Product detail
One of the most desirable combinations ever – a traditional Bunka with a ZDP189 steel core. Few other products have a "Sold out" note more often. And no wonder. ZDP189 is an extremely hard steel and a great challenge to work with. There are only a few manufacturers that have adopted it. And the Bunka type is always the first knife that is sold out of the range. This primacy is due not only to its practical universality, but also to the touch of the atmosphere of the Far East. This knife comes from the Yoshida Hamono workshop in Saga Prefecture. It is an expert in working with extra hard materials. The blade has a San Mai composition, while the outer layers are also made of anti-corrosion steel polished to a mirror effect. Osamu san is a fan of the traditional Hamaguri blade, which is why you can find it here. It will last you a really long time, as the hardness of the core is 67 HRC. The black buffalo horn ferrule smoothly transitions into the octagonal walnut handle.
As you noticed at first glance, this knife attracts attention with something else. It has a Sakura or Hannya motif engraved on the blade. Both themes are very characteristic of Japanese culture. The blooming of cherry blossoms is quite a social affair in Japan. It is a symbol of the coming spring, but also of happiness and love. Hannya is a mask used in traditional Nó theater. It represents a woman who has been turned into a demon by love, jealousy and obsession. Nowadays, the Hannya mask has become a popular motif for tattoos and talismans.
The package includes a traditional saya case made of beech wood.
©2022 Copyright Roman Ulík, Nippon Knives, www.japonskenoze.sk all rights reserved.
Photos and texts are protected by copyright law and their use without the author's consent is not possible.
About producer
This time we will visit the southernmost of Japan's main islands - the island of Kyushu. Similar to neighboring Shikoku, mountains alternate here with a huge number of small fields. A large part of the island has an agrarian character and therefore blacksmiths have always played an important role here. The so-called "field blacksmiths" have been making tools for local farmers, fishermen and foresters for many generations.
It was no different with Seiji Yoshida, the founder of the company Yoshida Hamono. Before laying the foundation stone of his company in Saga Prefecture in 1946, he apprenticed as a blacksmith with local masters. They initiated him into the secrets of making real Japanese swords. Since then, this art has been carefully preserved in the company for several generations.
The Japanese have many qualities that could be an inspiration for us. Moderation is one of them. A Japanese does not get rid of a product as long as it serves him well. That's why he takes care of him with the proverbial thoroughness. In return, he will get a good feeling from its trouble-free and pleasant use. This is also the credo of the Yoshida Hamono company. He makes his knives from the best materials in such a way that they bring pleasure to the user every day and for an unlimited period of time.
Even though it is a family business, not a large one, Yoshida Hamono ensures complete production. He buys unique steel from Yasugi Specialty Steels /YSS/, which he then processes by hand using traditional hizukuri procedures. The handles, which are used to finalize the knives directly in the company, are also handmade
You may ask why we chose a manufacturer from Saga Prefecture, which is not one of the renowned centers of Japanese blacksmithing. The answer is simple. There are only a few manufacturers who can make genuine uchihamono from ZDP-189 steel. And Yoshida Hamono is one of them.
©2020 Copyright Roman Ulík, Nippon Knives, www.japonskenoze.sk all rights reserved.
Photos and texts are protected by copyright law and their use without the author's consent is not possible.