Dao Vua Leaf Spring Bunka Knife

Bunka knives are a catch-all category of multipurpose utility knives that are adept at most any kitchen task. They are the precursor to the more commonly known santoku knife and a fantastic do-it-all tool for virtually any kitchen task. Dao Vua’s version is a featherweight interpretation designed with an acute kiritsuke-style tip for detail work (That also happens to look really cool—it’s our favorite Japanese knife style). The 7-inch length is a great compromise for an all-purpose knife, adept at small prep tasks, like chopping onions and garlic, as well as bigger jobs like breaking down large cuts of meat for stews or braises. It’s even small enough to use for close handwork. The blade is curved, too, to facilitate rock chopping and mincing a fluffy pile of herbs.

NOTE: Because of the handmade nature of the knives, expect imperfections and texture on each blade’s surface. We think it enhances the character and uniqueness of each knife. The exposed portion of the cutting surface is susceptible to moisture and acid and will develop a patina over time. The knives should not be left wet and should be wiped down after slicing acidic foods. To minimize coloring, they can be treated with camellia oil and cleaned with a rust eraser.

We strongly recommend buying the camellia oil with this knife.

​ [/description-break] Specifications [/title]​Net Weight: 4.3 ounces
Dimensions: Blade Length: 187 mm; Overall Length: 310 mm
Materials: 5160 spring steel, ebony wood
Place of Origin: Vietnam[/accordion]Important Care Notes[/title]Because of the handmade nature of the knives, expect imperfections and texture on each blade’s surface. We think it enhances the character and uniqueness of each knife. The exposed portion of the cutting surface is susceptible to moisture and acid and will develop a patina over time. The knives should not be left wet and should be wiped down after slicing acidic foods. To minimize coloring, they can be treated with camellia oil and cleaned with a rust eraser.

We strongly recommend buying the camellia oil with this knife.[/accordions-break]Affordable, artisan-made knives forged from recycled steel.[/banner_heading]Dao Vua knives are carefully crafted from upcycled leaf spring steel (5160 steel)—a high carbon, chromium-laced steel designed for car springs that happens to be excellent for heavily used knives that need to withstand frequent sharpening and maintain a durable edge. The blades are hardened to 59-60 HRC, so they’ll keep a fine edge with little maintenance. And the blades exhibit all the marks of hand-forging. Plus, they’re finished with a matte black kurouchi (blacksmith) finish, which makes the knives nonstick and protects the steel from moisture. And the comfortable wooden handles are hand-shaped from water-resistant ebony and are similar to Japanese wa handles. With their ergonomic fit, they suit a wide range of hand sizes and cutting styles: choke up for control and slide your grip back for leverage. [/banner-text-break] ​NOTE: Because of the handmade nature of the knives, expect imperfections and texture on each blade’s surface. We think it enhances the character and uniqueness of each knife.

We strongly recommend buying the camellia oil with this knife.[/how-to-use-break]A few swipes on a honing rod will keep these durable knives in tip top shape. The exposed portion of the cutting surface is susceptible to moisture and acid and will develop a patina over time. The knives should not be left wet and should be wiped down after slicing acidic foods. To minimize coloring, they can be treated with camellia oil and cleaned with a rust eraser.