The Tsuchime bunka is one of the most striking knives in the TSUBAKI lineup. At 177mm blade length and 51mm tall it is a serious, imposing blade that combines the angled bunka tip with real blade height, and the hammered iron kurouchi surface that Miyazaki-san applies to this sub-line gives it a rustic, handcrafted look that stands apart from any Damascus or nashiji treatment.
Miyazaki-san works from a one-person forge on a small island off the southern coast of Japan, close to Nagasaki. Right across the street from his workshop is a beautiful marsh where his father grows long reeds used for making traditional thatched roofs on local buildings. It is an unusual setting for a blacksmith making knives that have found serious admirers internationally, and that contrast seems to suit him fine. The Tsuchime finish here is a hammered surface applied to the outer iron cladding, which remains fully reactive and patinas alongside the Blue #2 core. The oak octagonal handle suits the rugged aesthetic perfectly.
What Customers Are Saying: One owner with a large collection calls this probably one of their favorite knives out of everything they own. They describe the kurouchi finish as super rustic and note they forced a patina with citrus juice and lard that cleaned things up beautifully. The tall profile works especially well for bigger hands, and edge retention is described as good enough that this knife stays sharp through real use. The honest note: sharpen or use the CKTG sharpening service before relying on the factory edge, and keep it dry since the reactive cladding patinas fast.
Care Instructions: Blue #2 is a reactive carbon steel, so wipe and dry the blade immediately after use rather than letting it sit. Avoid leaving acidic foods against the blade for any length of time, and apply a light coat of camellia oil for longer term storage. Hand wash only.
Miyazaki-san works from a one-person forge on a small island off the southern coast of Japan, close to Nagasaki. Right across the street from his workshop is a beautiful marsh where his father grows long reeds used for making traditional thatched roofs on local buildings. It is an unusual setting for a blacksmith making knives that have found serious admirers internationally, and that contrast seems to suit him fine. The Tsuchime finish here is a hammered surface applied to the outer iron cladding, which remains fully reactive and patinas alongside the Blue #2 core. The oak octagonal handle suits the rugged aesthetic perfectly.
What Customers Are Saying: One owner with a large collection calls this probably one of their favorite knives out of everything they own. They describe the kurouchi finish as super rustic and note they forced a patina with citrus juice and lard that cleaned things up beautifully. The tall profile works especially well for bigger hands, and edge retention is described as good enough that this knife stays sharp through real use. The honest note: sharpen or use the CKTG sharpening service before relying on the factory edge, and keep it dry since the reactive cladding patinas fast.
Care Instructions: Blue #2 is a reactive carbon steel, so wipe and dry the blade immediately after use rather than letting it sit. Avoid leaving acidic foods against the blade for any length of time, and apply a light coat of camellia oil for longer term storage. Hand wash only.
- Brand: TSUBAKI
- Blacksmith: Miyazaki-san
- Line: Tsuchime
- Location: Nagasaki, Japan
- Construction: San Mai, Hammer Forged
- Edge Steel: Blue #2 Carbon Steel
- Cladding: Hammered Iron, Kurouchi (Reactive)
- Handle: Oak Octagonal
- Weight: 7.2 oz (206 g)
- Blade Length: 177 mm
- Total Length: 330 mm
- Spine Thickness at Heel: 4 mm
- Blade Height: 51 mm
Reviews
2 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval)
Tsubaki, September 20, 2025Posted By: Guy-Am-I
Probably one of my favorite knives out of all that I own. Comes with a super rustic kurouchi finish that I took off with some citrus juice and cleaned up with lard. Very tall profile, which I enjoy because my hands are big. I recommend either sharpening it or getting the service from those site. Patina happens very quickly, so keep this one dry.
Probably one of my favorite knives out of all that I own. Comes with a super rustic kurouchi finish that I took off with some citrus juice and cleaned up with lard. Very tall profile, which I enjoy because my hands are big. I recommend either sharpening it or getting the service from those site. Patina happens very quickly, so keep this one dry.
Miyazaki Tsubaki Bunka 170Posted By: Bill B
37 people found this review helpful
This knife was a very impresive suprise that I bought on Mark’s recommendation. As a home chef with lots of larger 210 and 240 gyutos I have recently choosing bunka’s as a versatile do it all prep knife for home use meals for 2. . I have a few other 165-185 bunkas but this Tsubaki is unique and has become my go to blade. Out of the box it’s a hefty weight Bunka @ 202 grams . The excellent grind on the tall 50+mm. blade reminds me of my Shigafusa Nakiri , moderately thick @ the spine and tapers to wicked laser edge , nicely convexed grind for good food release and no wedging . This blade is hand forged by Miyazaki and has a lightly hammered very well done and durable kurouchi finish . The B2 blade was very sharp out of the box and quickly took on the classic Blue steel patina . Miyazaki grinds his bunkas with a unique and very sharp tip which is great for draw and push cuts . Definitely a keeper
37 people found this review helpful
This knife was a very impresive suprise that I bought on Mark’s recommendation. As a home chef with lots of larger 210 and 240 gyutos I have recently choosing bunka’s as a versatile do it all prep knife for home use meals for 2. . I have a few other 165-185 bunkas but this Tsubaki is unique and has become my go to blade. Out of the box it’s a hefty weight Bunka @ 202 grams . The excellent grind on the tall 50+mm. blade reminds me of my Shigafusa Nakiri , moderately thick @ the spine and tapers to wicked laser edge , nicely convexed grind for good food release and no wedging . This blade is hand forged by Miyazaki and has a lightly hammered very well done and durable kurouchi finish . The B2 blade was very sharp out of the box and quickly took on the classic Blue steel patina . Miyazaki grinds his bunkas with a unique and very sharp tip which is great for draw and push cuts . Definitely a keeper
