Masakage Shimo — White #2 Damascus Bunka

From the maker

Masakage Shimo Bunka

Think of Masakage as a home for a lot of talented blacksmiths, collectively acting under one roof and name (Masakage). A company started in Echizen by Takayuki Shibata, famed Japanese knife sharpener, it now consists of an assortment of lines which are as unique as the blacksmiths who forge for those lines. No matter which knife you buy from Masakage, you are guaranteed a quality Echizen product.

With a core steel of Shirogami 2 (White Steel No. 2), everything about this knife line literally screams 'cool'. Shimo, meaning 'frost', is conveyed throughout the blade by not only utilizing a white carbon steel but also featuring a carbon steel cladding with a unique low contrast Damascus pattern. Keep in mind that this carbon steel cladding is VERY reactive.

Kurosaki makes some excellent knives, and his work on the Shimo series for Masakage is no exception. The reactive iron Damascus cladding is some of the most beautiful we have seen, hammered to resemble frost patterns that appear on windows during the winter. The core steel of White #2 is handled impeccably by the smith, allowing for a very refined edge. The symmetrical convex grind and blade geometry on all of Kurosaki’s knives are really the stars of the show. Ultra-thin behind the edge, the final grind blends seamlessly with a generous convex section in the middle. These knives slide through soft and hard produce with equal ease, making them tremendous performers in a broad range of applications.

Versatile and High-Performance

The 165mm Shimo Bunka is essentially a santoku with a sword tip. Many prefer this profile to the santoku for the bunka’s ability to handle more detailed tip work and the reduced drag toward the end of the blade. The edge profile is nice and flat with a bit of belly for rocking towards the tip. This makes it an incredibly versatile tool for any kitchen task.