Compact, precise, and stunningly elegant—the Hado Ko-Bunka VG-10 Shiosai Blue 135mm is your ultimate Japanese utility knife for everyday prep and professional kitchens. Its hand-forged VG-10 stainless steel blade is finished with subtle tsuchime (hammered) detailing, reducing food adhesion while delivering razor-sharp precision.
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 61–62 HRC and clad in softer stainless steel. This combination provides reliable edge retention, high corrosion resistance, and straightforward everyday maintenance, while the blue octagonal wa handle completes the knife’s refined appearance.
BLADE SHAPE:
The Ko-Bunka blends the elegance of a traditional Bunka with the practicality of a Santoku, delivering clean, controlled cuts with every motion. Its distinctive Bunka profile features a sharp Tanto-inspired tip, perfect for herbs, vegetables, and smaller pieces of meat. Compact, precise, and versatile, the Hado Ko-Bunka is a utility knife ready to shine in any kitchen.
*The cutting edge measures 120mm (heel to tip), but the total blade length from handle to tip is 135mm.
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:
Renowned for their elegance and precision, Hado knives feature distinctive tsuchime hammering that fades into a subtly misted migaki finish, highlighting the polished VG-10 steel core. Every knife is paired with carefully designed packaging that reflects its craftsmanship.
HANDLE:
The knife features a traditional octagonal wa handle made from blue stabilized wood. During stabilization, resin is infused into the wood and cured, making the material denser, less absorbent, and more resistant to changes caused by moisture while retaining its natural grain. The deep blue colour gives each handle a distinctive appearance, while its 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.
