Enso Hachi SG2 5.5" Ko-Bunka

I was pleasantly surprised when I took it out of the box.

Fit and finish of the blade is really good for a Bunka at this price.

The handle was a little too shiny/glossy for my liking, so we hit it with some emery cloth to improve the grip (and authentic look) while using the knife when it’s wet.

It is now my favorite knife

Handle is is a little heavier than I expected but still balances well. Edge geometry is excellent. Few strokes on my strop and it cuts like a laser. The spine and chill are rounded. Overall fit and finish is excellent. The blade length is very practical for everyday use. SG2 edge hardened to 65 on Rockwell scale so it keeps its edge for longer. Love it.

Purchased this little Ko-Bunka for small work on vegetables for my weekly favorite fried rice meals. The Super Gold 2 (SG2) strops quickly on thin hard leather with diamond compound. Really appreciate the stain resistant chemistry of the blade. Wa handle is very comfortable and thin spine with nice edge profile glides through carrots. My Nakari knives will be resting for a long while.

I had been looking for a knife this size and shape for a while then eventually gave up. This ko-bunka showed up while I was looking for something else and I immediately purchased it. Often this knife is big enough for everything I’m making for dinner. The only ding I’ll give the appearance of this knife is the kurouchi finish is actually paint and not from the blade production so it looks a little cheap next to a hand forged knife. However the handle is nice enough to offset the look of the spine. Keep in mind this is a very hard steel that will sharpen easily and stay sharp but will chip if mistreated. If you are looking for a midsize knife with a Wa handle, you won’t beat this price for high quality steel.