Bunka Knife

The bunka is a versatile Japanese kitchen knife - a multi-purpose tool known for its slightly curved blade and pointed tip, making it ideal for a wide range of kitchen tasks. Its design combines elements of the santoku and gyuto knife shapes, offering a balance between the chopping action of a santoku knife and the slicing ability of a gyuto. While it has a somewhat broader blade compared to the standard Western chef's knife, the bunka knife allows for smooth rocking motions when chopping vegetables or herbs. The pointed tip makes it especially precise for delicate tasks like mincing garlic or cutting meat.

The bunka knife is often used with a pinch grip, providing optimal control and reducing hand fatigue during long periods of cutting. Its unique shape and sharp edge allow for precise cuts when preparing both vegetables and meat. Whether used for slicing fish, cutting meat, or dicing vegetables, the bunka knife excels in both versatility and performance, making it a favorite among professional chefs and home cooks looking for a reliable and efficient kitchen tool.

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9 of 60 products

Hatsukokoro Kurogane Blue #2 Ko-Bunka 80mm
Hatsukokoro Kurogane Blue #2 Ko-Bunka 80mm
✓  IN STOCK – Ready to dispatch
Hatsukokoro Kurogane Blue #2 Ko-Bunka 120mm
Hatsukokoro Kurogane Blue #2 Ko-Bunka 120mm
✓  IN STOCK – Ready to dispatch
Hatsukokoro Hayabusa Silver 3 Bunka
Hatsukokoro Hayabusa Silver 3 Bunka
✓  IN STOCK – Ready to dispatch
Muneishi Aogami Stainless Clad Damascus Bunka
Muneishi Aogami Stainless Clad Damascus Bunka
✓  IN STOCK – Ready to dispatch
Masakage Yuki - Bunka
Masakage Yuki - Bunka

Masakage Yuki - Bunka

£225.00
✓  IN STOCK – Ready to dispatch
Hado Shiosai SG2 Bunka
Hado Shiosai SG2 Bunka

Hado Shiosai SG2 Bunka

From £235.00
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Hatsukokoro Ginsou Bunka
Hatsukokoro Ginsou Bunka

Hatsukokoro Ginsou Bunka

£250.00
✓  IN STOCK – Ready to dispatch
Sakai Takayuki White #2 Tall Bunka 180mm
Sakai Takayuki White #2 Tall Bunka 180mm
✓  IN STOCK – Ready to dispatch
Yu Kurosaki Senko Bunka with Ironwood handle
Yu Kurosaki Senko Bunka with Ironwood handle
✓  IN STOCK – Ready to dispatch

Frequently Asked Questions about Bunka Knife

What is a bunka knife made of?

The bunka is typically made from a wide range of high-carbon steels including blue steel (Aogami), white steel (Shirogami) and a wide range of stainless steels such as VG10, Ginsan and SG2 being among the more popular choices with many blacksmiths or a combination of both (clad steel). Depending on the blacksmith, the steel choice depends on their own preference and skills working with specific steels.

What size is a bunka knife?

The bunka is generally a specific size range and shape (although obviously some sit outside this general rule) and most bunka range from around 160-200mm in cutting edge length. There is also a smaller "ko-bunka" shape which mirrors the same general shape properties but can range from as short as 80mm up to around 130mm and is a good alternative to a petty knife for those who prefer a taller short utility knife.

Is the bunka a specialised knife?

The bunka is considered a versatile Japanese knife designed for a wide range of tasks in the same way as a santoku and gyuto knife but if you are making more intricate cuts or you prefer a push-pull cutting style the flatter edge profile bunka would be an ideal choice as it makes more contact with your cutting board with each motion.

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