Compact, precise, and strikingly elegant, the Hado Bunka VG-10 Shiosai Black Pakka 180mm (7.1") is a versatile Japanese kitchen knife designed for everyday preparation and professional use.
Shiosai (潮騒) is a poetic Japanese term meaning “the sound of the sea” or “the sound of waves,” reflected in the blade’s irregular, circular tsuchime pattern, which evokes waves splashing across its surface. Beneath this distinctive finish lies a razor-sharp VG-10 stainless steel core, hardened to 61 HRC and clad in softer stainless steel. This combination provides reliable edge retention, high corrosion resistance, and straightforward everyday maintenance, while the black octagonal wa handle completes the knife’s refined appearance.
BLADE SHAPE:
The bunka is a compact Japanese knife, perfect for small kitchens and limited counter space without sacrificing performance. It features a distinctive angled tip, ideal for precise piercing and controlled cutting tasks: slicing, dicing, and mincing a variety of ingredients, including meat, fish, and vegetables, making it a highly functional tool for professional and home kitchens alike.
*The cutting edge measures 173mm (heel to tip), but the total blade length from handle to tip is 180mm.
STEEL:
VG-10 (V for Vanadium, G for "gold" as in "gold standard") is made by Takefu Special Steel Company, a relatively small steel company that around 60 years ago managed to find just the right balance of different elements to create the most popular Japanese knife making steel today. VG-10 steel is stainless steel with relatively high Carbon (C) content (1%), 15% Chromium (Cr), 1% Molybdenum (Mo), 0.3% Vanadium (V), and 1.5% Cobalt (Co). The combination of Cr, Mo, and V forms a lot of hard carbides, making the steel abrasion-resistant, which translates to long-lasting, smooth sharpness.
LAMINATION:
The blade is san-mai laminated, with outer layers of softer stainless steel that provide additional rust protection.
BLADE FINISH:
The blade features Hado's distinctive Shiosai finish, combining small, irregular circular tsuchime hammer marks with a subtly misted migaki surface. The circular indentations evoke drops and splashing waves, reflecting the meaning of the name Shiosai, or “the sound of the sea.” As the hammered texture gradually fades toward the polished cutting edge, it creates a refined contrast and gives the blade subtle depth and character.
HANDLE:
The knife features a traditional octagonal wa handle made from black pakkawood. Pakkawood is a material made by impregnating thin layers of wood with resin and compressing them under high pressure. This process creates a dense, durable, and moisture-resistant material that is well suited to everyday kitchen use. Its deep black colour complements the blade’s minimalist appearance, while the octagonal shape provides a secure and comfortable grip for both right- and left-handed users.
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.
