The bunka is one of the most practical knife formats in the Japanese kitchen - a reverse tanto tip for fine point work, a flat heel suited for push-cutting, and enough belly for moderate rocking. Hatsukokoro builds the Hayabusa Ginsan bunka in Seki City, Japan, coordinating through the Sakai artisan network where specialist blacksmiths and grinders each contribute their expertise to the finished blade. Ginsan (Silver #3) stainless steel at 60-61 HRC is the edge material - a fine-grained Japanese stainless steel that sharpens more like carbon than like typical stainless alloys and holds a keen edge with low maintenance. It is the stainless choice of cooks who want genuine sharpness without a reactive blade.
This bunka has excellent presence on the board - enough height for comfortable knuckle clearance and enough tip precision to do the detail work the format is known for. The 2mm spine keeps the grind thin and fast without sacrificing the stiffness needed for confident board cutting. The migaki (polished) finish runs clean from spine to edge, and the etched engraving on the blade road is a Hatsukokoro signature. The wenge octagonal handle with a black buffalo horn ferrule is a combination that stands out visually and holds up well in daily professional use.
Care Instructions: Ginsan (Silver #3) is a stainless steel - low maintenance and highly resistant to corrosion. Hand wash and dry after each use. Avoid the dishwasher, bones, frozen foods, and hard materials. Sharpen on quality water stones. Strop regularly to maintain the edge between full sharpenings.
Each knife is made by hand so measurements may vary.Brand: Hatsukokoro
Line: Hayabusa Ginsan
Location: Seki City, Japan
Construction: San Mai, Roll Forged
Edge Steel: Ginsan (Silver #3) Stainless Steel
Cladding: Stainless
HRC: 60-61
Finish: Migaki (Polished)
Engraving: Etched
Edge Grind: Even
Handle: Wenge Octagonal
Ferrule: Black Buffalo Horn
Weight: 4.3 oz (122 g)
Blade Length: 174 mm
Total Length: 312 mm
Spine Thickness at Base: 2 mm
Blade Height: 48 mm
This bunka has excellent presence on the board - enough height for comfortable knuckle clearance and enough tip precision to do the detail work the format is known for. The 2mm spine keeps the grind thin and fast without sacrificing the stiffness needed for confident board cutting. The migaki (polished) finish runs clean from spine to edge, and the etched engraving on the blade road is a Hatsukokoro signature. The wenge octagonal handle with a black buffalo horn ferrule is a combination that stands out visually and holds up well in daily professional use.
Care Instructions: Ginsan (Silver #3) is a stainless steel - low maintenance and highly resistant to corrosion. Hand wash and dry after each use. Avoid the dishwasher, bones, frozen foods, and hard materials. Sharpen on quality water stones. Strop regularly to maintain the edge between full sharpenings.
Each knife is made by hand so measurements may vary.
