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Sakai Takayuki  |  SKU: ST-SPG2TSU-BU165

Sakai Takayuki SPG2 Bunka 160mm (Kengata Santoku)

$359.95

Add a saya or K&S Knife Roll to receive $20 bundle discount!

Detailed Specifications
Line Takayuki SPG2 Damascus WA
Profile Bunka
Bevel Type Double Bevel
Weight 160 g        5.64 oz
Edge Length 160 mm   .6.3 inch
Heel Height 45 mm     .1.77 inch
Width @ Spine 2.5 mm     0.1 inch
Width @ Mid 2.5 mm     0.1 inch
Width @ 1cm from Tip 1.0 mm     0.04 inch
Steel SG2 / R2 | Powdered Stainless
Blade Construction Sanmai - Stainless Damascus Clad
Hardness (HRC) 62 - 64
Surface Finish Tsuchime
Handle Octagonal Teak Black Ferrule
Region Sakai
Best for
  • First-timers
  • Pro chefs
    • Free shipping for knives over AU$200 Australia wide.
    • World-wide shipping via DHL Express, 3 to 5 days.


    Sakai Takayuki took a bold step with the SPG2 Tsuchime WA line, and it pays off brilliantly. For a legendary Sakai brand known for tradition, using Takefu SG2 powdered steel is a big deal. Why? Because this stuff holds an edge like crazy and gets seriously sharp – it's built for performance that lasts.

    But it's not just tough; it's a joy to use. The blade is incredibly thin and light, making everyday prep – slicing herbs, dicing veg – feel effortless and precise. It just moves right.

    And then there's the look. That "Tsuchime" hammered finish isn't just texture; it's art. The pattern flows across the blade like ocean waves, giving each knife unique, handcrafted character. Paired with the comfortable Japanese WA handle, it balances perfectly.

    So, yeah, it's a pivotal move: SG2 steel for pro-level sharpness, a feather-light feel for real kitchens, and stunning Sakai artistry you'll want to show off. This line proves Takayuki can push boundaries without losing its soul.

    Pros Cons
  • Excellent performance
  • Budget friendly
  • Ideal for the household
  • Great artistic
  • Relatively hard to sharpen

  • Care Instruction
    1. Don't cut hard things! Japanese knives are brittle so bone hacking is a NO NO!
    2. Wash with neutral detergent after use, and wipe dry;
    3. Please don't wash knife with dishwasher, it will damage the wood handle;
    4. Be careful not to leave the knife close to a heat source for a long time;
    5. It is a lot more dangerous to cut with a blunt knife than a sharp knife!
    6. It is best to sharpen a Japanese knife regularly on a waterstone.

    Sakai Takayuki

    Sakai is the largest knife making region of professional single bevel knives, with over 600 years of knife making history. Sakai Takayuki stands out as the largest brand in the region. These knives, celebrated for their precision slicing and unparalleled sharpness, cater to professional chefs and culinary enthusiasts who demand the highest quality. At the heart of Sakai Takayuki's operations is the Sanbo Factory, a dedicated hand forge knife plant. Contrary to the notion of it being a place of innovation, the Sanbo Factory is focused on the traditional art of knife-making, where skilled artisans employ time-honored techniques to create knives that are both functional and beautiful.

    Adding to the brand's allure are collaborations with famed Sakai craftsmen like Itsuo Doi, who works exclusively for Sakai Takayuki. Doi's contributions exemplify the brand's commitment to maintaining the highest standards of craftsmanship.

    • Profile: Bunka

      A pointier version of the Santoku. The Bunka knife features a distinctive profile with a straighter edge and a pointed tip, making it versatile for a variety of kitchen tasks. Its design is a blend of the Santoku and Gyuto knives, with a blade length typically around 165mm to 180mm. The Bunka is particularly adept at slicing, dicing, and chopping fruits, vegetables, and meats, thanks to its sharp edge and comfortable handling. The angled tip, also known as a reverse tanto, provides additional precision for intricate tasks such as julienning. With its unique shape and functionality, the Bunka stands out as a multifunctional knife in the culinary world.

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    • Steel: SG2 / R2

      SG2, also known as Super Gold 2 or R2 steel, is a high-end powdered tool steel by Takefu Special Steel, known for its excellent edge retention, wear resistance, and ability to achieve a hardness of up to 64 HRC. Identical to Kobelco Steel's R2, it's prized in premium knife making for its fine edge sharpness and durability. The powdered nature ensures uniform carbide distribution, enhancing toughness and reducing chipping risks. SG2/R2 is ideal for those seeking top performance and longevity in their cutting tools.

      Manufacturer:

      • Takefu Special Steel, Japan

      Nature: Stainless

      Hardness: 62- 64

      << Slide for more >>

    • Construction: Sanmai - Stainless Damascus Clad

      Sanmai(Three-Piece) is a common construction for double bevel knives where two pieces of softer cladding steel are forgewelded to each side of a harder core steel. The harder but more brittle core steel will form the hard cutting edge after heat treating, and the softer cladding will support the core to increase the overall strength of the blade.

      Damascus Sanmai utilize damascus steel as the cladding material for the Sanmai construction, which adds aesthetic feature to the blade. On the Kitchen knives with stainless core steel, the damascus cladding will be stainless, this means they will also protect the carbon/semi-stainless core from rusting/discolouration.

      The soft cladding enables the thinning process to be a lot easier than a honyaki or monosteel construction. However, when the cladding is made of damascus, whether etched, polished or mirror polished, the thinning process will take a toll on the cladding, meaning the damascus won't look the same as when it was taken out of the box.

      << Slide for more >>

    • Finish: Tsuchime

      The "Tsuchime" finish in Japanese kitchen knives refers to a distinctive hammered texture on the blade's surface. This traditional technique not only adds a unique aesthetic appeal but also provides practical benefits, such as reducing drag and preventing food from sticking to the blade during slicing. It's a hallmark of craftsmanship that blends functionality with artistry, making each knife not only a tool but a piece of art.

      << Slide for more >>

    • Handle Specs

      Profile: Octagonal WA

      Material:

      • Teak
      • Black Buffalo Horn

      The teak wood, known for its durability and rich grain patterns, provides a sturdy yet comfortable grip for precise handling during culinary tasks. Complemented by the sleek black horn ferrule, the handle boasts a striking contrast that adds sophistication to the overall design.

      Fashioned in an octagonal shape, the handle offers ergonomic benefits, allowing for a secure and comfortable grip from various angles. Its tapered design from bottom to top ensures a balanced feel and optimal control, promoting effortless maneuverability while slicing, chopping, or dicing ingredients.

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    Sakai Takayuki

    Sakai Takayuki SPG2 Bunka 160mm (Kengata Santoku)

    $359.95
    View product