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Starter 2-Piece Knife Set - BUNKA SAN-MAI COLLECTION

Starter 2-Piece Knife Set - Bunka San-Mai Collection

€340.00
€340.00
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MAINTENANCE AND SHARPENING GUIDE

  • 90-Day Money-Back Guarantee
  • International Lifetime Warranty
  • Free shipping in the US and the EU

DESCRIPTION

This Bunka San-Mai Starter Knife Set contains 2 knives:

1. Bunka San-Mai Paring Knife - 9 cm (3.5") blade

2. Bunka San-Mai Santoku - 17 cm (6.7") blade

SPECIFICATIONS

○ Handmade

○ Three-layer Japanese AUS-10 stainless steel

○ Full tang

○ Ebony handle

○ Hardness (HRC): 61 +/- 1

○ Perfectly balanced

○ Bamboo saya (sheath) included with each knife

○ Lifetime warranty

MAINTENANCE

• Do not cut: on hard surfaces (metal, ceramic, marble), bones or frozen foods

• Hand wash (dishwasher not recommended)

• Dry quickly after use

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Characteristics

  • Rediscover cooking

    Rediscover the art of cooking with KOTAI knives. Experience the sharpness and precision of handcrafted blades made from the finest materials. Elevate your culinary creations to new heights with the perfect combination of tradition and modern innovation.

  • Lasting performance

    All KOTAI San-Mai knives are forged from AUS-10 steel, a high-quality three-layer steel that combines a high carbon content for hardness and long-lasting sharpness with the optimal amount of chromium to prevent oxidation.

    The hidden full tang—a single piece of steel running from the tip of the blade to the end of the handle—gives the knives perfect balance and exceptional durability.

  • Ergonomically engineered

    The perfect weight distribution and hand-polished ebony handle have been designed for you to cut effortlessly through the toughest food without compromising on comfort.

Handcrafted by master knife makers

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the “Tsuchime” (槌目) hammered finish creates small air pockets between the blade and food slices. This traditional Japanese method prevents food from sticking to the blade, ensuring smoother and faster cutting.
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Initial stage of conceptualising the product design for KOTAI knives.

The Bunka collection emphasizes elegance and tradition, inspired by Japanese (文化 “bunka”) culture and traditional cuisine. It includes exceptional knives to elevate your culinary experience: Kiritsuke, Santoku, universal Petty knife, and paring knife.

Blades in this range are distinguished by their angular, inverted profile (commonly called “inverted Tanto” or “K-tip”), providing unmatched precision and enabling meticulous cuts compared to classic rounded profiles.

THE KOTAI RANGE

Which blade is yours?

Bunka San-Mai Pakka Bunka Pakka Damascus Bunka Damascus Pakka San-Mai
Steel AUS-10 San-Mai 440C 440C AUS-10 Damascus AUS-10 Damascus AUS-10 San-Mai
Made in China (Yangjiang), with steel forged in Japan China (Yangjiang, Guangdong), with steel forged in Japan China (Yangjiang, Guangdong), with steel forged in Japan China (Yangjiang, Guangdong), with steel forged in Japan China (Yangjiang, Guangdong), with steel forged in Japan China (Yangjiang), with steel forged in Japan
HRC hardness Higher means better edge retention but slightly more fragile. 58 to 61 is the sweet spot for kitchen knives. 61 60 60 61 61 61
Sharpening frequency Home use, with honing steel between whetstone sessions. Every 6-8 months Every 4-6 months Every 4-6 months Every 6-8 months Every 6-8 months Every 6-8 months
Sharpness & edge retention How long the edge stays sharp between sharpenings. Excellent Very Good Very Good Excellent Excellent Excellent
Tang type The tang is the part of the blade that extends into the handle. A full tang runs the whole length for better balance and durability. Hidden full tang Hidden Full Tang Hidden full tang Hidden full tang Hidden full tang Hidden full tang
Ideal for Balanced precision and durability seekers Everyday all-purpose cooking Purists, precision cuts Cooking enthusiasts wanting Damascus aesthetics Cooking enthusiasts, premium gifting Enthusiasts, durability focus
Price €€ €€ €€ €€€ €€€ €€
Lifetime warranty Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Bunka San-Mai
Steel
AUS-10 San-Mai
440C
Made in
China (Yangjiang), with steel forged in Japan
China (Yangjiang, Guangdong), with steel forged in Japan
HRC hardness
61
60
Sharpening frequency
Every 6-8 months
Every 4-6 months
Sharpness & edge retention
Excellent
Very Good
Tang type
Hidden full tang
Hidden Full Tang
Ideal for
Balanced precision and durability seekers
Everyday all-purpose cooking
Price
€€
€€
Lifetime warranty
Yes
Yes

CHEF TESTIMONIALS

In professional kitchens

Your questions, answered

What is a bamboo blade guard used for?

The blade guard, or saya, is used to protect your knife blade from impacts it may suffer during transport or when stored in drawers.Screw the fastener for maximum protection.

What is the purpose of hammering on kitchen knife blades?

The tsuchime hammered finish creates small air pockets that reduce food sticking to the blade, making cutting easier and cleaner. It also adds an aesthetic element to the knife.

→ Learn more.

What is San Mai steel?

San Mai, or sanmai (“three layers” in Japanese), consists of a central core made of very hard, sharp steel, with a layer of softer steel on each side of the blade to absorb shocks and extend the knife’s lifespan.

These blades are more durable than single-layer steel and less expensive than more elaborate Damascus steel.

How does the lifetime warranty work?

We believe a good knife should be a chef’s trusted companion for life.

That is why we proudly back our knives with a lifetime warranty.

If you discover a manufacturing defect, simply contact us at help@kotaikitchen.com and we will repair or replace your knife free of charge.

In addition to our lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects, you are also covered by a 90 day money back guarantee in case your KOTAI knife does not meet your expectations.

Try a KOTAI knife with complete peace of mind and return it within 90 days if it is not right for you. No questions asked.

Is it worth buying this knife, or should I just buy a €30 knife from Ikea?

A cheap knife often ends up costing you more over time. It can break or lose its sharpness quickly, and low-quality steel simply will not hold an edge, no matter how many hours you spend sharpening it. Sooner or later, you may find yourself buying a new knife every year.

There are many inexpensive knives on the market that do not meet even basic standards, and very few affordable options for passionate home cooks who need reliable tools to support their craft or hobby without paying extra just for a brand name. Choose a KOTAI knife today and invest in a lifetime of safe, enjoyable cooking.

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