Katsubako Bonito Shaver

Curator's Notes 

The bonito shaver is essential in the making of "katsuobushi" - dried, fermented, and smoked bonito tuna, known as "bonito flakes" when smaller bonito tuna are used. Like a carpenter's plane, the kitchen tool shaves thin layers of tuna and catches them handily in the wooden basin. These flakes are then used for the creation of basic Japanese dishes such as dashi stock. Designed by Makoto Koizumi, this bonito shaver assembles like a wooden puzzle, but its angled blade is definitely not a toy! Made by a specialized steel manufacturer in the Gifu prefecture of Japan, the blade is made of blue steel or "aogami" in Japanese. This metal is hard and durable due to its chromium and tungsten content and very effective at shaving thin pieces of bonito.  

Katsubako Bonito Shaver was curated by Angélique Chmielewski 

Designer/Maker 

Maker: Ambai

Designer: Makoto Koizumi

Specifications

Dimensions: 

2.8" (w) x 8.0" (l) x 2.8" (h) or 70mm (w) x 203mm (l) x 70mm (h)

Weight: 

1.1 lb or 0.5 kg 

Materials:

Oak Wood, Blue Steel

Details

• Made in Japan 
• Used for the creation of bonito flakes
• Comprises four separate pieces that assemble together 
• Inner layer provides a protective barrier to prevent your fingertips from catching on the blade
• Can be used as a mandolin as well
• Wooden basin catches the shavings
• Blade is made of "aogami" blue steel, one of the hardest, most durable steels
• Blade can be sharpened periodically
• Not dishwasher safe
• Hand wash with soft sponge and mild soap, and wipe to dry