Shigeki Tanaka Ao2 Walnut Bunka 165mm
SPECIFICATIONS
Knife Style: Bunka
Steel Type: Carbon Steel
Blade Material: Aogami Blue #2
Blade Finish: Kurouchi (Bricked)
Blade Hardness: 62HRC (+/-1)
Bevel: Double
Handle: Walnut with Buffalo Horn Ferrule
Blade Length: 165mm
Heel Height: 48mm
Spine Thickness: 2.5mm tappered to 2mm
Weight: 161g
The Tanaka workshop traces its roots back to 1904, when the family first began forging agricultural tools in the late Meiji era. Over the decades, the craft slowly shifted from sickles to kitchen knives, and by the third generation, blade making had become the true focus of the workshop.
In 2000, under Kazuyuki Tanaka, the family formally adopted the name Tanaka Kazuyuki Hamono, defining a new era centered entirely on kitchen blades. Around that time, his son Shigeki Tanaka joined the forge. Since then, father and son have worked side by side, combining traditional training from Fukui with their own evolving interpretation of performance and balance. Knives bearing the “Shigeki saku” mark are the product of that partnership — understated, carefully executed, and widely respected among experienced users.
This 165mm Bunka reflects that philosophy perfectly. Forged in Aogami Blue #2, a classic carbon steel known for its purity and edge quality, the blade sharpens effortlessly and develops a very clean, refined edge. At approximately 62 HRC, it delivers a cutting feel that is lively and direct — immediate bite on contact, excellent control through dense ingredients, and a sharpening experience that rewards proper technique.
Unlike many ultra-thin Bunka on the market, this one is built with a more confident structure. The heel and choil area carry extra mass, giving the knife stability, durability, and a reassuring presence in hand. As the blade moves forward, the spine gradually tapers and thins toward the tip, allowing it to transition smoothly into fine cutting work. It’s a construction that favors long-term use and control, without sacrificing cutting efficiency.
The Bunka profile itself is compact, agile, and extremely versatile. The pointed tip excels in detail work, while the flat edge makes quick work of vegetables and push cuts. At 161g, the knife remains light and responsive, yet never feels delicate or nervous on the board.
The dark kurouchi finish keeps the upper blade raw and protected, while the polished edge line reveals the craftsmanship beneath. Paired with a walnut handle and buffalo horn ferrule, the knife stays elegant, restrained, and deeply traditional in character.
This is not a collector’s knife.
It’s a purpose-built tool — solid where it needs to be, refined where it matters, and shaped by more than a century of family forging to perform day after day.
Description
SPECIFICATIONS
Knife Style: Bunka
Steel Type: Carbon Steel
Blade Material: Aogami Blue #2
Blade Finish: Kurouchi (Bricked)
Blade Hardness: 62HRC (+/-1)
Bevel: Double
Handle: Walnut with Buffalo Horn Ferrule
Blade Length: 165mm
Heel Height: 48mm
Spine Thickness: 2.5mm tappered to 2mm
Weight: 161g
The Tanaka workshop traces its roots back to 1904, when the family first began forging agricultural tools in the late Meiji era. Over the decades, the craft slowly shifted from sickles to kitchen knives, and by the third generation, blade making had become the true focus of the workshop.
In 2000, under Kazuyuki Tanaka, the family formally adopted the name Tanaka Kazuyuki Hamono, defining a new era centered entirely on kitchen blades. Around that time, his son Shigeki Tanaka joined the forge. Since then, father and son have worked side by side, combining traditional training from Fukui with their own evolving interpretation of performance and balance. Knives bearing the “Shigeki saku” mark are the product of that partnership — understated, carefully executed, and widely respected among experienced users.
This 165mm Bunka reflects that philosophy perfectly. Forged in Aogami Blue #2, a classic carbon steel known for its purity and edge quality, the blade sharpens effortlessly and develops a very clean, refined edge. At approximately 62 HRC, it delivers a cutting feel that is lively and direct — immediate bite on contact, excellent control through dense ingredients, and a sharpening experience that rewards proper technique.
Unlike many ultra-thin Bunka on the market, this one is built with a more confident structure. The heel and choil area carry extra mass, giving the knife stability, durability, and a reassuring presence in hand. As the blade moves forward, the spine gradually tapers and thins toward the tip, allowing it to transition smoothly into fine cutting work. It’s a construction that favors long-term use and control, without sacrificing cutting efficiency.
The Bunka profile itself is compact, agile, and extremely versatile. The pointed tip excels in detail work, while the flat edge makes quick work of vegetables and push cuts. At 161g, the knife remains light and responsive, yet never feels delicate or nervous on the board.
The dark kurouchi finish keeps the upper blade raw and protected, while the polished edge line reveals the craftsmanship beneath. Paired with a walnut handle and buffalo horn ferrule, the knife stays elegant, restrained, and deeply traditional in character.
This is not a collector’s knife.
It’s a purpose-built tool — solid where it needs to be, refined where it matters, and shaped by more than a century of family forging to perform day after day.
