Bunka Silver Steel #3 Damascus Black Gold Maki-e Autumn Grasses & Mother-of-Pearl Inlay Handle 180mm (7”)

This exceptional knife brings together the precision of traditional Japanese bladesmithing from Noto, Ishikawa Prefecture, and the intricate craftsmanship of gold Maki-e and mother-of-pearl inlay from Toyama Prefecture.

The blade is crafted from 16-layer Silver Steel #3 Damascus and carefully finished by a skilled craftsman in Noto. Silver Steel #3 is known for its excellent sharpness, corrosion resistance, and ease of maintenance. Through careful polishing, the distinctive Damascus patterns are brought out across the surface of the blade.

The handle is handcrafted by Kazuyuki Yoshikawa, a traditional craftsman from Toyama Prefecture, using two traditional Japanese decorative techniques: gold Maki-e and Raden (mother-of-pearl inlay).

Maki-e is a traditional Japanese lacquer technique in which gold powder is sprinkled onto designs painted in lacquer. Delicate autumn grasses are depicted in gold Maki-e, surrounded by carefully scattered pieces of thinly cut blue mother-of-pearl. Raden is a decorative technique that uses the iridescent inner layers of seashells. Each piece must be carefully cut, positioned, and polished to bring out its natural colors and reflections.

The subtle golden details of the autumn grasses contrast beautifully with the blue and green reflections of the mother-of-pearl, which change depending on the angle of the light. Every detail is carefully finished by hand, showcasing the skill and precision of traditional Japanese craftsmanship.