Tsukasa Shiro Kuro Shirogami #1 Bunka 165mm - Oak Octagonal Handle

Experience Tosa Craftsmanship in a Kurouchi Bunka

The Tsukasa Shiro Kuro Bunka 165mm is hand-forged in Tosa, Japan using traditional techniques. Shirogami #1 (White Steel #1) carbon steel with soft iron cladding, finished in kurouchi. A nimble multipurpose knife built for cooks who want to experience the best of Japanese carbon steel at an accessible entry point.

The Specs

• Steel: Shirogami #1 (White Steel #1) carbon steel, soft iron clad
• Finish: Kurouchi (blacksmith's finish)
• Blade length: 165mm
• Overall length: 310mm
• Blade height at heel: 42mm
• Spine thickness at heel: 2.4mm
• Handle: Oak, octagonal
• Origin: Tosa, Japan

The Tsukasa Shiro Kuro Difference

Tsukasa Shiro Kuro knives are hand-forged in Tosa - a region of Japan with a centuries-long tradition of blade-making - using some of the oldest forging techniques still practised today. The steel is Shirogami #1 (White Steel #1, Hitachi Metals) - a pure high-carbon steel with no alloying additions beyond carbon, making it one of the easiest carbon steels to sharpen to a razor edge. The soft iron cladding protects the reactive core on the blade flats while the kurouchi finish is left intact, giving the knife a rustic, honest character and offering slightly better rust resistance than a fully polished carbon blade. The bunka shares the flat-bottomed profile of the nakiri but features a distinctive reverse tanto tip - adding precision point work to its vegetable-cutting capability. At 165mm, this is the standard bunka length - versatile, nimble, and well suited to home kitchens. The oak octagonal handle is lightweight and traditional.

Care and Maintenance

• Hand wash only - never dishwasher
• Dry immediately after use - Shirogami #1 will rust if left wet
• Apply a light coat of food-safe oil if storing for extended periods
• Expect a natural patina to develop with use - this is normal and protective
• Do not cut frozen food or bones - the edge will chip
• Sharpen with a whetstone to maintain the edge
• Store on a magnetic strip or in a knife block