Imai Stainless Clad Aogami Super Kurouchi Bunka 183mm

Overview

The Imai Stainless Clad Aogami Super Kurouchi Bunka 183mm is a nimble, all-purpose Japanese knife blade forged and ground by Shotaro Imai in Echizen. Its relatively flat edge supports push cutting and chopping, while the pointed K-tip offers excellent control for onions, shallots, garlic and fine trimming.

Aogami Super (Blue Super) forms the cutting core, providing excellent edge retention, a refined edge and strong sharpening response. Stainless cladding reduces maintenance across most of the blade, although the exposed carbon-steel edge remains reactive and will form a natural patina. The dark kurouchi finish preserves the blade’s handmade forged character.

Blade geometry

At 183mm long and 44mm tall at the heel, this bunka offers more reach than many compact all-purpose knives while remaining easy to control. The spine tapers from 2.8mm at the heel to 2.0mm at mid-blade and approximately 0.51mm 10mm from the tip, giving the K-tip fine precision.

Who it suits

Ideal for cooks who want professional-level carbon-steel performance in a versatile bunka profile and intend to install their own wa handle. It handles vegetables, herbs, boneless meat, poultry and fish with equal confidence.

Specifications

• Blacksmith: Shotaro Imai
• Knife type: Bunka blade
• Core steel: Aogami Super / Blue Super
• Cladding: Stainless
• Finish: Kurouchi
• Blade length: 183mm
• Blade height at heel: 44mm
• Spine thickness at heel: 2.8mm
• Spine thickness at mid-blade: 2.0mm
• Spine thickness 10mm from tip: 0.51mm
• Edge: Double bevel
• Handle: Sanjo Walnut Octogon with Maple Stripe
• Packaging: Maker box included
• Made in: Japan

Care

Only the cladding is stainless. Hand wash, dry immediately and never place the blade in a dishwasher. Avoid bones, frozen food and glass, stone or ceramic boards. Use food-safe knife oil during humid or long-term storage.