Shiro Kamo Aogami Super Bunka 175 mm

The Knife

We're super excited to have these knives made by Shiro Kamo in the shop. They are slightly blade heavy but relatively light overall. They have a great hybrid profile that works well for both chopping and rocking motions. The aogami super core steel sharpens in a flash, takes a screaming sharp edge and will hold it for a long time. That paired with the stainless cladding will make it a breeze to take care of.

The Blacksmith

Shiro Kamo-san works in the Famous Takefu knife village in Echizen City, Japan. Knives made in this region are famous for their thinness which is achieved by hammering two blades at once during the forging process. He is a master blacksmith and recently resigned from his post as the Chairman of the Takefu knife Village however he still works as the Chairman of the Echizen Blacksmith Foundation and is working to reinvigorate the blacksmith tradition in Japan. 

The Shape

The bunka is to the santoku what the kiritsuke is to the gyuto. Meaning, they are basically the same knife, differing in the shape of the tip. The Bunka, with a more aggressive tip and flatter profile than most santokus, will excel at chopping and piercing tasks, and also more detailed tip work. The Bunka is an all purpose shape that is very similar to the ever versatile santoku. With its more aggressive K-tip, or reverse tanto tip, these guys can do everything the santoku can, but excel in finer tip work for things like brunoise shallots and garlic. 

Knife Care (Stainless Clad)

• This knife is made from 3 layers of steel using a technique called Sanmai (Forge welding). It involves laminating a piece of Carbon steel with two pieces of Stainless steel giving the knife all the benefits of the carbon steel (Edge retention, ease of sharpening, cutting feel) and the Ease of Maintenance from Stainless steel. 2-3 millimeters of the carbon steel is exposed at the edge of the knife and is susceptible to rust and discouloration if not properly maintained.
• Simply Wipe the knife with a damp cloth immediately after use to keep it from rusting or discouloring.
• Wash with regular dish soap and warm water using a none abrasive sponge or cloth.
• Never put your knife in the Dishwasher. The extreme heat will ruin the wooden handle.
• Highly acidic ingredients (Onions, Tomatoes, Citrus) Will cause rust and oxidation to happen faster, thus the user must ensure the knife is wiped clean immediately after working with such an ingredient.
• Should any rust form it can be removed using a rust eraser or a mixture of Baking soda and water to simply scrub it clean.
• Avoid Bones, Frozen foods, nuts and hard candies or anything other than fruits, vegetables and proteins.