The Takayuki Iwai factory was started by Mr. Genmatsu Iwai, the father of Mr. Takayuki Iwai and the first-generation head in 1961. Genmatsu opened a small studio in Echizen, a well-known knife making prefecture of Japan, and began crafting his own kitchen knives employing traditional Japanese techniques – entirely by hand. He conducts every aspect of the knifemaking process, from forging the steel by hand  (layering steel and soft iron that becomes the blade), the blade finish, right up to the fitment of the handle.

This Bunka has been crafted from Blue 2 Steel, sandwiched between 2 layers of softer stainless steel in a kurouchi black cladding to prevent rust. However, the core steel must be kept dry and wiped after use as rust spots may develop due to it’s lack of stainless elements.