Takayuki Kurokage VG10 Bunka 160mm

Our relentless search for the new and different takes us into some interesting and fun places. Odd shapes, unusual materials, and out of the box techniques all pique our interest. So it was an easy ask to take on this new line of knives from one of the most popular Japanese kitchen knife makers, Sakai Takayuki.

One look at these stunning knives is enough to convince anyone that these are a real cutting tool with outstanding visual appeal. The combination of a wonderfully realized tsuchime finish and the black Teflon coating results in a knife that looks bad to the bone!

Of course, this is not a knife whose beauty is only skin deep. The hammered dimples and Teflon coating afford the knife an amazing ability to release food. Combine this with a very easy-to-maintain steel, VG10, and some really well executed grinds and you have a knife that performs extremely well yet does not cost a fortune or require difficult maintenance regimes.

The bunka is a very versatile blade that is gaining popularity in many kitchens with both professional and home chefs. They are shorter in length than a gyuto and, combined with their tall blade height, create a knife with very broad uses and appeal. They are often used to replace a short gyuto or santoku, especially for people who favor push cutting and chopping techniques. No doubt the great looking reverse tanto profile also adds to a compelling aesthetic appeal.

Maker: Sakai Takayuki

Location: Sakai, Japan

Line: Kurokage (Means Dark Shadow)

Construction: San Mai

Edge Steel: VG10

Cladding: Stainless

Finish: Hammered, Teflon Coated

Weight: 5.1 oz (144 g)

Edge Length: 161 mm

Total Length: 315 mm

Spine Thickness at Base: 2.0 mm

Blade Height: 44.8 mm

HRC: 60-61

Edge: Double-Bevel (50/50)

Handle Material: Octagonal Wenge Wood

Handles are installed with gapped machi called "Tokyo Style"