ZDP-189 Bunka Silver 190mm (7.5")_1
ZDP-189 Bunka Silver 190mm (7.5")_2
ZDP-189 Bunka Silver 190mm (7.5")_3
ZDP-189 Bunka Silver 190mm (7.5")_1
ZDP-189 Bunka Silver 190mm (7.5")_2
ZDP-189 Bunka Silver 190mm (7.5")_3
ZDP-189 Bunka Silver 190mm (7.5")

Yoshida Hamono

ZDP-189 Bunka Silver 190mm (7.5")

335,00€

Only 0 left in stock

✔︎ No import fees & duties - worldwide
✔︎ All taxes included
✔︎ Express worldwide shipping
✔︎ 30-day return policy

ZDP-189 Bunka was designed in harmony with our values (excellence, quality, and reliability), in line with those originating from the steadfast Japanese tradition. We also devoted special attention to certain aesthetics inspired by Japanese mysticism and a respectful attitude to tradition, nature, raw materials, the constituent elements, and the final product – in short, the quintessential values of Japanese culture.

With its typical functionality, the Bunka design is intended for versatile use in Western cuisine. It has a flexible profile that is wide enough at the handle, a gently designed belly of the blade suitable for making either long or short cuts, a flat back side of the blade, and a thin tip for precise work with food.

The knife is manufactured at the smithy of Yoshida Hamono in Japan, a family company with an age-long tradition in manufacturing state-of-the-art tools and Japanese swords, i.e. katanas, by hand. Yoshida Hamono has a great deal of experience forging ZDP-189 steel in the traditional manner. See the photo story from our visit to their smithy in 2016.

The heart of the knife is made of ZDP-189 steel, which we selected because systematic testing has proven its superior qualities and long-lasting sharpness. The steel is laminated, which entails that the core is made of very strong steel covered with an external layer of softer stainless steel. Such a blade remains sharp for a very long time, its softer external layer makes it easier to sharpen, and it also protects the core steel from external factors.

The blade is finished with a mirror polish hairline finish, which is suitable for the finest cuts. The single hairline, running along the length of the blade (just above the edge of the blade), marks the separation between the softer and the harder, core ZDP-189 steel.

Bunka Silver was fitted a traditional Japanese wooden handle, called Wa handle. The wooden handle is made of Walnut wood with an octagonal shape, so it will fit equally well into the hands of right- or left-handed users.

The steel contains as much as 3% Carbon (C), which is one of the main elements contributing strength and typically found in amounts of up to only 1% in other types of solid steel, while the Chromium (Cr) content, which prevents corrosion, amounts to nearly 20%. It also features 1.5% Tungsten (W), which considerably increases the abrasion resistance of steel, 1.3% Molybdenum (Mo), which helps to preserve the strength and power of steel under variable temperatures, and 0.10% Vanadium (V), the key element in increasing steel strength. Heat treatment produces steel with a hardness of 65-67 HRC.

It embodies the cream of the crop as regards what one desires in a kitchen knife: the best steel, a multi-purpose profile, excellent functionality, and an attractive look. This makes it an ideal choice for anyone looking for a selection of the best properties for versatile use. Its superior qualities will excel in a professional environment with a large volume of cutting work, as well as for daily usage in your home kitchen.

The wooden knife sheath Bunka Saya, made of beech wood, was custom-made for the Bunka. Saya protects the knife when we are not using it. Saya is sold separately, you can select the option with Saya when adding the knife to your cart.

Blade shape: Bunka

Steel type: ZDP-189

Blade construction: Warikomi / convex v-edge / migaki

Hardness (HRC scale): 65-67

Overall length: 325mm (12.8")

Blade length: 190mm (7.5")

Blade height: 52mm (2.0")

Spine thickness: 2mm (0.08")

Weight: 155g (5.5 oz)

Handle length: 125mm (4.9")

Handle type / wood: Japanese / Walnut

Kanji on the blade: 登録 九佐吉作 "registered as work of Yoshida Smithy in Saga Prefecture, Kyushu, Japan"

Blacksmith: Yoshida Hamono

Location of the smithy: SAGA / Saga Prefecture / Japan

☝️ Japanese kitchen knives in our store are handmade from natural materials. Slight variations in color, texture, weight and other dimensions are possible. We try to give a good photographic representation of our products, however computer screen resolution and colors do vary, so products might not look exactly as they are seen on screen.

Blade wear depends on the quality of steel, usage and maintenance of the blade. Japanese knives are made of high-quality steels. Follow these tips to keep your Japanese knife in top-notch shape:

✔ Use a wooden, plastic or rubber cutting board.
✔ After use, wash the knives and wipe them dry.
✔ For storage, use a knife holder or a protective knife sheath (saya).
✔ A good cutting technique is your best bet to prolong sharpness.
✔ Use sharpening stones to sharpen the knife.

❗️Don’t leave the knife in the sink. Wash it by hand.
❗️Don’t wash the knife in the dishwasher.
❗️Don’t use the knife on glass, ceramics, marble or steel surfaces.
❗️Don’t scrape the food off the cutting board with the edge of the blade. Use the spine of the knife instead.
❗️Knife is a tool intended for specific use - cutting food. It is not a can opener, screwdriver, trowel, wire cutter, hammer etc.

→ For more details, read our guide
on
Maintenance of Kitchen Knives.

🤙 Contact us if you need some help. We reply within 1 business day.

SHIPPING RATES:
- €10
- flat worldwide rate with DHL Express (express delivery, 2-5 business days).
- FREE - all orders over €300 (DHL Express).

EXCEPTIONS:
- United Kingdom
- shipping to UK costs €15. All orders are shipped with UPS Express (2-3 business days). Free shipping on orders over €300.
- Russia (currently not available) - shipping to Russia costs €40. All orders are shipped with EMS postal service.

DUTIES AND IMPORT TAXES:
We ship all orders DDP (duties & taxes paid). This means you will not be charged for any import fees and taxes (including VAT). All our prices are final. The price you see at checkout is the final price, no hidden costs.

DELIVERY TIME:
- Europe:
1-2 business days
- US & Canada: 2-4 business days
- Rest of the World: 3-5 business days

RETURNS:
Our return policy lasts 30 days. If more than 30 days have gone by since the day you received your order, unfortunately we can’t offer you a refund or exchange.

→ Read our SHIPPING & RETURNS policy for more info. We strive to solve any issues fast and with as little hassle for you. If you have some additional questions, please contact us.

Each knife comes with:

✔️ Instructions and knife care leaflet.
✔️ A preventive Band-Aid – the knives are very sharp! 😉
✔️ Original box from the blacksmith, which we wrap in an old Japanese newspaper sheet – so every knife is ready to be passed on as a gift as soon as it hits your doorstep!
✔️ We also offer a special gift wrapping option with the traditional Japanese washi paper.

Express Worldwide shipping

10€ flat rate with DHL Express.
Free on orders over 300€.

No Duties & Fees

We cover any import fees, worldwide.
All prices are final, tax included.

Easy Returns

Something not OK? You have 30 days to return it, no questions asked.

Attentive support

Get in touch, we usually respond within a few hours.

QUIZ

Still doubting which type of Japanese knife should best fit your needs? 

We created a 5-steps quiz to help you find the perfect knife based on your cooking skills and the type of food you prepare.

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