Overview

The Yu Kurosaki Senko SG2 Ei Bunka 170mm blends Echizen blacksmithing heritage with a modern, performance-first profile. “Senko” means “flash,” a nod to the star-like tsuchime that scatters light across the blade. Paired with a polished kyomen surface, it glides through ingredients and helps reduce stiction on moist produce. The Ei geometry adds a slightly more pointed tip for precision detail while keeping the bunka’s flat-ish edge for superb push cuts and clean chopping.

At its core is powdered metallurgy R2/SG2 stainless hardened to about 63 HRC. Expect long-lasting sharpness, confident bite on tomato skins and herbs, and easy day-to-day care thanks to stainless cladding. The octagonal handle and balanced 170mm blade make it a versatile daily driver for cooks who want Kurosaki’s signature style with serious cutting performance.

Common Questions

Q: What makes the “Ei” version different?

A: “Ei” denotes a slightly more pointed, agile tip. You get finer control for trimming, scoring, or detail work without losing the bunka’s flat edge for fast, straight chopping.

Q: Is this bunka good for everyday use?

A: Yes. At 170mm with a thin grind and 50/50 edge, it’s a do-most knife for vegetables, proteins without bone, and herbs. It excels at push cuts, slice cuts, and tap-chopping.

Q: How should I care for SG2?

A: Hand-wash, dry thoroughly, and store safely. Use a wooden or quality plastic board, avoid bones and frozen foods, and touch up on water stones when needed to keep the edge singing.

Specifications

Origin: Echizen, Fukui Prefecture, Japan

Brand/Blacksmith: Yu Kurosaki

Line: Senko Ei

Knife Type: Bunka

Construction: San Mai (laminated)

Grind: Double-edged (50/50)

Core Steel: R2/SG2

Cladding: Stainless Steel

Finish: Tsuchime (Senko “flash”) + Kyomen (mirror-like polish)

Hardness (HRC): 63

Blade Length: 170mm

Blade Height: 47mm

Spine Thickness (Heel): 2.2mm

Spine Thickness (Mid): 2.1mm

Handle Material: Rosewood

Handle Shape: Hachikaku (Octagonal)

Kuchiwa (Ferrule): Rosewood

Handle Length: 129mm

Overall Length: 316mm

Weight: 135g