A kengata knife features the classic tanto tip found on Japanese swords, and these knives come in various styles - from the thin yanagiba to the stout bunka. This version falls into the latter category, with a reverse tanto profile that results in a knife with a dexterous, delicate tip and a unique, eye-catching look. Bunkas are general-purpose knives adept at tackling a wide range of kitchen cutting tasks, suitable any time a gyuto or santoku might be called for. Since this knife carries a fairly flat profile it favors push cutting and chopping, and at this size it runs more gyuto than classic bunka in proportion, with a lower blade height and longer edge length than a standard bunka.
The blade is built around a VG-10 stainless core wrapped in multi-layer Damascus cladding finished in tsuchime (hammered) texture, giving the knife real visual appeal. A dyed pakka wood handle is attached to a partial tang with a stainless bolster and three stainless rivets.
What Customers Are Saying: One first-time CKTG buyer, an at-home cook moving up from a Henkels chef knife, describes this bunka as extremely sharp out of the box and impressively crafted. The forward slant of the blade at the choil combined with a pinch grip made the knife feel functionally shorter than its length, giving better tip control than a longer gyuto had offered him previously, and he praises the reverse tanto tip specifically for precise, detailed work. His one note for improvement was a request for slightly more contour under the grip on the handle, though he rates the finish on the handle itself as excellent.
Care Instructions: VG-10 is a fully stainless steel - low maintenance and resistant to corrosion. Hand wash and dry after each use. Avoid the dishwasher. Sharpen on quality water stones as needed.
The blade is built around a VG-10 stainless core wrapped in multi-layer Damascus cladding finished in tsuchime (hammered) texture, giving the knife real visual appeal. A dyed pakka wood handle is attached to a partial tang with a stainless bolster and three stainless rivets.
What Customers Are Saying: One first-time CKTG buyer, an at-home cook moving up from a Henkels chef knife, describes this bunka as extremely sharp out of the box and impressively crafted. The forward slant of the blade at the choil combined with a pinch grip made the knife feel functionally shorter than its length, giving better tip control than a longer gyuto had offered him previously, and he praises the reverse tanto tip specifically for precise, detailed work. His one note for improvement was a request for slightly more contour under the grip on the handle, though he rates the finish on the handle itself as excellent.
Care Instructions: VG-10 is a fully stainless steel - low maintenance and resistant to corrosion. Hand wash and dry after each use. Avoid the dishwasher. Sharpen on quality water stones as needed.
- Brand: Takayuki
- Location: Sakai, Japan
- Construction: San Mai, Laser Cut
- Cladding: Hammered Damascus Stainless
- Edge Steel: VG-10
- Edge Grind: Even
- Handle: Red Pakka Wood Western (Yo)
- Knife Type: Kengata (Bunka)
- Weight: 7.3 oz (208 g)
- Blade Length: 190mm
- Total Length: 338mm
- Spine Thickness at Base: 2mm
- Blade Height: 49mm
Reviews
1 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) Excellent entry, October 28, 2025Posted By: Amac
8 people found this review helpful
This is my first purchase from CKTG and wont be my last! I consider myself an at home cook and have primarily used a 7” Henkel chef knife. I decided to change things up and move into a quality Japanese knife. After trial and error and a phone conversation with Sue (extremely helpful!) I purchased this 190mm bunka. The knife arrived promptly and is extremely sharp out of the box. I’m thoroughly impressed with the workmanship of the blade. Coming from a short knife, this longer blade actually functions shorter due to the forward slant of the blade at the choil combined with a pinch grip. This allows me to fully control and utilize the tip of the knife. Something I struggled with on a longer gyuto. Speaking of the tip, I really like how this reverse-tanto tip was crafted. It cuts really thin and precise, allows me to work the tip into small places, and provides a working end that can perform pairing knife duties. The weight was another consideration for me. I prefer a heavier knife and this western handled bunka is perfect!
If i had to put any negative on this knife, and it’s not that big a deal, but the handle could be improved by adding a little contour or curvature under the grip. The finish on the handle is perfect. Length is great, but it feels very straight in the folds of the fingers.
Handle aside, I give this knife a perfect 5 star rating! If you’re like me and want a German chef knife replacement in a functional, Japanese format, this Takayuki bunka is a great place to start.
8 people found this review helpful
This is my first purchase from CKTG and wont be my last! I consider myself an at home cook and have primarily used a 7” Henkel chef knife. I decided to change things up and move into a quality Japanese knife. After trial and error and a phone conversation with Sue (extremely helpful!) I purchased this 190mm bunka. The knife arrived promptly and is extremely sharp out of the box. I’m thoroughly impressed with the workmanship of the blade. Coming from a short knife, this longer blade actually functions shorter due to the forward slant of the blade at the choil combined with a pinch grip. This allows me to fully control and utilize the tip of the knife. Something I struggled with on a longer gyuto. Speaking of the tip, I really like how this reverse-tanto tip was crafted. It cuts really thin and precise, allows me to work the tip into small places, and provides a working end that can perform pairing knife duties. The weight was another consideration for me. I prefer a heavier knife and this western handled bunka is perfect!
If i had to put any negative on this knife, and it’s not that big a deal, but the handle could be improved by adding a little contour or curvature under the grip. The finish on the handle is perfect. Length is great, but it feels very straight in the folds of the fingers.
Handle aside, I give this knife a perfect 5 star rating! If you’re like me and want a German chef knife replacement in a functional, Japanese format, this Takayuki bunka is a great place to start.
