The Gen line from Shizu Hamono occupies an interesting position: VG10 stainless steel performance dressed in a kurouchi (black finish, as-forged surface) finish that most cooks associate with reactive carbon steel. The result is a knife that looks like a traditional Japanese working blade while requiring the minimal maintenance of stainless steel. Shizu Hamono produces these from Sanjo City in Niigata Prefecture, a metalworking region with a craft tradition that extends well beyond knife production, and the Gen line reflects that background - solid construction, clean geometry, and a finish that stands on its own terms.
This is the compact bunka in the line - at 146mm long, it is smaller than the 190mm version and sized for cooks who want the bunka format in a more maneuverable package. The reverse tanto tip opens up fine point work and detail cuts, the flat heel provides full board contact on push cuts, and the 37mm blade height keeps the knife nimble without sacrificing much knuckle clearance. VG10 at 60-61 HRC gives the knife solid edge retention for daily use and sharpens back quickly on quality water stones. The 2mm spine is consistent throughout - this is a thin, light blade that moves fast on the board. The D-shaped pakka wood handle and black pakka ferrule are comfortable and well-fitted.
Care Instructions: VG10 is low maintenance stainless steel. Hand wash and dry after use - no dishwasher. Sharpen on quality water stones when the edge needs attention and maintain with a ceramic rod or strop between full sharpenings.Maker: Shizu Hamono
Knife Line: Gen
Location: Sanjo City, Japan
Construction: San Mai, Roll Forged
Edge Steel: VG10 Stainless
Cladding: Stainless Damascus
Finish: Kurouchi (Black Finish)
HRC: 60-61
Edge Grind: Even
Handle: D-Shaped Pakka Wood
Ferrule: Black Pakka Wood
Weight: 3.5 oz (98 g)
Blade Length: 146 mm
Total Length: 270 mm
Spine Thickness at Base: 2 mm
Blade Height: 37 mm
This is the compact bunka in the line - at 146mm long, it is smaller than the 190mm version and sized for cooks who want the bunka format in a more maneuverable package. The reverse tanto tip opens up fine point work and detail cuts, the flat heel provides full board contact on push cuts, and the 37mm blade height keeps the knife nimble without sacrificing much knuckle clearance. VG10 at 60-61 HRC gives the knife solid edge retention for daily use and sharpens back quickly on quality water stones. The 2mm spine is consistent throughout - this is a thin, light blade that moves fast on the board. The D-shaped pakka wood handle and black pakka ferrule are comfortable and well-fitted.
Care Instructions: VG10 is low maintenance stainless steel. Hand wash and dry after use - no dishwasher. Sharpen on quality water stones when the edge needs attention and maintain with a ceramic rod or strop between full sharpenings.
