regular high carbon steel knives, we particularly recommend CarboNext Knife to first-time users of carbon steel knives. Professionals and serious amateurs will love their superb blade geometry, cutting performance and quality construction.
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.
About the Regular Version and ES Version:
Both the Regular Version and ES Version are hand sharpened by skilful, experienced Master Craftsmen. Here we explain the characteristics and differences between the Regular Version and ES Version:
The Regular Version has a relatively obtuse edge angle that provides adequate sharpness and good cutting performance 'out-of-the-box', allowing you to use your knife straight away without having to sharpen it. One of the benefits of choosing the Regular Version is that you can re-sharpen it yourself and create a final edge that is perfectly suited to you own specific requirements and preferences. Experienced users and knife enthusiasts will already understand the significant benefits that are offered by taking this approach.
The ES Version has much steeper edge angle and thinner edge; This provides superb sharpness and outstanding cutting performance, but the edge is not quite as robust as the Regular Version.
Kagayaki Craftsmanship & JCK Reference Value
In Seki City, one of Japan’s historic centers of knifemaking, carefully handcrafted, professional-quality mono-steel kitchen knives with bolsters are becoming increasingly rare. Each blade is made from solid-one-piece steel and reflects the skill, deep knowledge, experience, and care of the craftspeople who make it. We deeply value the skill and dedication of our Kagayaki CRAFTSMAN TEAM.
The JCK Reference Value reflects our own assessment of each knife’s quality and craftsmanship.
We offer these knives below our reference value to make this level of craftsmanship more accessible, so you can enjoy it in your everyday cooking.