About Masakage Kumo -

Takumi Ikeda-san loves making stunning damascus blades, and the Kumo is no exception. The name means ‘cloud’ in Japanese, inspired by the cloud-like patterns in the steel. Sandwiched between those gorgeous steel layers is a core of crazy-sharp VG10 stainless steel, an incredible material made to perform like ancient carbon steel but with minimal maintenance. The result is a blade that cuts like a dream while being super easy to care for. 

Ikeda-san, the nephew of legendary blacksmith and Takefu Knife Village co-founder Katsushige Anryu-san, began his knifemaking apprenticeship in 2007. In January 2021, Anryu-san officially passed the reins of Anryu Hamono to Ikeda-san. By that point, Ikeda-san was already a master and doing most of the forging at Anryu Hamono. With some serious traditional skills under his belt and a fresh outlook on knifemaking, Ikeda-san is already doing the family legacy justice.

About the Shape - The Ko-Bunka is a smaller version of a Bunka. Any guesses on what “Ko” means in Japanese? You nailed it! It translates to “small.” This little knife is awesome because it still gives you knuckle clearance on the cutting board. Making sure you can mince garlic and comfortably chop veggies. A badass love child of the Bunka and Petty knife, it works for smaller jobs in the hand or as an all-purpose blade.