Name: Nigara Hamono VG10 Damascus Bunka
Brand: Nigara Hamono
SKU: NIG-076
Price: 165.0 GBP
Availability: OutOfStock

First Impressions

The VG10 damascus range is seriously impressive. Right out of the box, it's got Nigara Hamono's thin edge and high finish standard and lets talk about those looks...

Beauty

This has to be one of our favourite knives in the pure looks department, the subtle matt finish on the cladding with a unique tsuchime pattern tapers down to the striking damascus and polished VG10 core.

Lots of visual interest and classy design packed into the blade but without it being overpowering.

In Hand

At the this price point it's not unusal to perhaps find a rougher spine finish or somewhere the blacksmith has been able to make a saving in order to use a quality steel or put more effort into the overall package but not here.

As soon as you pick this knife up it's got a nicely finished spine and heel, the mono ebony handle is classy and balances the blade nicely and the overall polish and feel is that of a very well made knife.

Durability

The VG10 core at around 60HRC is not as hard as some of the other steels Nigara Hamono use and so while it's durable, you will need to sharpen it a little more regularly than the harder steels but for home kitchens you won't mind this slight compromise to get such a good blade.

Ease of Care

VG10 clad with stainless steel is easy to care for and sharpen and is a commonly used combination for Japanese knives for this reason.

For long term care and maintenance we recommend a Japanese knife care kit.

Our Verdict

Superb!

A truly beautiful knife with Nigara Hamono's attention to detail and thin edge that's easy to sharpen and care for.

It may be more suited to home kitchens where sharpening isn't required as regularly as a professional environment due to the lower level of heat treat than some of their other steels but other than that, these are a very impressive set of knives from one of Japan's best regarded forges.

Product Quick View

Want to see a little more of the knife? Check out what the knife looks like in hand and up close.

Product details

Blade Length: 175mm (Measurement of the cutting edge)
Total Length: 319mm (Blade tip to handle end)
Blade Height: 47.5mm (Heel to spine)
Blade Thickness: 2.25mm (Spine width above the heel) 2.20mm (Measured halfway along spine) 1.24mm (Measured 15mm from tip)
Total Weight: 157 grams
Core Steel: VG10
Care tip – Stainless Steel

This knife is made from a stain resistant steel and so is a great choice for ease of care and it won't react with your ingredients like a carbon steel knife.

Looking after stainless steel

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RECOMMENDED Japanese knife care kit
Cladding Steel: Stainless
Hardness: 60 (HRC)
Handle Style: Japanese
Handle Material: Mono ebony
Left or Right handed: Either (Double Bevel)

Product SKU: NIG-076

Our aim is to measure and photograph our products as accurately as possible but due to many items being handmade, finished or using natural materials, there can be minor variance in measurements and things such as blade or wood finishes can vary. We will always endeavour to provide the most accurate measurements, photos and descriptions of our products.

Some measurements such as HRC are provided by manufacturers and should therefore be used as a guide.

Protection & care for this knife

The magnolia bunka saya and bunka size (22x5cm) blade guard are compatable with this knife.

Saya & Guards Knife Racks & Storage Sharpening & Blade Care

Meet the maker

Nigara Hamono

A legendary name in sword and knife making stretching back 8 generations and 350 years. You simply don't get much more skill going into each blade.

Nigara Hamono VG10 Damascus Bunka