We discovered this beauty not long ago and fell in love with its elegant simplicity, substantial heft and razor-sharp edge. The oak handle is light and rests easily in your palm's nook, allowing a better sense of the blade's weight and movement. The blade is made of high carbon steel, which holds a superior edge, but should be wiped dry after each use to prevent rust. Bunka literally means "culture" but its etymology dates to the early 20th century when Japan began to import a lot of goods from the west. Bunka was added to imported objects, or objects whose design incorporated western features. Traditionally, the only knives in common use in Japan were nakiri knives (Japanese cleavers). The bunka knife is a hybrid of the Japanese cleaver and the Western chef's knife.