Nigara Hamono from the Aomori region of Japan is a very interesting forge. The main blacksmith, Go Yoshizawa is probably one of the most innovative in the game. He keeps pushing and exploring new methods and ways to display his amazing craft. The result of his distinctive way of working can be seen especially in his "Trollkiller", "Anmon" and "Kurozome" knives.
These knives are a little more 'simple' than the ones mentioned above. They are made with SG2 in the core, which is hardened to 63-64 HRC surrounded by a stainless cladding. Although the finish is not as complex as some of their other products, it is still definitely something to notice. They are finished with a kurouchi and very eye-catching tsuchime at the top of the blade, which meets a super nice kasumi further down towards the egg.
A Bunka is a perfect little all-arounder that can be used for most tasks in a kitchen. It is used for both meat, fish and vegetables and is typically best suited for 'chopping' tasks due to the tall blade.
| Brand/series |
Nigara Hamono SG2 |
|
Type |
K-Tip Nakiri/Bunka |
|
Forging and steel
|
3 layers - SG2 in the core, and stainless cladding
|
|
Grinding
|
50/50 |
|
Handle type
|
Walnut with Buffalo Horn Ferrule |
|
Stainless steel
|
Yes |
|
Hardness
|
63-64
|
|
Specs
(May vary due to handmade)
|
Length: 180mm.
Height: 52mm.
Weight: 156g.
Width out of the handle: 2.2mm.
|
Foodgear always advises against cutting all kinds of bones and frozen goods. Knives must not be washed in a dishwasher, as this removes sharpness and provokes rust - even in stainless alloys!
