Bunka (6-3/4 in.) with Mokume San Mai Damascus and Maple Burl

Product Description for Bunka (6-3/4 in.) with Mokume San Mai Damascus and Maple Burl

Maker: Mark Mostert (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 111669
** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind **
Blade length: 7.50 in.
Cutting edge length: 6.80 in.
Total length: 11.60 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.98 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.13 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.14 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.03 in.
Item weight: 6.60 oz.
Shipment weight: 14.6 oz.
Blade: Hand forged san mai blade combining a carbon steel damascus core with copper, bronze, and nickel mokume cladding
Bolster: Brass
Handle: Dyed and stabilized maple burl
Description: Mark Mostert is an exceptional bladesmtih from South Africa. He started making knives part time in 2019 and presented his work for the first time at the 2020 Brooklyn Knife Show in Pretoria, South Africa. From the start, damascus caught his eye and he began a never-ending quest for information surrounding damascus and forging. As time went by, he started experimenting and is one of a very small group of bladesmiths in the world capable of making copper san mai. Mostert brings skills that are far beyond the number of years that he has been forging. His work is currently significantly underpriced and I anticipate him gaining a significant international reputation.
A bunka is a Japanese general purpose chef's knife. Like the santoku, a bunka is a knife of many talents that can easily handle all the basic kitchen cutting tasks. Slightly shorter than the standard chef's knife, the bunka is light, agile, and very easy to maneuver. With this tall bunka, there's plenty finger clearance when working over a cutting board. Whether slicing tomatoes, chopping onions, or portioning meats, this bunka will excel.
The san mai blade combines a damascus core (combining 1085 and 15n20 carbon steels) surrounded by alternating layers of copper, bronze and nickel. The combination of the damascus with the bright non-ferrous metals is particularly dramatic. The spine is nicely rounded for comfort. A Fujiwara-inspired finger notch makes this knife especially comfortable in a pinch grip. Because the core is forged from carbon steels, we recommend using camellia oil to protect the blade and natural wood handle.
The Japanese-inspired octagonal handle is dyed and stabilized maple burl. The handle is lightweight and comfortably accommodates a pinch grip. The front of the handle is sealed with a brass bolster. Like other knives, this knife should not be put in the dishwasher.
Excellent work throughout!


Availability: Not currently available