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The Bunka is a general-purpose knife with a straighter edge profile than a santoku, which makes the rocking motion more difficult to perform. However, this knife is perfect for use with the push-cut or pull-cut method. The fine tip of the Bunka will give you precision and agility as it will pass through the food more easily when cutting.

The Yoshikane forge was founded in 1919 in Sanjo/Niigata and is now run by 4th generation Kazuomi Yamamoto-san.  He was trained by his uncle Tsuneo Yoshida (3rd generation) and is now established as one of the best blacksmiths in Japan, in addition to being recognized for his skills in blade sharpening. He would rival or surpass the best Sakai sharpeners. This explains why so many talented blacksmiths in Sanjo have been trained at Yoshikane's forge.  Yoshikane is famous for its work of Shirogami #2 steel, SKD-11 steel and SLD steel.

Here is a famous quote from Kazuomi Yamamoto-san: "While many things change rapidly these days, there are ideas and beliefs that never change. Every day, I make sure that the meaning of these words is forged in the making of knives".

Shirogami #2 translates to: Shiro (white) and Gami (Steel) and thus; white steel #2. It is named after the color of the package it was wrapped in at Hitachi Metals. The composition of this steel is very pure and contains almost only iron and carbon (1.05%-1.2%). It is in the hands of very experienced blacksmiths that one realizes the enormous potential of Shirogami #2. The quality of the heat treatment and a lower temperature forging are key elements that can allow Shirogami #2 to compete with and even surpass many modern steels. Try a Shiro #2 blade forged by Tanaka-san, Kisuke Manaka-san or Yoshikane Forge and you will see!

By Yoshikane

Yoshikane Shirogami #2 Bunka 170mm Birch Wood

Regular price $515.00
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Description

The Bunka is a general-purpose knife with a straighter edge profile than a santoku, which makes the rocking motion more difficult to perform. However, this knife is perfect for use with the push-cut or pull-cut method. The fine tip of the Bunka will give you precision and agility as it will pass through the food more easily when cutting.

The Yoshikane forge was founded in 1919 in Sanjo/Niigata and is now run by 4th generation Kazuomi Yamamoto-san.  He was trained by his uncle Tsuneo Yoshida (3rd generation) and is now established as one of the best blacksmiths in Japan, in addition to being recognized for his skills in blade sharpening. He would rival or surpass the best Sakai sharpeners. This explains why so many talented blacksmiths in Sanjo have been trained at Yoshikane's forge.  Yoshikane is famous for its work of Shirogami #2 steel, SKD-11 steel and SLD steel.

Here is a famous quote from Kazuomi Yamamoto-san: "While many things change rapidly these days, there are ideas and beliefs that never change. Every day, I make sure that the meaning of these words is forged in the making of knives".

Shirogami #2 translates to: Shiro (white) and Gami (Steel) and thus; white steel #2. It is named after the color of the package it was wrapped in at Hitachi Metals. The composition of this steel is very pure and contains almost only iron and carbon (1.05%-1.2%). It is in the hands of very experienced blacksmiths that one realizes the enormous potential of Shirogami #2. The quality of the heat treatment and a lower temperature forging are key elements that can allow Shirogami #2 to compete with and even surpass many modern steels. Try a Shiro #2 blade forged by Tanaka-san, Kisuke Manaka-san or Yoshikane Forge and you will see!

Maintenance tips

Have it sharpened on a water stone by a professional every year. Store in a dry place. Wash immediately after use and dry completely before storing. Do not let soak. Not dishwasher safe.

Product notes

Please take note

Each handle is unique and may exhibit distinct variations, such as differences in shades or colors in the buffalo horn, which is part of its authentic and handcrafted character.

Guarantee

Every knife carries a lifetime warranty against obvious manufacturing issues. For example, if the handle peels or cracks after a few weeks of proper use. Or if the blade develops a crack from the edge to the spine. These issues are rare, but can occur. In such cases, you will be offered an exchange for the same product or a refund. Since each case is different, it is at our discretion to assess whether our lifetime warranty against obvious manufacturing issues applies.

After-sales service

Is your knife not cutting as well as you expected? Every knife comes with what we call its "original sharpness." We stock over 200 different products, and often multiple copies each. All our products are hand-finished in Japan before shipping, and the "original sharpness" may vary. If you feel your knife isn't cutting to its full potential, please contact us and we'll fix it for you by sharpening it for free!

Oops, did something happen to your blade?

Did your knife fall to the floor, get damaged during a false move, or was it used to cut something too hard? We'll take care of it, we'll support you and your knife, by offering you a sharpening and repair service in-store!

Don't hesitate to contact us or visit our store to get an estimate in just a few minutes!

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Size

170mm

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Overall length

308mm

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Blade height

51mm

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Handle to tip length

181mm

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Thickness

3.5mm

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Edge length

169mm

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Weight

168 g

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Handle length

127mm

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Steel

Shirogami #2 with stainless steel cladding

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Steel Type

Semi-stainless

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Handle length

Nashiji

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Profile

Kazuomi Yamamoto

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Usage

All purpose

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Hand Orientation

Ambidextrous

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Production

Sanjo/ Niigata

ACCESSORIES RECOMMENDED BY OUR EXPERTS

INTRODUCTION TO THE BUNKA KNIFE

The Art of Precise and Elegant Cutting Stay Sharp's Bunka knife collection is a tribute to the tradition and ingenuity of Japanese craftsmanship. This type of Japanese knife is distinguished by its versatility, aesthetics, and ability to make clean cuts with remarkable efficiency. Originally designed as an all-purpose knife, the Bunka knife is ideal for several culinary tasks: precisely chopping vegetables, slicing meat or fish. Its recognizable shape, with an angular tip called a "k-tip," makes it as practical as it is elegant. "K-tip" refers to Kiritsuke, a Japanese blade style with a straight, angular tip, inspired by knives used in the Kantō region.

QUALITY OF MANUFACTURING AND ARTISANAL DESIGN

Each of the finest Bunka knives in our collection is crafted from premium Japanese steels—whether stainless or carbon—selected for their ability to maintain a lasting sharpness. The blade is carefully forged, often by hand, by artisans who maintain traditional Japanese knifemaking techniques.

Stay Sharp's partner blacksmiths often have decades of experience, ensuring not only blade quality but also consistent performance. The result is a knife that's both strong and sharp, capable of handling intensive daily use. Its slightly rounded blade allows for efficient swinging movements, while its width makes it easy to retrieve sliced ​​food.

FEATURES AND CONCLUSION

The best Bunka knife is immediately recognizable by its pronounced angular tip (k-tip). This particular geometry allows for precision cuts, particularly for trimming vegetables, removing membranes, or working close to bones with control. Unlike rounded-blade knives designed for a rocking motion, the Bunka favors fluid and controlled movements, from top to bottom, pulling towards you or pushing. Its relatively short blade, often between 165 and 180 mm, combined with a good height, gives it excellent lateral stability, which makes it easier to guide the knife by resting the side of the blade on the knuckles. This compact size also allows for great maneuverability, particularly useful in tight spaces or home kitchens.

Chefs trained in kaiseki or washoku cuisine often use a Bunka knife for intermediate tasks, taking advantage of its balance between finesse and strength. Key features of the Bunka collection:

  • Blades made of high quality Japanese steel (stainless steel, carbon steel or powder steel)
  • Angled tip (K-Tip) for precision cuts
  • Ergonomic handle for optimal comfort
  • Traditional design with a contemporary twist
  • Suitable for professionals and passionate cooks alike

Whether you're new to Japanese knives or looking to diversify your kitchen arsenal, the best Bunka knife is a strategic choice. Its short, agile blade, combined with a sharp point, offers rare versatility for specific cuts and everyday tasks. It's an excellent Santoku replacement for those who prefer a knife with more precision. It's suitable for both professionals and avid cooks who want to gain efficiency without sacrificing control. Add a Bunka knife to your collection now and transform your cooking routine into a smooth, precise, and rewarding experience.

Discover our collection of the best Bunka knives at Stay Sharp—where tradition meets modern culinary performance.

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