We are proud to offer the first knives designed and crafted entirely by Takayuki Shibata of Fukuyama City, Hiroshima. The Shibata Koutetsu line represents Shibata-san’s personal vision of modern Japanese knife performance, combining advanced powdered steel, extreme precision grinding, and exceptional fit and finish. Each knife is forged with an SG2 (R2) powdered stainless steel core, clad in a softer stainless steel for added toughness and ease of maintenance. Heat treated to approximately 62–63 HRC, this steel combination delivers outstanding edge retention, excellent edge stability, and a sharpening experience that is far more forgiving than many steels at similar hardness levels.
This Ko-Bunka is a compact, highly refined example of what has made the Koutetsu line so respected among professional cooks and serious enthusiasts. The blade is ground extremely thin with a largely consistent spine thickness that carries nearly to the tip, creating a true laser profile that excels at clean, low-resistance cutting. Despite its short length, the knife offers generous blade height for knuckle clearance and confident board contact. The distinctive pointed tip, a signature of Shibata-san’s work, is inspired by the bow of Japan’s first ironclad warship and provides exceptional precision for detail work, scoring, trimming, and controlled tip cuts.
Fit and finish on this knife are exceptional, even by high-end Japanese standards. The spine features a high mirror polish, improving comfort in a pinch grip while also increasing friction between the fingers and blade for better control and safety during fast prep. Balance is light and neutral, allowing the knife to feel effortless and responsive in hand. The compact “ko” bunka format makes this knife extremely nimble and quick, ideal for cooks who value speed, precision, and control in a smaller package. Combined with its laser grind and superb out-of-the-box edge, this Ko-Bunka delivers cutting performance that belies its size and rewards good technique with effortless results.
Care Instructions: Hand wash with mild soap and dry immediately after use. Do not use in the dishwasher. Avoid frozen foods, bones, hard rinds, or twisting cuts, as the thin, high-hardness edge can chip if misused. Store in a blade guard, on a magnetic strip, or in a knife block. Maintain sharpness with light stropping or regular stone sharpening to preserve performance.
Weight: 3.0 oz (86 g)
Edge length: 140 mm
Total length: 267 mm
Blade height: 39 mm
Spine thickness at base: 2.0 mm
Steel: SG2 (R2) powdered stainless, stainless clad
Hardness: ~62–63 HRC
Bevel: Double (50/50)
Note: Please note the name change to “Koutetsu” as of 6/11/2021
This Ko-Bunka is a compact, highly refined example of what has made the Koutetsu line so respected among professional cooks and serious enthusiasts. The blade is ground extremely thin with a largely consistent spine thickness that carries nearly to the tip, creating a true laser profile that excels at clean, low-resistance cutting. Despite its short length, the knife offers generous blade height for knuckle clearance and confident board contact. The distinctive pointed tip, a signature of Shibata-san’s work, is inspired by the bow of Japan’s first ironclad warship and provides exceptional precision for detail work, scoring, trimming, and controlled tip cuts.
Fit and finish on this knife are exceptional, even by high-end Japanese standards. The spine features a high mirror polish, improving comfort in a pinch grip while also increasing friction between the fingers and blade for better control and safety during fast prep. Balance is light and neutral, allowing the knife to feel effortless and responsive in hand. The compact “ko” bunka format makes this knife extremely nimble and quick, ideal for cooks who value speed, precision, and control in a smaller package. Combined with its laser grind and superb out-of-the-box edge, this Ko-Bunka delivers cutting performance that belies its size and rewards good technique with effortless results.
Care Instructions: Hand wash with mild soap and dry immediately after use. Do not use in the dishwasher. Avoid frozen foods, bones, hard rinds, or twisting cuts, as the thin, high-hardness edge can chip if misused. Store in a blade guard, on a magnetic strip, or in a knife block. Maintain sharpness with light stropping or regular stone sharpening to preserve performance.
Reviews
4 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) Amazing KnifePosted By: Gene - verified customer
22 people found this review helpful
I bought this knife to fill the size-void in my knife set and, I'll admit, because the knife design really appealed to me. I was even more pleased when it arrived; not only were the aesthetics better than expected, but it has a great fit and finish as well as a very comfortable feel and nice weight. It is a really well designed knife, with the gradual spine-to-blade taper and slight curve making for a natural cutting
motion. My wife, who would only use Western handled knives, started using this one and it quickly became one of her go-to knives due to its feel and performance. The non-reactive steel is nice to have and it has held its edge very well. The pointy tip means this knife isn't going to be for everyone, but I highly recommend it if this design works for your cutting style.
22 people found this review helpful
I bought this knife to fill the size-void in my knife set and, I'll admit, because the knife design really appealed to me. I was even more pleased when it arrived; not only were the aesthetics better than expected, but it has a great fit and finish as well as a very comfortable feel and nice weight. It is a really well designed knife, with the gradual spine-to-blade taper and slight curve making for a natural cutting
motion. My wife, who would only use Western handled knives, started using this one and it quickly became one of her go-to knives due to its feel and performance. The non-reactive steel is nice to have and it has held its edge very well. The pointy tip means this knife isn't going to be for everyone, but I highly recommend it if this design works for your cutting style.
Perfect intermediate sized bladePosted By: Scott E. - verified customer
18 people found this review helpful
I got the Shibata Ko-Bunka to complement the usual set of bird's beak, spear point, and sheep's foot paring knives for garniture and mukimono type stuff. I don't do this professionally, but carving food into flowers and fish and other such nonsense is hella fun if you have the time, and makes for a good conversation piece at your luau. I was specifically looking for something that was ground symmetrically and was non-reactive to avoid discoloring things like citrus peels and apples.After playing with the knife over a long weekend, I'm in love. The fit & finish are awesome, handle is tight and seamless, and the relieving on the spine and choil are works of art in themselves. Best of all the tip is needle sharp, and the blade moves through fibrous product like carrots and apples smoothly. I could also imagine using this if I needed a perfect mince on small stuff like shallots, garlic, or ginger, where paring knives are uncomfortable in my big mitts and my precision knife skills with a 240mm chef's knife are not up to the task. I'm more used to knives with Western handles, so owing to the shorter blade length, this is the first Wa-handled knife I've owned that has felt perfectly balanced to me. The length and weight of the blade is ideal for detail work. In general, I couldn't be more pleased, and the Shibata sayas with these knives are like hand-in-glove. Thanks again, CKTG!
18 people found this review helpful
I got the Shibata Ko-Bunka to complement the usual set of bird's beak, spear point, and sheep's foot paring knives for garniture and mukimono type stuff. I don't do this professionally, but carving food into flowers and fish and other such nonsense is hella fun if you have the time, and makes for a good conversation piece at your luau. I was specifically looking for something that was ground symmetrically and was non-reactive to avoid discoloring things like citrus peels and apples.After playing with the knife over a long weekend, I'm in love. The fit & finish are awesome, handle is tight and seamless, and the relieving on the spine and choil are works of art in themselves. Best of all the tip is needle sharp, and the blade moves through fibrous product like carrots and apples smoothly. I could also imagine using this if I needed a perfect mince on small stuff like shallots, garlic, or ginger, where paring knives are uncomfortable in my big mitts and my precision knife skills with a 240mm chef's knife are not up to the task. I'm more used to knives with Western handles, so owing to the shorter blade length, this is the first Wa-handled knife I've owned that has felt perfectly balanced to me. The length and weight of the blade is ideal for detail work. In general, I couldn't be more pleased, and the Shibata sayas with these knives are like hand-in-glove. Thanks again, CKTG!
Definitely a KeeperPosted By: Big Al - verified customer
20 people found this review helpful
This one is definitely a keeper. Pros: love the tall (for a petty length) blade height. There is ample knuckle clearance so you don't have to cut at the edge of the cutting board if you have thicker fingers like me. OOTB sharpness was excellent. It was easily shaving my arm hair off. F&F was also excellent. No blemishes, glue residue, etc., and the edges are nicely finished/rounded. Cons: none that I can think of. Would purchase another Shibata without reservation.
20 people found this review helpful
This one is definitely a keeper. Pros: love the tall (for a petty length) blade height. There is ample knuckle clearance so you don't have to cut at the edge of the cutting board if you have thicker fingers like me. OOTB sharpness was excellent. It was easily shaving my arm hair off. F&F was also excellent. No blemishes, glue residue, etc., and the edges are nicely finished/rounded. Cons: none that I can think of. Would purchase another Shibata without reservation.
Wished I would have bought soonerPosted By: Dave Pulliam - verified customer
23 people found this review helpful
I have always wanted a smaller very sharp tall knife for times when a full size knife would be cumbersome. From working in a small area or working with smaller products this knife is fantastic. It has become my go to carrot knife as it's size is perfect for cutting carrots quickly and you can cut more before having to clear your cutting board. I love the shape and story behind it, it's not necessary but I like it even if I may poke myself a few more times. I'm already saving for a 210 to match it.
23 people found this review helpful
I have always wanted a smaller very sharp tall knife for times when a full size knife would be cumbersome. From working in a small area or working with smaller products this knife is fantastic. It has become my go to carrot knife as it's size is perfect for cutting carrots quickly and you can cut more before having to clear your cutting board. I love the shape and story behind it, it's not necessary but I like it even if I may poke myself a few more times. I'm already saving for a 210 to match it.
