180m Low Bevel Bunka 26c3 San-Mai

A 180mm low bevel bunka in 26c3 san mai.

This 180mm low bevel bunka represents the first forging I performed with my new power hammer and my first shot at forged hollow bevels. Overall it came out well but I’m confident I can get things much thinner with a better set of dies. The blade has been tested and it’s as you would expect with these dimensions, it handles like a workhorse and has excellent food release with no stiction.  It does require a little bit more force in denser produce but nothing that feels like work.

• Blade: 183mmx51mm 26c3/mild san-mai (64/65hrc) -stone set bevels + 2500 grit hand finish + finger stone kasumi polish
• Neck: 17mmx16mm
• Handle: Red Zebrawood +walnut, oil finished and waxed
• POB: 38mm from the handle
• Spine: 5.4mm at the handle, 5.2mm above the heel, 2.4mm at halfway, 1.98mm 1cm from the tip
• Grind: full convex low bevel 50/50
• Weight: 200g
• Relieved choil and spine
• Edge: .16mm@1mm, .54mm @2mm, 1.74mm at the shinogi measured at the midpoint,

For the maker’s summative take on 26c3 steel click: Here

To learn more about 26c3 steel click Here