Kotai Bunka Santoku Knife (17cm, Hammered Finish)

What makes the 440C steel different from regular stainless steel?

The 440C Japanese stainless steel contains 1% carbon and 17% chrome, making it significantly harder than standard kitchen knife steel. This composition achieves 58-60 HRC hardness compared to typical knives at 52-54 HRC. The higher carbon content allows the blade to hold its edge up to 10 times longer while the chrome prevents corrosion. This steel requires specialised heat treatment and forging techniques that take over two months to complete properly.

How should I maintain the hammered Tsuchime finish?

The hammered finish requires minimal special care but should never go in the dishwasher. Hand wash with warm soapy water and dry immediately to prevent water spots. The dimpled surface actually helps prevent food residue buildup, making cleaning easier than smooth blades. Avoid abrasive cleaners or steel wool that could damage the hand-hammered texture. The finish will develop a natural patina over time which is normal and doesn't affect performance.

Is this knife suitable for cutting bones or frozen foods?

No, this Bunka Santoku is designed for vegetables, fruits, meat and fish preparation but should not be used on bones or frozen foods. The thin 1.8mm blade and high hardness make it excellent for precision cutting but vulnerable to chipping on hard materials. Use a cleaver or bone saw for bones and allow frozen foods to thaw before cutting. This limitation is common to all high-quality Japanese knives prioritising sharpness over durability.

What's the difference between this Bunka and a regular Santoku?

The Bunka features a reverse Tanto profile with a distinctive angled tip (K-tip) rather than the curved tip of traditional Santoku knives. This straight-edged point excels at precision work like scoring, detailed vegetable work and creating clean cuts in delicate ingredients. The Bunka also typically has a taller blade height providing better knuckle clearance. Both serve similar functions but the Bunka offers superior control for detailed cutting tasks.

How do I know if the ebony handle is genuine?

Genuine ebony is extremely dense, dark and develops a natural lustre when polished. The handle should feel noticeably heavy for its size and display tight, consistent grain patterns. Real ebony naturally resists water absorption and won't show immediate staining from moisture. The octagonal shape should be perfectly symmetrical with smooth transitions between faces. Each knife includes a certificate of authenticity confirming the ebony's genuineness and the knife's handcrafted origin.

What's included in the bamboo presentation box?

The bamboo box contains the knife, a wooden saya (protective sheath) and a certificate of authenticity. The box features magnetic closure and custom-fitted interior to secure the knife during storage or transport. The saya protects the blade edge when the knife isn't stored in the box. This presentation makes the knife suitable for gifting and provides proper storage to maintain the blade's condition long-term.

How often will I need to sharpen this knife?

With proper use and care, this knife maintains its factory sharpness for 6-12 months of regular home cooking. The high carbon content allows the edge to stay sharp up to 10 times longer than standard knives. When sharpening becomes necessary, use whetstones rather than pull-through sharpeners to maintain the precise edge geometry. Professional sharpening services familiar with Japanese knives are recommended if you're inexperienced with whetstones.

Does the lifetime warranty cover normal wear and sharpening?

The lifetime warranty covers manufacturing defects, handle separation and structural failures but not normal wear, edge dulling, or damage from misuse. Sharpening, chips from cutting inappropriate materials and cosmetic wear aren't covered. The warranty does include replacement if the blade develops cracks, the handle loosens, or other manufacturing-related issues occur. Keep your purchase receipt and certificate of authenticity as proof of purchase for warranty claims.