Shindo Enjin SRK8 Bunka 165mm
These Shindo Enjin knives are red hot right now and extremely hard to get. We are proud to be the first seller outside of Japan to offer knives from blacksmith Shindo san, and every batch we receive sells out quickly. If you see one in stock, do not hesitate--they do not last long.
The Enjin SRK8 Bunka 165mm is a compact, highly versatile kitchen knife that can handle just about any task you throw at it. The bunka profile features a taller blade with a flat edge and a distinctive pointed tip that excels at detailed work, vegetable prep, and slicing proteins. It is lighter than many knives in this size range but still feels stiff and confident on the board, making it a great choice for cooks of all skill levels and cutting styles. It is also an excellent introduction to Japanese knives.
Shindo san forges these blades in Kami City, Kochi Prefecture, using SRK8 carbon steel hardened to about 63 HRC. This steel takes a very keen edge and offers excellent edge retention for the price point. The blade is clad in soft iron and finished with a rugged kurouchi look combined with sandblasted and polished areas for contrast and character. Each knife has a handmade feel that reflects its small workshop origin. The knife is paired with an oak octagonal handle with a burnt finish, completing the traditional aesthetic.
Care Instructions: This knife has a reactive carbon steel core and iron cladding that will develop a patina with use. Hand wash and dry thoroughly after use. Do not leave wet or soak. Avoid cutting frozen foods or bones. Sharpen with quality water stones to maintain a razor-sharp edge.Brand: Enjin
Blacksmith: Shindo San
Location: Kami City, Kochi Prefecture, Japan
Construction: San Mai, Hammer Forged
Core Steel: SRK8 Carbon Steel
Cladding: Soft Iron
Finish: Kurouchi / Sand Blasted / Polished
HRC: 63 + -
Edge Grind: Even (See Choil Photo)
Handle: Oak Octagonal, Burnt Finish
Weight: 4.3 oz (124 g)
Edge Length: 170 mm
Total Length: 314 mm
Spine Thickness at Heel: 5 mm
Blade Height: 45 mm
These Shindo Enjin knives are red hot right now and extremely hard to get. We are proud to be the first seller outside of Japan to offer knives from blacksmith Shindo san, and every batch we receive sells out quickly. If you see one in stock, do not hesitate--they do not last long.
The Enjin SRK8 Bunka 165mm is a compact, highly versatile kitchen knife that can handle just about any task you throw at it. The bunka profile features a taller blade with a flat edge and a distinctive pointed tip that excels at detailed work, vegetable prep, and slicing proteins. It is lighter than many knives in this size range but still feels stiff and confident on the board, making it a great choice for cooks of all skill levels and cutting styles. It is also an excellent introduction to Japanese knives.
Shindo san forges these blades in Kami City, Kochi Prefecture, using SRK8 carbon steel hardened to about 63 HRC. This steel takes a very keen edge and offers excellent edge retention for the price point. The blade is clad in soft iron and finished with a rugged kurouchi look combined with sandblasted and polished areas for contrast and character. Each knife has a handmade feel that reflects its small workshop origin. The knife is paired with an oak octagonal handle with a burnt finish, completing the traditional aesthetic.
Care Instructions: This knife has a reactive carbon steel core and iron cladding that will develop a patina with use. Hand wash and dry thoroughly after use. Do not leave wet or soak. Avoid cutting frozen foods or bones. Sharpen with quality water stones to maintain a razor-sharp edge.
Reviews
3 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) By far my favorite knifePosted By: Jorge Blanco
46 people found this review helpful
Originally bought the Enjin Bunka for my prep cook job since id be mainly working with soft vegetables and mushrooms. This knife is a beast i was worried when first getting it because it was so light but after putting it to work its very durable. The thin blade makes slicing effortless no more annoying cut getting stuck to the side everything just slides off. Amazingly with just my own experience I've owned the knife for two and a half years and I've never had to sharpen it. I've done my best to take care of it and only a weekly run with a honing rod is enough to make it razor sharp. The knife feels rewarding to take care of wiping it dry after every use eventually it forms a nice blue color on the carbon steel. definitely was a worth purchase and I'm actually planning on getting a petty once they're back in stock!
46 people found this review helpful
Originally bought the Enjin Bunka for my prep cook job since id be mainly working with soft vegetables and mushrooms. This knife is a beast i was worried when first getting it because it was so light but after putting it to work its very durable. The thin blade makes slicing effortless no more annoying cut getting stuck to the side everything just slides off. Amazingly with just my own experience I've owned the knife for two and a half years and I've never had to sharpen it. I've done my best to take care of it and only a weekly run with a honing rod is enough to make it razor sharp. The knife feels rewarding to take care of wiping it dry after every use eventually it forms a nice blue color on the carbon steel. definitely was a worth purchase and I'm actually planning on getting a petty once they're back in stock!
Love it Fun KnifePosted By: Mike Allen
53 people found this review helpful
This was my first purchase from CKTG and I'm very happy with it. I had never heard of a Bunka before browsing this site and thought they looked so cool I had to get one. What drew me to the Enjin knife was the fact that it is hand made and it has a very well executed distal taper so that it is thick at the heel, but very thin at the tip. Upon receiving my blade I loved the look. It looks very hand made and rustic, but very well executed and the kurouchi finish is nice and holding up well so far. The SRK8 steel can take a nice edge and is very reactive. The first onion I cut reacted strongly with it and after a month of use the steel is already developing a beautiful purple/blue patina along the cutting edge. The handle of this knife is very nicely finished and the fit up with the blade is snug.
This knife is comfortable in the hand and feels insanely light and nimble. When I bought it i was thinking of it as like a smaller, cooler santoku, but in my mind now it's almost like a veggie specific utility knife. I like it because it is a great compliment to a gyuto or nakiri or could definitely stand on it's own to do pretty much everything if you wanted it to.
When I first got the knife I was convinced the blade was a little twisted, but after sending it back for an inspection and sharpening from Mark all seemed to be well and the knife performs wonderfully after his work on it. Apparently it was my novice eye overcompensating for the visible hammering on the blade. I will certainly get his finish sharpening on future purchases.
Overall I am really happy with this knife. It is a champ for small veg prep and I feel like I'm using a piece of living artwork every time I pick it up. The service that Mark provided to ensure I was happy with my purchase is above and beyond any retailer I have every bought from and he has earned a customer for as long as he's selling knives here.
53 people found this review helpful
This was my first purchase from CKTG and I'm very happy with it. I had never heard of a Bunka before browsing this site and thought they looked so cool I had to get one. What drew me to the Enjin knife was the fact that it is hand made and it has a very well executed distal taper so that it is thick at the heel, but very thin at the tip. Upon receiving my blade I loved the look. It looks very hand made and rustic, but very well executed and the kurouchi finish is nice and holding up well so far. The SRK8 steel can take a nice edge and is very reactive. The first onion I cut reacted strongly with it and after a month of use the steel is already developing a beautiful purple/blue patina along the cutting edge. The handle of this knife is very nicely finished and the fit up with the blade is snug.
This knife is comfortable in the hand and feels insanely light and nimble. When I bought it i was thinking of it as like a smaller, cooler santoku, but in my mind now it's almost like a veggie specific utility knife. I like it because it is a great compliment to a gyuto or nakiri or could definitely stand on it's own to do pretty much everything if you wanted it to.
When I first got the knife I was convinced the blade was a little twisted, but after sending it back for an inspection and sharpening from Mark all seemed to be well and the knife performs wonderfully after his work on it. Apparently it was my novice eye overcompensating for the visible hammering on the blade. I will certainly get his finish sharpening on future purchases.
Overall I am really happy with this knife. It is a champ for small veg prep and I feel like I'm using a piece of living artwork every time I pick it up. The service that Mark provided to ensure I was happy with my purchase is above and beyond any retailer I have every bought from and he has earned a customer for as long as he's selling knives here.
