1 pcs available
Bunka with 183 mm Blade
Hon Sanmai Wootz = "Genuine 3-Layer Wootz"

This is a true unicorn, forged by Naoki Mazaki, one of the most sought-after blacksmiths in Sanjo, Japan. His standard knife series has a lead time of approximately three years, but this knife is far from ordinary. Instead, it is a super custom piece, crafted using ancient Wootz steel techniques.

Mazaki’s Wootz steel is inspired by a 2000-year-old forging method originally developed in India and later used for the legendary Damascus swords. Wootz is renowned for its high-carbon microstructure, which provides exceptional sharpness, strength, and flexibility. The beautiful, natural wave pattern in the steel emerges through a unique process where iron and carbon are melted together in a sealed clay crucible and slowly cooled to form carbide structures.

While genuine Wootz steel is a lost art, this modern interpretation preserves its legendary properties and iconic aesthetics. It is a perfect choice for collectors and enthusiasts who value tradition, craftsmanship, and world-class performance.

To maximize performance, Mazaki has chosen Wootz steel as the cladding, with White Paper Steel #1 as the core steel. This method, called Warikomi, involves cutting a deep groove into the knife material and forge-welding the core steel into place by hand, creating a C-shaped cladding that envelops the core steel.

The knife features a thick, rounded spine with a clear tapering towards the fine tip. Near the edge, the blade becomes extremely thin, offering a perfect balance of weight and precision.

A unique detail is that Mazaki has signed his masterpiece on the tang instead of the blade, a practice commonly seen on Japanese swords. The handle is octagonal, made from ebony with a buffalo horn bolster. The handle is not glued but sits loosely, which is a traditional Japanese construction. If you’d like us to secure the handle before shipping, just let us know!

Crafting Wootz steel is an incredibly time-consuming process, undertaken as a true test of skill. Despite its high price, it is not a profitable venture, but rather a way for the blacksmith to challenge themselves and grow as an artist.

• Core Steel: Shirogami #2 (62-63 HRC) – Carbon steel, non-stainless
• Blade Height at Heel: 50 mm
• Blade Length: 183 mm
• Weight: 206 g
• Spine Thickness at Heel: 5.5 mm
• Spine Thickness at Midpoint: 2.5 mm

⚠ Carbon steel is not stainless! Always dry the knife thoroughly after use and avoid exposure to moisture to prevent rust formation.