Kurogane Ko-bunka Aogami #2 Kuro-uchi 120mm (4.7") - BLADE
Choose Handle for This Blade ➞
🚩 The blade develops a patina, but can also develop rust if used incorrectly.|
✔︎ No import fees & duties - worldwide |
- Description
- Specifications
- Knife Care
- Shipping
Kurogane Ko-Bunka Aogami #2 Kuro-uchi 120mm (4.7") is a versatile Japanese kitchen knife ideal for peeling, trimming, garnishing, carving, chopping herbs… An excellent choice for anyone entering the world of carbon steel knives, combining high performance with the authentic tradition of Japanese craftsmanship.
Please Note: The blade finish has a raw, unrefined texture, and since the knife is entirely handmade, small imperfections on the surface are to be expected. Both the core and outer layers are made of carbon steel, which is not corrosion-resistant—so the blade will develop a natural patina over time and may rust if left wet or exposed to acidic substances. This knife is best suited for users familiar with the care and maintenance required for Japanese knives.
BLADE SHAPE:
This Ko-bunka knife is a unique hybrid blade that combines the versatility of a bunka with the precision of a petty knife. Its shape offers the best of both worlds: the functionality of an all-purpose knife and the maneuverability for intricate tasks. It effortlessly handles slicing, dicing, and mincing tasks, and its shorter blade length allows for more intricate and delicate work, such as peeling, trimming, and detailed cutting.
Use for: peeling, trimming, garnishing, carving, chopping herbs, chopping garlic, slicing small pieces of dried meat, trimming meat, filleting small portions of fish, and similar tasks.
*This knife is wider and thicker than most knives of this length and shape, so the recommended saya will not fit perfectly, but will still protect the blade effectively.
STEEL:
Aogami #2 is one of the purest steels, and consequently one of the easiest to sharpen. Its characteristics make it popular with traditional Japanese blacksmiths and sushi masters.
LAMINATION:
The blade was laminated with soft iron, which is iron with only a small amount of carbon added to it. Laminating the blade improves its structural integrity, as the knife’s core is made of hard—and therefore brittle—high-carbon Aogami #2 steel that is prone to breakage on its own.
KNIFE CARE:
The steel will acquire a patina, which only endows this knife with more charm. Do not wash this knife in a dishwasher, but rather wash it by hand and wipe it with a dry cloth. The advantage of having a blade made of high carbon steel is the fine sharpness, ease of sharpening, and long edge retention. We recommend the occasional coat of knife maintenance oil to protect the blade from external influences.
⚠️ Due to its purity and lack of any added elements such as chromium (Cr), soft iron doesn’t resist corrosion well. Therefore, the upper laminated part can also develop rust when not taken care of properly. → Read more about patina on our blog.
GEOMETRY:
The knife has a double-bevel blade with a convex v-edge. It is heavier and stronger at the handle and thinner and more precise at the tip, towards which it tapers. This blade shape makes the knife easier to use because it is very responsive, easily maneuverable, and nicely balanced. This type of blade design is called distal taper - you can read more about it in the article on blade geometry.
BLADE FINISH:
This knife feels and cuts like a true Japanese blade, and definitely looks the part as well - the blade sports a beautiful black Kuro-uchi finish. The look of the knife has a touch of rusticity and robustness that comes with the purely handmade blade.
Blade shape: Ko-Bunka
Steel type: Aogami #2
Blade construction: San-Mai / V-edge / tsuchime
Hardness (HRC scale): 62
Overall length: 184mm (7.2")
Blade length: 120mm (4.7")
Blade height: 39mm (1.5")
Spine thickness: 2.5-1.7mm (0.1"-0.07")
Weight: 60g (2.1 oz)
Recommended handle size: no handle - blade only
Kanji on the blade:
Blacksmith: Hatsukokoro
Location of the smithy: TOSA / Kōchi Prefecture / Japan
☝️ Japanese kitchen knives in our store are handmade from natural materials. Slight variations in color, texture, weight and other dimensions are possible. We try to give a good photographic representation of our products, however computer screen resolution and colors do vary, so products might not look exactly as they are seen on screen.
☝️ THIS KNIFE MAY DEVELOP PATINA
Knives made of carbon steels can, due to their low chromium (Cr) content, discolor and develop patina. The knife is the most sensitive when it is still new and a patina had not developed yet, but later, patina will protect the blade. These types of knives require a touch more care:
✔ Wipe it regularly with a clean and dry cloth (you can also do this during use).
✔ After use, rinse it with lukewarm water and wipe it dry.
✔ Coat it regularly with knife maintenance oil or plain refined sunflower oil.
✔ Store the knife by wrapping it in paper which will absorb moisture and protect the blade.
A patina is a thin layer that forms on the surface of oxidized steel and protects it from further oxidation. The patina should not be confused with rust. Patina protects the blade, while rust causes corrosion and deterioration of material, so it should be removed (see Rust erasers).
→ For in-depth information about patina, read our dedicated post on patina.
GENERAL KNIFE CARE TIPS:
Blade wear depends on the quality of steel, usage and maintenance of the blade. Japanese knives are made of high-quality steels. Follow these tips to keep your Japanese knife in top-notch shape:
✔ Use a wooden, plastic or rubber cutting board.
✔ After use, wash the knives and wipe them dry.
✔ For storage, use a knife holder or a protective knife sheath (saya).
✔ A good cutting technique is your best bet to prolong sharpness.
✔ Use sharpening stones to sharpen the knife.
❗️Don’t leave the knife in the sink. Wash it by hand.
❗️Don’t wash the knife in the dishwasher.
❗️Don’t use the knife on glass, ceramics, marble or steel surfaces.
❗️Don’t scrape the food off the cutting board with the edge of the blade. Use the spine of the knife instead.
❗️Knife is a tool intended for specific use - cutting food. It is not a can opener, screwdriver, trowel, wire cutter, hammer etc.
→ For more details, read our guide
on Maintenance of Kitchen Knives.
🤙 Contact us if you need some help. We reply within 1 business day.
SHIPPING RATES:
- €10 - flat worldwide rate with DHL Express (express delivery, 2-5 business days).
- FREE - all orders over €300 (DHL Express).
EXCEPTIONS:
- United Kingdom - shipping to UK costs €15. All orders are shipped with UPS Express (2-3 business days). Free shipping on orders over €300.
- Russia (currently not available) - shipping to Russia costs €40. All orders are shipped with EMS postal service.
DUTIES AND IMPORT TAXES:
We ship all orders DDP (duties & taxes paid). This means you will not be charged for any import fees and taxes (including VAT). All our prices are final. The price you see at checkout is the final price, no hidden costs.
DELIVERY TIME:
- Europe: 1-2 business days
- US & Canada: 2-4 business days
- Rest of the World: 3-5 business days
RETURNS:
Our return policy lasts 30 days. If more than 30 days have gone by since the day you received your order, unfortunately we can’t offer you a refund or exchange.
→ Read our SHIPPING & RETURNS policy for more info. We strive to solve any issues fast and with as little hassle for you. If you have some additional questions, please contact us.
Each knife comes with:
✔️ Instructions and knife care leaflet.
✔️ A preventive Band-Aid – the knives are very sharp! 😉
✔️ Original box from the blacksmith, which we wrap in an old Japanese newspaper sheet – so every knife is ready to be passed on as a gift as soon as it hits your doorstep!
✔️ We also offer a special gift wrapping option with the traditional Japanese washi paper.
Have you ever tried to match the individual handles and blades on our website to make your own custom knife?
Knife configurator
Now that’s a lot of options! It can be hard to visualize the end result and see whether the chosen handle and blade are a good match.
That’s why we’ve just launched the SharpEdge Configurator - a digital mix-and-match tool that you can use to assemble your very own custom knife!
Knife handles
![Japanese handle - Okinawa Reef [octagon]](http://sharpedgeshop.com/cdn/shop/files/Okinawa_Reef_2_360x.jpg?v=1725446892)
![Japanese handle - Nikko Moss [octagon]](http://sharpedgeshop.com/cdn/shop/files/Nikko_Moss_480575411331-accessories_2_360x.jpg?v=1712750144)
![Japanese handle - Ebony / Blond Buffalo [octagonal]](http://sharpedgeshop.com/cdn/shop/files/Japonski_rocaj_-_Ebony_Blond_Buffalo_oktagonalen__510575431593_530575391601_360x.jpg?v=1729770660)
![Japanese handle - Tottori Sand [octagon]_3](http://sharpedgeshop.com/cdn/shop/products/HANDLE-_Tottori-Sand__00151_00152_00153_3_360x.jpg?v=1712749814)
![Japanese handle - Tokyo Night [octagon]_2](http://sharpedgeshop.com/cdn/shop/products/TokyoNight_2_360x.jpg?v=1712749802)
![Handle fitting [service]_1](http://sharpedgeshop.com/cdn/shop/products/service_360x.png?v=1666343988)
Handle Fitting service
Add Handle Fitting service to your cart when you order a blade (knife without a handle) and a custom handle from us and want us to install the handle on the blade for you.
Quiz
Still doubting which type of Japanese knife should best fit your needs?
We created a 5-steps quiz to help you find the perfect knife based on your cooking skills and the type of food you prepare.
