Art Gladius Bunka Knife / Light Chopper | 7-Inch 440 Steel Blade (58-60 HRC) | Ebony Handle | Made in Spain

Art Gladius Bunka Knife / Light Chopper | 7-Inch 440 Steel Blade (58-60 HRC) | Ebony Handle | Made in Spain

Appearance and Construction

The knife immediately grabs attention with its distinctive silhouette. The wide blade, approximately 177 mm (around 7 inches) long, has a relatively straight edge profile, ideal for push cuts and chopping. It terminates in a striking, angled "reverse tanto" tip (known as a K-tip), which allows for surprisingly delicate work. The blade is crafted from high-quality 440 stainless steel, boasts a mirror-polished finish, and features the "GLADIUS" logo. With a thickness of approx. 2.2 mm and weighing around 266 g, this knife is noticeably more robust than standard chef's knives, giving it the strength needed for more demanding tasks. The ergonomic handle, made from dark, durable ebony wood with the traditional pin and metal butt cap, ensures a firm grip and excellent balance despite the heavier blade. The knife's total length is approx. 307 mm.

The Razor-Sharp 440 Steel Blade

At the heart of this powerhouse is the blade made from proven 440 stainless steel, hardened to 58−60 HRC. This combination provides you with:

• Extreme Sharpness: The knife arrives razor-sharp, ready for slicing and chopping.
• Excellent Edge Retention: The high hardness ensures the edge withstands demanding use.
• Robustness and Strength: The increased thickness (2.2 mm) and quality steel give the blade the durability needed for lighter chopping jobs.
• Corrosion Resistance: 440 stainless steel offers great resistance to rust and common food acids.
• Good Sharpenability: Despite its strength, the knife can still be effectively sharpened and maintained.

The Ebony Handle – A Firm Grip for Full Control

The genuine ebony wood handle is designed for comfort and security:

• Ergonomic Design: Fits perfectly in the hand, allowing the firm grip necessary for both chopping and precise slicing.
• Exceptional Durability: Ebony is one of the hardest woods, resistant to moisture, wear, and impact.
• Excellent Balance: Helps to counterbalance the blade's weight, ensuring control over the knife.
• Professional Look: The dark wood underscores the knife's robust yet elegant character.

What is This Knife For?

Thanks to its unique Bunka / Chopper design, this knife is a fantastic multi-purpose tool:

• Chopping Vegetables: The wide, heavier blade with a straighter edge is perfect for quick and efficient vegetable chopping (using push cuts).
• Slicing Meat and Fish: Effortlessly slices both raw and cooked meat and fish.
• Light Chopping Tasks: Its robust construction allows it to handle lighter chopping duties, such as through chicken bones or harder vegetables (squash, root veg).
• Precision Tip Work: The angled K-tip allows for surprisingly fine slicing and decorative cuts.

Caring for Your Knife – Maintaining its Strength

To keep this powerful knife performing at its best for years to come:

• Strictly Hand Wash: Forget the dishwasher! The harsh environment will damage the steel and the ebony handle. Wash by hand with warm water and washing-up liquid, then dry thoroughly immediately.
• Proper Storage: Never loose in a drawer. Store the knife in a sturdy wooden block that can accommodate its wider blade, or on a strong magnetic rack.
• Regular Honing and Sharpening: Maintain the edge with regular use of a honing steel. For resharpening, use a sharpening stone (due to the blade thickness, this may require a bit more patience) or use a professional service. The recommended angle is 15−20 degrees.
• Handle Care: You can occasionally treat the handle with a drop of food-safe mineral oil.

Safety First

You are working with a heavier, very sharp tool with chopping capability. Exercise extra caution:

• Use a solid, stable cutting board, ideally a more substantial one (chopping block).
• Always hold the food securely and keep your fingers safe.
• Control your movement and force when chopping.
• Cut away from your body.
• Never try to catch a falling knife.
• Do not leave the knife unattended, especially near children.

If you're looking for a versatile knife that handles delicate slicing as well as more demanding chopping tasks, all while boasting a unique style, the Art Gladius Bunka / Chopper is the right choice. Experience the blend of Spanish quality, robustness, and surprising agility in one tool.