TOJIRO Atelier Bunka Shirogami #2 Kuro-uchi 140mm is a compact, high-performance all-purpose knife from TOJIRO’s premium Atelier line. Its hand-forged Shirogami #2 core delivers exceptional sharpness and easy sharpening, while the soft iron cladding and dark kuro-uchi finish give the blade a distinctly traditional character.

At 140mm, the blade is agile and precise, with a pointed K-tip that excels at detailed work while comfortably handling vegetables, boneless meat and fish. The lightweight magnolia wa-handle with buffalo horn ferrule keeps the knife responsive and well balanced. Both the exposed core and soft-iron cladding are reactive, so the entire blade requires careful cleaning and immediate drying after use.

BLADE SHAPE:

The shape of the blade is called Bunka which means culture in Japanese. Bunka makes for a highly versatile knife suitable for cutting vegetables, meat, and fish. The blade is wide and flat at the handle, has a softly curved belly of the blade, suitable for both long and short cuts, and a pointy reverse tanto tip for precise cuts and carvings. The angle of the spine rapidly changes to meet the tip which is referred to as a »K-Tip«. Besides looking badass, this shape allows the user precision and makes getting to the hard-to-get-places a bit easier.

STEEL:

Shirogami #2 is a traditional high-carbon steel. Due to its high carbon content, it can reach a hardness of over 60 HRC, which means that blades forged from it will have excellent edge retention. It is renowned for its exceptional sharpness, durability, and ability to hold a keen edge.

Just keep in mind that this blade is a bit more delicate. So, make sure to follow some basic care and maintenance tips for Japanese knives when you're using it. Taking good care of it will keep it in top shape for a long time.

LAMINATION:

The blade was laminated with soft iron, which is iron with only a small amount of carbon added to it. Laminating the blade with a layer of softer material improves its structural integrity, as the knife’s core is made of hard—and therefore brittle—high-carbon Shirogami #2 steel that is prone to breakage on its own.

‼️ Keep in mind that the soft-iron cladding is reactive as well. This means that both the exposed Shirogami #2 core and the cladding can develop patina or rust. Wash and dry the entire blade immediately after use, and apply a thin layer of protective oil when storing it for longer periods.

BLADE GEOMETRY:

The blade edge is sharpened to 50/50 angle, and stays sharp even after hours of constant use.

BLADE FINISH:

The kuro-uchi finish (see article Blade Construction: Blade Finish for more), the untreated upper part of the blade has an already-developed dark patina that protects the blade and gives it a traditional Japanese look.

HANDLE:

This knife is fitted with a traditional Japanese Wa handle, crafted from magnolia wood and finished with a buffalo horn ferrule. Its octagonal shape provides a comfortable, balanced grip for both left- and right-handed users.

BLACKSMITH:

TOJIRO is one of the top 5 largest Japanese kitchen knife manufacturers, with headquarters in Niigata. They are renowned across Japan and internationally for their top-quality knives for a reasonable price. TOJIRO's focus on advanced technologies, together with their insatiable dedication for constant improvements of their knives and materials, makes TOJIRO's knives a must-have in any kitchen. The company is divided into two sections: TOJIRO Factory and more recent TOJIRO ATELIER, the latter dedicated to producing elaborate custom-made knives. Visitors are welcome to visit both spaces and experience the knife manufacturing process (with all its sounds and smells) firsthand by observing the workflow from a raised catwalk.