The Hado Ko-Bunka SLD Ouru 125 mm demonstrates how a thoughtfully designed compact knife can handle the toughest culinary challenges. With a 125mm blade, the Ko-Bunka blends the agility of a small knife with the control needed for precise, comfortable cuts—perfect for chefs who find a traditional gyuto too large.
Finished in the traditional kuro-uchi style with a charred oak handle, the Ouru knife provides a secure grip—even when hands are wet. Its distinctive K-tip enables razor-sharp, almost surgical precision for fine chopping and delicate ingredient preparation.
BLADE SHAPE:
The Ko-Bunka’s shape makes it a versatile, easy-to-use knife, much like a Santoku. In Japanese, Bunka means “culture” and Ko means “small.” At 125mm, this knife sits between a Petty, Nakiri, and Mini Santoku, featuring a distinctive Bunka profile with a sharp tip reminiscent of a Tanto blade. Ideal for herbs, vegetables, and smaller cuts of meat, the Hado Ko-Bunka is a versatile kitchen knife ready to shine in any kitchen.
STEEL:
SLD steel by Hitachi is a high-performance tool steel known for outstanding edge retention, toughness, and semi-stainless corrosion resistance. Originally made for industrial blades, it’s now trusted in Japanese kitchen knives for its 60–62 HRC hardness and low-maintenance sharpness—perfect for serious home cooks and professionals alike.
SLD (stainless-clad) is much easier to care for than some highly reactive pure-carbon steels. The core steel will develop a patina over time, but it’s usually light and subtle, not dramatic. The Hikari is a perfect way to start exploring high-carbon steel knives without the fuss.
SLD Steel Composition - Carbon (C) 1.5%, Silicon (SI) 0.3%, Manganese (Mn) 0.4%, Chromium (Cr) 12%, Molybdenum (Mo) 0.9%, Vanadium (V) 0.3%
LAMINATION:
The blade was laminated with stainless steel. The outer layers are of softer, stainless steel, giving the knife extra rust protection.
BLADE FINISH:
Renowned for their elegance and precision, Hado knives feature distinctive tsuchime hammering that fades into a subtly misted migaki finish, highlighting the polished SG2 steel core. Every knife is paired with carefully designed packaging that reflects its craftsmanship.
The blades in the SLD Ouru line are finished in the traditional kuro-uchi style, highlighting the raw beauty of the steel and the character of hand craftsmanship.
HANDLE:
The knife features a traditional octagonal wa handle that perfectly complements the balanced blade, offering a secure, comfortable grip and exceptional durability for everyday use.
SMITHY:
Hado is a young yet highly respected Japanese smithy from Sakai, founded in 2019 as a subsidiary of Fukui Co. & Ltd. Blending tradition, innovation, and the founders’ passion for the “path of the blade,” each knife reflects centuries of blacksmithing heritage, masterful handcraft, and modern respect for materials, ergonomics, and design. Hado is synonymous with Japanese precision, minimalist beauty, and pure craftsmanship.
