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The Takeda Classic Banno Bunka looks like it means business. It is a multi-purpose knife somewhat like a santoku. “Bunka” means “culture” in Japanese. It is Takeda’s most popular knife in Japan among home cooks.
This great-looking knife appears and behaves like a hybridization of the Nakiri and Gyuto. Bunkas can pretty well do it all. It really is the best of both worlds with the result being greater than the sum of the parts!
These knives use Aogami Super Steel as their core with a softer iron steel cladding. They have a great feeling traditional maple octagonal handle. All Takeda knives have 50/50 edges and with the octagonal handles they are good for either right-handed or left-handed users.
Spine thickness at the heel is approximately 2.5mm and it weighs about 4.6oz but each one varies a little since they're totally hand-made. Edge length varies too but most of them seem to be around 170mm give or take 10mm.
If you are seeking a do-it-all knife that lives outside of the “normal” box this extraordinary tool should be on your shortlist.Blacksmith: Takeda san
Location: Niimi Japan
Construction: Hammer Forged, San Mai
Edge Steel: Aogami Super Steel
Cladding: Iron
Finish: Kurouchi
Edge Grind: Even
Handle: Stainled Maple Octagonal
Ferrule: Black Pakka Wood
Please know that all measurements are approximations! Takeda-san and his helpers make each of these knives by hand, without a template. As a result, every knife is unique and the stats will vary.
This great-looking knife appears and behaves like a hybridization of the Nakiri and Gyuto. Bunkas can pretty well do it all. It really is the best of both worlds with the result being greater than the sum of the parts!
These knives use Aogami Super Steel as their core with a softer iron steel cladding. They have a great feeling traditional maple octagonal handle. All Takeda knives have 50/50 edges and with the octagonal handles they are good for either right-handed or left-handed users.
Spine thickness at the heel is approximately 2.5mm and it weighs about 4.6oz but each one varies a little since they're totally hand-made. Edge length varies too but most of them seem to be around 170mm give or take 10mm.
If you are seeking a do-it-all knife that lives outside of the “normal” box this extraordinary tool should be on your shortlist.
Reviews
26 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) Great knife, May 23, 2020 LOVE Love Love, May 14, 2020 Primo blade !, January 7, 2018Posted By: scopi - verified customer
I have no 150mm pettys because i have never seen the need and find them a bit odd to work with. The paring and petty knives i have are around100mm -130mm and do what i need. At 160mm long and 56mm tall this bunka is a short one and fills the gap between them and my 180 and 240 gyutos beautifully with an immensely practical blade. The steel and OOTB edge is amazing. The height makes it very comfortable ( for me ) to use. This one has a semi flat spot in the middle section of the blade and chops brilliantly. The tip makes for excellent draw cuts and it slices and dices so well there may be one or two other items taking a back seat. Can't put it down !
I have no 150mm pettys because i have never seen the need and find them a bit odd to work with. The paring and petty knives i have are around100mm -130mm and do what i need. At 160mm long and 56mm tall this bunka is a short one and fills the gap between them and my 180 and 240 gyutos beautifully with an immensely practical blade. The steel and OOTB edge is amazing. The height makes it very comfortable ( for me ) to use. This one has a semi flat spot in the middle section of the blade and chops brilliantly. The tip makes for excellent draw cuts and it slices and dices so well there may be one or two other items taking a back seat. Can't put it down !
another excellent purchase, December 25, 2017Posted By: roger snyder - verified customer
this my 4th 170mm banno bunko all great knives, the most nimble knives i have ever used. sharp, stays sharp, and beautiful. CKTG as always did a very good job and shipping was pretty quick. you cant go wrong with a Taketa knife they are the best of the best
this my 4th 170mm banno bunko all great knives, the most nimble knives i have ever used. sharp, stays sharp, and beautiful. CKTG as always did a very good job and shipping was pretty quick. you cant go wrong with a Taketa knife they are the best of the best
It's All True, March 27, 2017Posted By: John - verified customer
What can I say that hasn't already been said? Super sharp out of the box but five minutes with a 6000 stone has it splitting hairs! Very light and nimble, superb craftmanship and quality. I feel like this bunka might be replacing my 210 gyuto as my everyday. Extremely happy with this and with the fast shipping from CKTG.
What can I say that hasn't already been said? Super sharp out of the box but five minutes with a 6000 stone has it splitting hairs! Very light and nimble, superb craftmanship and quality. I feel like this bunka might be replacing my 210 gyuto as my everyday. Extremely happy with this and with the fast shipping from CKTG.
best banno bunka, January 1, 2017Posted By: roger snyder - verified customer
knives do not get better than this one. i have 3 Takeda knives this 170 and 2 - 210;s they are all marvelous but i like the 170 the best. lite easy to sharpen very handy for vegetables. If you need a great amazingly sharp and easy to sharpen absolutely beautiful knife then this is the one!
knives do not get better than this one. i have 3 Takeda knives this 170 and 2 - 210;s they are all marvelous but i like the 170 the best. lite easy to sharpen very handy for vegetables. If you need a great amazingly sharp and easy to sharpen absolutely beautiful knife then this is the one!
Wonderful knife for chopping veggies, December 27, 2016 The Banno Bunka, September 16, 2016Posted By: Kevin Solsten - verified customer
I have three other japanese knives, from CKTG, but in the time I have had this Takeda Banno Bunka, Ihave used no other....no matter what the task. I will start using the others soon....I miss them, butthis knife seems to do it all,with the exception of butternut squash or frozen items, etc...I love sharpening this knife and it appears to have slightly less than a 10 degree angle at the edge.Amazing. I wasn't sure if I liked the shape, as opposed to a Nakiri, but I think its perfect for my needs.There is nothing I could add to all of the superlatives previously mentioned about the Takeda knivesand I am just glad that his knife lives up to everything said about it. My thanks to CKTG for their excellent service and for carrying such a wonderful variety of knives.
I have three other japanese knives, from CKTG, but in the time I have had this Takeda Banno Bunka, Ihave used no other....no matter what the task. I will start using the others soon....I miss them, butthis knife seems to do it all,with the exception of butternut squash or frozen items, etc...I love sharpening this knife and it appears to have slightly less than a 10 degree angle at the edge.Amazing. I wasn't sure if I liked the shape, as opposed to a Nakiri, but I think its perfect for my needs.There is nothing I could add to all of the superlatives previously mentioned about the Takeda knivesand I am just glad that his knife lives up to everything said about it. My thanks to CKTG for their excellent service and for carrying such a wonderful variety of knives.
Schub, July 7, 2016Posted By: nicholas schubert - verified customer
Really great knife, actually looks more beautiful in reality than in the picture. Quite sharp OOTB and beautiful grind. I quite enjoy the height and lightness of the blade and is one of my go to knives. The blade sharpens easily.
Really great knife, actually looks more beautiful in reality than in the picture. Quite sharp OOTB and beautiful grind. I quite enjoy the height and lightness of the blade and is one of my go to knives. The blade sharpens easily.
My Go To, February 21, 2015Posted By: Jack - verified customer
I've been using one of these for about 2 years, and I keep coming back to it. It smokes just about any standard kitchen job. I would never use it for anything that involves bones or frozen food. It requires medium maitanence. it has never rusted on me during use, but if you leave it out without drying it, it will rust. Edges get insane with the right patience. It also looks like Indiana Joes Fond it in a snake pit, which is cool. If I didn't have so many other knives to try, i'd buy a second one.
I've been using one of these for about 2 years, and I keep coming back to it. It smokes just about any standard kitchen job. I would never use it for anything that involves bones or frozen food. It requires medium maitanence. it has never rusted on me during use, but if you leave it out without drying it, it will rust. Edges get insane with the right patience. It also looks like Indiana Joes Fond it in a snake pit, which is cool. If I didn't have so many other knives to try, i'd buy a second one.
Product Review, March 23, 2014Posted By: JK - verified customer
Incredible knife for veg prep. I work in a professional kitchen, this knife makes every prep task a joy. Maintains an incredible edge and is extremely easy to sharpen. Also great service from CKTG and Mark as always. BUY THIS KNIFE!
Incredible knife for veg prep. I work in a professional kitchen, this knife makes every prep task a joy. Maintains an incredible edge and is extremely easy to sharpen. Also great service from CKTG and Mark as always. BUY THIS KNIFE!
Product Review, January 28, 2014Posted By: Paul Espinosa - verified customer
Beautiful work. This design was not my original choice. But the more I read and thought about it the more fascinated I was. Very clever design. It cuts like a dream and is easily maintained. I just wipe it when I'm done, no rust, no big deal. I have a Japanese chef friend who will sharpen it whenever that comes up, until I progress beyond newbie. It is great jack of all trades knife with a style I particularly love.
Beautiful work. This design was not my original choice. But the more I read and thought about it the more fascinated I was. Very clever design. It cuts like a dream and is easily maintained. I just wipe it when I'm done, no rust, no big deal. I have a Japanese chef friend who will sharpen it whenever that comes up, until I progress beyond newbie. It is great jack of all trades knife with a style I particularly love.
Product Review, January 21, 2014Posted By: Alan - verified customer
hey mark!i never responded to you about the Takeda Bonna Bunko (whatever...) i got from you last summer. Here's what i think: it's a great piece of knife-making!!! i love it!! it's a delight to use, makes repetitive work really fun cuz it's so amazingly sharp! And it hold its edge tenaciously.and your service filling my order was just great. Thx.AND Please thank Takeda-san for me.
hey mark!i never responded to you about the Takeda Bonna Bunko (whatever...) i got from you last summer. Here's what i think: it's a great piece of knife-making!!! i love it!! it's a delight to use, makes repetitive work really fun cuz it's so amazingly sharp! And it hold its edge tenaciously.and your service filling my order was just great. Thx.AND Please thank Takeda-san for me.
Product Review, January 14, 2014Posted By: Wolfgang Klein - verified customer
I work at a very high volume restaurant, and I dice over 200 pounds of vegetables a week. This blade helps me do my job cleaner and more efficiently. It's light, so it's easier on my wrist too.In today's world with GE enhanced super-sized produce, the blade length is occasionally limiting. However, I love this blade so much that when it comes time to purchase another knife, I will strongly consider another Takeda.
I work at a very high volume restaurant, and I dice over 200 pounds of vegetables a week. This blade helps me do my job cleaner and more efficiently. It's light, so it's easier on my wrist too.In today's world with GE enhanced super-sized produce, the blade length is occasionally limiting. However, I love this blade so much that when it comes time to purchase another knife, I will strongly consider another Takeda.
Product Review, January 7, 2014Posted By: Derek - verified customer
Very sharp OOTB. Craftsmanship is second to none- one of the few products of any category that lives up to the hype. Received on Xmas morning and was blitzing through root vegetables within an hour for the family dinner. The comments about the sealed handle are spot on- the little touches. Finish is even smarter looking in hand. Size is perfect for so many cutting/chopping/slicing targets.This knife has already spoiled me, may find many other nice pieces of cutlery in my kitchen idle as time wears on. Looking to get a petty from Takeda now.
Very sharp OOTB. Craftsmanship is second to none- one of the few products of any category that lives up to the hype. Received on Xmas morning and was blitzing through root vegetables within an hour for the family dinner. The comments about the sealed handle are spot on- the little touches. Finish is even smarter looking in hand. Size is perfect for so many cutting/chopping/slicing targets.This knife has already spoiled me, may find many other nice pieces of cutlery in my kitchen idle as time wears on. Looking to get a petty from Takeda now.
Product Review, August 11, 2013Posted By: Al - verified customer
Excellent craftsmanship. I own several knives from Mark's great site and this knife's ootb sharpness is on a totally different plane of existence than anything else, it just goes right into the Boos Block at work. On that note, with the AS steel and all, I don't quite feel as comfortable doing a whole shift at the restaurant with this as say my carbon Misono (the destroyer of prep). Mainly because if someone used it and it chipped I would freak out. But it is so fun to use and as many have similarly stated, you don't know a Takeda until you have it. You can have some expectations and possible understandings based on other purchases, but when you get it you realize you weren't even close. Especially the kurouchi finish. This makes the Tojiro shirogami finish look like black spray paint. My favorite part though is how the makers apply some clear seal on the top of the handle where the knife goes in. I find with heavy use, this area on wa-handles gets dark looking no matter how much you clean, and the treatment on this knife is the extra something special that I wish everyone else did.
Excellent craftsmanship. I own several knives from Mark's great site and this knife's ootb sharpness is on a totally different plane of existence than anything else, it just goes right into the Boos Block at work. On that note, with the AS steel and all, I don't quite feel as comfortable doing a whole shift at the restaurant with this as say my carbon Misono (the destroyer of prep). Mainly because if someone used it and it chipped I would freak out. But it is so fun to use and as many have similarly stated, you don't know a Takeda until you have it. You can have some expectations and possible understandings based on other purchases, but when you get it you realize you weren't even close. Especially the kurouchi finish. This makes the Tojiro shirogami finish look like black spray paint. My favorite part though is how the makers apply some clear seal on the top of the handle where the knife goes in. I find with heavy use, this area on wa-handles gets dark looking no matter how much you clean, and the treatment on this knife is the extra something special that I wish everyone else did.
Product Review, August 6, 2013Posted By: Jarome - verified customer
This is the 2nd knife I've purchased from CNTG. Excellent company. Where else will your invoice have a hand written thank you! or a $15 refund because the shipping cost was less than anticipated? As to the knife. It's..ok. I wanted a handmade knife, heard great things about Takeda-San's work. Was a bit disappointed that this 170mm was shorter than the 165mm Moritaka Nakiri I own. The edge on the Takeda also was just so-so. The fault most likely is mine, as I don't have the eye to appreciate the handmade qualities. I could have simply chosen the wrong knife, but the Moritaka is still my go to knife. As my knowledge improves, I may purchase another Takeda. For now, I'll probably sell or trade this one.
This is the 2nd knife I've purchased from CNTG. Excellent company. Where else will your invoice have a hand written thank you! or a $15 refund because the shipping cost was less than anticipated? As to the knife. It's..ok. I wanted a handmade knife, heard great things about Takeda-San's work. Was a bit disappointed that this 170mm was shorter than the 165mm Moritaka Nakiri I own. The edge on the Takeda also was just so-so. The fault most likely is mine, as I don't have the eye to appreciate the handmade qualities. I could have simply chosen the wrong knife, but the Moritaka is still my go to knife. As my knowledge improves, I may purchase another Takeda. For now, I'll probably sell or trade this one.
Product Review, June 1, 2013Posted By: teo - verified customer
I bought this knife about a couple of weeks ago and I love it. It is a knife that is comfortable in multiple grips and so much fun to use. Since I got the knife, it has been my go-to knife even though I have a fantastic Takeda gyuto 240, which I love, sitting in a drawer. The feel of this knife is fantastic with absolutely no wedging issues at all. For example, with carrots, which are one of the toughest veggies to cut, it just glides right through. I would highly recommend this blade to anyone who loves this profile. And finally, I would consider this blade as one of his masterpieces in the same class as his gyutos.
I bought this knife about a couple of weeks ago and I love it. It is a knife that is comfortable in multiple grips and so much fun to use. Since I got the knife, it has been my go-to knife even though I have a fantastic Takeda gyuto 240, which I love, sitting in a drawer. The feel of this knife is fantastic with absolutely no wedging issues at all. For example, with carrots, which are one of the toughest veggies to cut, it just glides right through. I would highly recommend this blade to anyone who loves this profile. And finally, I would consider this blade as one of his masterpieces in the same class as his gyutos.
Product Review, May 4, 2013Posted By: teo - verified customer
I received my knife in record time and I thank Mark for a swift and efficient service. Shorter in length and depth compared to the takeda gyuto you might expect a difference in feel but I have to say that the bunka is just as fun to use as the takeda gyuto. I am so pleased I got this knife because when I used it,I smiled and said ...oh my God. This has already become my go-to even with a fantastic takeda gyuto 240 sitting in its saya. All I have to say is that this is a fantastic knife worth every penny and again, a masterpiece of a blade. ...Thin behind the edge with absolutely no wedging issues; ...alas, the joy, the speed and comfort...
I received my knife in record time and I thank Mark for a swift and efficient service. Shorter in length and depth compared to the takeda gyuto you might expect a difference in feel but I have to say that the bunka is just as fun to use as the takeda gyuto. I am so pleased I got this knife because when I used it,I smiled and said ...oh my God. This has already become my go-to even with a fantastic takeda gyuto 240 sitting in its saya. All I have to say is that this is a fantastic knife worth every penny and again, a masterpiece of a blade. ...Thin behind the edge with absolutely no wedging issues; ...alas, the joy, the speed and comfort...
Product Review, February 28, 2013Posted By: Mike from CA - verified customer
Amazing beautiful knife. I have several Japanese knives: Asai, Yoshikane, Zakuri -- and while they are all high quality knives, this Takeda is my favorite. I'd say it is the best of the best. The quality is obvious as you hold it in your hands and use it. It is light, yet very strong and very sharp. I will be buying more Takeda knives, no doubt.
Amazing beautiful knife. I have several Japanese knives: Asai, Yoshikane, Zakuri -- and while they are all high quality knives, this Takeda is my favorite. I'd say it is the best of the best. The quality is obvious as you hold it in your hands and use it. It is light, yet very strong and very sharp. I will be buying more Takeda knives, no doubt.
Product Review, February 12, 2013 Product Review, April 22, 2012 Product Review, October 9, 2011Posted By: Gregory - verified customer
I was a professional chef for about 10 years, now I'm just a hobby cook at home for myself and friends. I've owned and used many knives in my lifetime, and this knife is just an absolute joy to use. I think about it when I'm not at home. I miss it. I buy extra veggies at the store just to chop them up, it's so fun with this knife. It looks bad ass. Take good care of it (store it dry!) and it will bring you a lifetime of happiness. Bought at a wonderful knife boutique. It's not cheap, but worth every penny!
I was a professional chef for about 10 years, now I'm just a hobby cook at home for myself and friends. I've owned and used many knives in my lifetime, and this knife is just an absolute joy to use. I think about it when I'm not at home. I miss it. I buy extra veggies at the store just to chop them up, it's so fun with this knife. It looks bad ass. Take good care of it (store it dry!) and it will bring you a lifetime of happiness. Bought at a wonderful knife boutique. It's not cheap, but worth every penny!
Product Review, September 23, 2011 Product Review, September 3, 2011Posted By: Dustin - verified customer
This knife is really light, thin, and sharp. It feels just right in my hand. I am able to plow through everything I try to cut with it with ease. If something happened to it, I would have to buy another immediately. I love this knife. Worth every penny.
This knife is really light, thin, and sharp. It feels just right in my hand. I am able to plow through everything I try to cut with it with ease. If something happened to it, I would have to buy another immediately. I love this knife. Worth every penny.
Product Review, February 25, 2011Posted By: Dennis Pinto - verified customer
This is the knife that changed my perception of what a good knife really is. Its a funny looking thing compared to western knives but it does everything. I know what your thinking, here we go but it slices as good as a slicer, chops like a Nagari, bones as good as a Honesuki and is as nimble as a petty. I know because I have these other four knives mentioned. As much as I love my Moritaki AS knives, this Takeda is the most beautify and nimble knife I have. I went through 30 pounds of pork and 30 pounds of jowls last weekend making fermented sausages. Even though I was using a NSF plastic cutting board (generally considered hard on knives), this takeda would still slice paper into ribbons. It makes other sharp knives feel well, not sharp. The blade is so unique. It starts tapering about middle of the knife up to the spine, but is still only 2MM think, so very thin. Because of the steel its made of, the knife is also very stiff. I now have over 20 high-end knives (Mac, shun?), this Takeda is in a completely different class. It isn't cheap but if your serious about cooking, this knife will put a smile on your face with every use. Oh, the Kouruchi finish looks like it belongs in a museum. Call Mark, he is a pleasure to deal with, is very helpful and isn't a knife snob at all, after purchasing this Takeda Banno Bunka, now I'm a knife snob {GRIN}.
This is the knife that changed my perception of what a good knife really is. Its a funny looking thing compared to western knives but it does everything. I know what your thinking, here we go but it slices as good as a slicer, chops like a Nagari, bones as good as a Honesuki and is as nimble as a petty. I know because I have these other four knives mentioned. As much as I love my Moritaki AS knives, this Takeda is the most beautify and nimble knife I have. I went through 30 pounds of pork and 30 pounds of jowls last weekend making fermented sausages. Even though I was using a NSF plastic cutting board (generally considered hard on knives), this takeda would still slice paper into ribbons. It makes other sharp knives feel well, not sharp. The blade is so unique. It starts tapering about middle of the knife up to the spine, but is still only 2MM think, so very thin. Because of the steel its made of, the knife is also very stiff. I now have over 20 high-end knives (Mac, shun?), this Takeda is in a completely different class. It isn't cheap but if your serious about cooking, this knife will put a smile on your face with every use. Oh, the Kouruchi finish looks like it belongs in a museum. Call Mark, he is a pleasure to deal with, is very helpful and isn't a knife snob at all, after purchasing this Takeda Banno Bunka, now I'm a knife snob {GRIN}.
