Gekko Bunka 170mm Aogami no. 2 Kurouchi

Product Description

This Japanese Bunka-style kitchen knife with a blade length of approximately 170 mm is a handmade original from the Kyushu region, where a strong tradition of blacksmithing still persists. Each piece is individually crafted using traditional methods and is designed as a full-fledged all-purpose knife for everyday kitchen tasks.

The blade is made from Aogami No. 2 (Blue Paper Steel) carbon steel, prized for its high hardness, exceptional sharpness, and excellent response when sharpening. Thanks to meticulous hand forging and appropriately chosen heat treatment, the blade offers long edge retention while maintaining good toughness. The slightly wider and thicker profile supports stability during cutting and provides sure contact with the food being cut.

The blade surface features a traditional kuro-uchi (black-forged) finish, which enhances the authentic look of the knife and partially protects the surface against external influences. The construction with a soft iron cladding increases durability and facilitates sharpening. The Bunka shape combines the characteristics of a chef's knife and a precise working tool, suitable for cutting vegetables, meat, and fish.

The handle is made of burnt chestnut wood, which is lightweight, comfortable to hold, and naturally resistant to moisture. The bolster, made of nylon resin, protects the joint between the blade and the handle and increases longevity with long-term use. Thanks to its good balance and medium weight, the knife is controllable and stable even during prolonged work.

Knife Category

Knife Category: Limited Edition
Knife Type: Bunka (all-purpose knife)
Country of Origin: Made in Japan

This knife belongs to a limited edition, produced in a restricted quantity and not part of regular serial production. Individual pieces are handcrafted, and availability is limited by both time and quantity. Once sold out, the knife is typically not produced again. Exceptionally, it may appear as a clearance item or as part of one-off auctions.

Knife Specifications

Overall Length: approx. 310 mm
Blade Length: approx. 170 mm
Blade Height: approx. 48 mm
Blade Thickness: approx. 2.5 mm
Weight: approx. 147 g (handmade – minor variations possible)
Sharpening: double-bevel (for right-handers and left-handers)

Materials Used

Blade Core: Aogami No. 2 (Blue Paper Steel, carbon steel)
Cladding: soft iron
Blade Surface: kuro-uchi (black-forged finish)

Handle: burnt chestnut
Bolster: nylon resin

Blade Characteristics

The blade offers very high cutting performance and long edge retention.
Aogami No. 2 allows for achieving a fine and stable edge with very good cutting control.
Hand forging ensures a dense material structure and balanced behavior during use.

Recommendations for New Knives

To achieve maximum performance, we recommend gently sharpening the knife on a whetstone before first use.
Aogami No. 2 responds very well to fine finishing sharpening.

Knife Maintenance Recommendations

After each use, rinse the knife, dry it thoroughly, and store it in a dry place.
For longer storage, we recommend lightly treating the blade with knife oil.

Warning – Carbon Steel Knives

Carbon steel is not stainless and may darken or rust with improper care.
These changes are natural and do not negatively affect the knife's functionality.

Warning

Not suitable for dishwashers or dish dryers, as high temperatures, chemicals, and mechanical stress can damage both the blade and the handle.

The knife is not intended for cutting bones, frozen foods, hard shells, or other extremely hard ingredients that may cause chipping of the edge.

Do not use the knife for prying or chopping, and avoid cutting on glass, stone, or ceramic surfaces; we recommend wooden or high-quality plastic cutting boards.