Yoshimi Kato SG2 Damascus Bunka 170mm with Honduran Wood Handle

Overview

The Yoshimi Kato SG2 Damascus Bunka 170mm with Honduran Wood Handle and Red Pakkawood Ferrule is a high-performance Japanese kitchen knife from one of Echizen’s most respected modern blacksmiths. Yoshimi Kato is known for thin, precise grinds, beautiful damascus work, and knives that feel refined without being overly delicate in everyday prep.

This bunka is built around an SG2 powdered stainless steel core, giving it excellent edge retention, strong corrosion resistance, and a clean, refined cutting feel. The damascus cladding adds visual depth across the blade, while the pointed k-tip gives the knife extra precision for detailed cuts, trimming, and working around smaller ingredients. Compared with a standard santoku, the bunka has a more aggressive tip profile, making it especially useful for cooks who want one compact knife that can chop, slice, and handle fine detail work.

The Honduran wood handle with red pakkawood ferrule gives the knife a warm, premium look while keeping the overall build light and comfortable. At around 170mm, this bunka is easy to control on a home cutting board but still long enough for serious vegetable prep, herbs, fruit, garlic, onions, and boneless proteins.

Common Questions

Q: Is the Yoshimi Kato SG2 Damascus Bunka good for home cooks?

A: Yes. This is an excellent choice for home cooks who want a premium Japanese knife with strong edge retention, stainless convenience, and a versatile blade shape. The 170mm size is easy to manage, even in smaller kitchens.

Q: What is a bunka knife best used for?

A: A bunka is best for vegetables, herbs, fruit, and boneless proteins. The flatter edge works well for push cutting and chopping, while the pointed k-tip is useful for detail cuts, trimming, and precise prep work.

Q: How do I care for an SG2 damascus bunka?

A: Hand wash and dry the knife after use, avoid the dishwasher, and cut only on a knife-friendly board. SG2 is stainless and easier to maintain than carbon steel, but the thin edge should still be treated with care. Avoid bones, frozen food, hard pits, and twisting through dense ingredients.

Specifications

• Brand/Blacksmith: Yoshimi Kato
• Knife Type: Bunka
• Core Steel: SG2 / R2 powdered stainless steel
• Cladding Type: Stainless damascus
• Blade Length: 170mm
• Blade Height at Heel: 47mm
• Overall Length: 312mm
• Spine Thickness at Heel: 1.8mm
• Spine Thickness at Mid: Specs not found
• Weight: 132g-133g
• Handle Material: Honduran wood / Honduras rosewood
• Ferrule Material: Red pakkawood
• Handle Length: 128mm
• Blade Type: Double bevel
• Hardness (HRC): 62-63 HRC
• Origin: Echizen, Japan