Bunka Damas Kotai Japanese Damascus Steel Knives

Forged from 67 layers of steel, the Bunka Damas Kotai Japanese Damascus Steel Knives deliver outstanding cutting performance. Their design, inspired by Japanese culinary tradition, features the angular and inverted profile of their sharp Japanese stainless steel blade which provides unmatched precision — perfect for the most delicate cuts. Ideal for both professional chefs and cooking enthusiasts, they combine all the virtues of Japanese and German knives. The octagonal ebony handle, besides being beautiful, gives a reliable grip, allowing you to cut even the toughest foods effortlessly and comfortably.

The Japanese Damascus steel blades of the Bunka Damas knives are very durable, wear‑resistant and corrosion‑resistant. The edge stays extraordinarily sharp cut after cut, thanks to its high carbon content. As well as being aesthetically precise, all Bunka Damas knives come in an elegant bamboo wood box and include a protective bamboo sheath for the blade.

What distinguishes Kotai knives

Kotai knives are born from the perseverance and passion of Jeremie Plane, the brand’s founder, striving to achieve the perfect knife — a knife with the sharpness, precision and aesthetics of Japanese knives, and the durability and ease of care of Western knives.

Light, precise and sharp like Japanese knives, and as durable, stainless and low‑maintenance as German knives, Kotai knives are the perfect balance between Japanese and German knives, bringing together the best qualities of both worlds.

This balance is a primary requirement for Kotai and is reflected both in the manufacturing process and in the characteristics of their knives:

• Weight balance. Perfectly distributed between handle and blade, so that comfort of use is maximised and effort and fatigue are minimised, even after extended use.
• Balance in blade geometry. Kotai blades are a hybrid between German and Japanese blades, allowing precise slicing and rocking‑chopping motions with ease.
• Balance between tradition and modernity. Combining the finest traditional craftsmanship with modern steel tempering technology, they create the ultimate tool for professional and amateur chefs alike. Each knife requires 138 steps and over 2 months to manufacture before undergoing rigorous testing, resulting in knives that are impeccable, powerful, precise, durable, beautiful and perfectly balanced.
• Balance in the steel’s chemical composition. Kotai knives are made exclusively of premium Japanese 440C steel. Its higher carbon content, balanced with the perfect amount of chromium to prevent corrosion, gives the blades exceptional hardness, high wear resistance and excellent edge retention.

Why choose the Bunka Damas Kotai Japanese Damascus Steel Knives

The blades of the Bunka Damas knives are forged with 67 layers of steel. They comprise a central steel core with 33 alternating layers on each side, one over the other, achieving a beautiful finish. The result is a blade with higher durability and resistance, and an ultra‑sharp edge that lasts longer.

They stand out for their elegance and traditional design, especially inspired by traditional Japanese cuisine. Each knife is exceptional and embodies the authenticity and essence of Japanese culture.

The blades are distinguished by their angular and inverted profile, known as the “inverted tanto profile” or “K point”. This shape gives them unmatched precision and makes them ideal for the most precise and careful cuts. The hand‑polished octagonal ebony handle features an angular design in perfect harmony with the knife’s point.

The blades, made of Japanese AUS‑10 Damascus steel, with high carbon content, undergo heat treatment until the required hardness is achieved. These are knives with great wear resistance, exceptional hardness, and an edge which stays sharp and impeccable cut after cut. Very well balanced, the full tang gives them great robustness, durability and strength.

Furthermore, all Bunka Damas Kotai knives have a premium presentation, perfect for caring for them as they deserve and making them an ideal gift. Every knife is presented in an elegant bamboo wood box and includes a protective bamboo sheath for the blade.

Features

• Japanese Damascus steel knives with octagonal ebony handle.
• Design inspired by Japanese culture, especially its traditional cuisine.
• 100% handcrafted manufacture.
• Knives handmade by master bladesmiths.
• Hidden full tang, perfectly balanced.
• Perfect weight distribution.
• Japanese Damascus steel AUS‑10 with high carbon content (contains double the carbon of many other premium steels).
• Blade forged with 67 layers of steel.
• Blade heat‑treated to a hardness of HRC 61 ± 1.
• Cryogenic steel treatment.
• Double bevel blade. Angular and inverted profile (“inverted tanto profile” or “K point”).
• Unmatched cutting precision, ideal for precise and delicate cuts.
• Blade angle: 15˚, symmetric 50/50 grind.
• Ultra‑sharp. Maintains its edge unmoved cut after cut.
• Corrosion resistant.
• Ebony wood handle, very hard material, humidity‑resistant.
• Hand polished octagonal handle. Firm and comfortable grip for total control.
• Bamboo sheath (“Saya” bamboo) included with all knives.
• Premium, elegant presentation in a bamboo box.
• Sustainably grown bamboo.
• Lifetime guarantee.
• Hand wash and dry immediately. Not dishwasher safe.
• Do not cut on hard surfaces (metal, ceramic, marble), bones or frozen foods.

Knives and uses

• Petty. The ideal knife for peeling and boning. Like a traditional petty, it has a small flat blade, but the point of the blade is very different, giving it greater precision. Primarily used for peeling fruit and vegetables, but also a versatile utility knife. All precise cuts outside the board are done with the peeling knife.
• Universal. Precise, agile and ideal for quick cuts, an all‑purpose knife thanks to its medium‑sized flat blade. The shape of its tip gives it even more precision. Ideal for chopping vegetables and fruits, slicing meats, and preparing fish.
• Santoku. Precise, sharp and multi‑purpose. Like the traditional Santoku, its versatile blade is ideal for chopping vegetables and fruits, slicing meats and preparing fish. The pointed shape of the blade makes it even more precise.
• Chef. Comfortable, precise, sharp and multipurpose. Its slightly narrower and more flexible blade makes it agile and well‐balanced, offering very comfortable grip and handling. Also ideal for precision filleting of all kinds of foods. The blade’s pointed design adds high precision.

Dimensions