Yoshida Hamono ZDP-189 Bunka 190mm

An astonishingly sharp knife made from some of the hardest steel we've seen, it will hold its edge for a very long time and looks great while making short work of any food in front of it. 

The unique shape of the bunka knife means that it is perfect for veg prep and for intricate tip work. The knife is made from a core steel of ZDP-189, a very hard steel (66-67 HRC), which means it can achieve and hold an incredibly sharp edge.

Finish
 

All orders shipped UK and Worldwide are sent fully tracked and insured as standard and we dispatch on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

UK Shipping

  • Free DPD Shipping on all orders over £100
  • Orders under £100 are charged a small fee and different delivery speeds and services are available to select at checkout

If your order contains a blade, no matter what the price it will be dispatched with DPD and ID will be required on delivery.

Worldwide

  • Flat rate - £25 on orders under £350
  • Free Shipping on all orders over £350

Some international exclusions apply and all orders sent outside UK are dispatched DDU (Duties Unpaid) and payment of local tax and import duty is the responsibility of the customer.

Postage and returns

Product Code: YSH-001-##

First Impressions

The sharpness of the ZDP-189 range is up there with the very best knives we've ever seen. The hardness of the steel also means that edge is going to stay sharper for longer than many knives. They simply glide through food.

Beauty

These are very good looking knives, you can see the journey they have been on through the process in the steel itself. If you are looking for a knife that tells a story then look no further.

Kurouchi finished blade, which is in the upper part of the knife, untreated and has already developed a dark patina. This protects the blade while giving it a traditional Japanese look.

In Hand

The ZDP range is comfortable across the various knife styles and sizes with a balance typically around the middle of the kanji on the longer knives and just towards the bottom of the kanji on the shorter ones which makes them easy to hold when using a pinch grip and nimble in hand.

Please note: the knives are supplied with either an octagonal walnut or oval rosewood wa handle. The handle selection depends on which batch is currently in stock and can vary.

Durability

The ZDP-189 is one of the hardest knives we sell and so benefits from incredible edge retention of the already very sharp blade.

Ease of Care & Maintenance Tips

ZDP 189 can be difficult to sharpen but you shouldn't have to do it very often compared to many relatively softer steels.

Given the extremely high HRC rating of the steel, you do need to be precise in your cutting technique to avoid any potential chipping but if you are, these knives will last a long time between sharpens.

ZDP189 is technically a "stainless" steel but it's not absoltely rust proof so we do mark it as a carbon steel in our experience we've not found it to be particularly reactive but it's worth noting that it's not completely resistant to rust in some cases so follow our carbon steel care tips to make the most of your blade.

Our Verdict

Excellent value - The craftsmanship and style combined with the insane sharpness rivals many significantly more expensive knives.

With a steel this hard, you need to be a little more careful with your cutting technique than softer steels and avoid any lateral stresses from twisting but if you do, you'll be rewarded with an extremely sharp and very durable knife.

Yoshida Hamono ZDP-189 Bunka 190mm - Product quick view

Want to see a little more of the knife? Check out what the knife looks like in hand and up close.

Knife Measurements - Yoshida Hamono ZDP-189 Bunka 190mm

  • Blade Edge Length: 188mm / 7.4" (Measurement of the cutting edge)
  • Total Knife Length: 322mm / 12.68" (Blade tip to handle end)
  • Blade Height: 49.8mm / 1.96" (Heel to spine)
  • Blade Thickness: 1.97mm / 0.08" (Spine width above the heel) 1.74mm / 0.07" (Measured halfway along spine) 1.62mm / 0.06" (Measured 15mm from tip)
  • Total Weight: 148 grams / 5.22 oz

Range Specifications

  • Core Steel: ZDP189
  • Cladding Steel: Stainless
  • Hardness: 66-67 (HRC)
  • Handle Style: Japanese
  • Handle Material: Various - Typically either octagonal walnut or oval rosewood
  • Left or Right handed: Either (Double Bevel)

Our aim is to measure and photograph our products as accurately as possible but due to many items being handmade, finished or using natural materials, there can be minor variance in measurements and finishes.

Some measurements such as HRC are provided by manufacturers and should therefore be used as a guide.

Helping you find the perfect knives & accessories

Cutting Edge Knives is a proudly independent family run small business established in 2011 and based in the picturesque town of Holmfirth, West Yorkshire in the UK.

We love the history and craftsmanship that goes into making Japanese chef knives and accessories and the excitement and enjoyment you experience when using a truly sharp knife in the kitchen. Over many years we've helped thousands of happy customers find their dream knife and look forward to helping you too.

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