Hokiyama Bunka Ginsanko 170mm (6.7″) – BLADE

Hokiyama Bunka Ginsanko 170mm (6.7″) is a multi-purpose Japanese kitchen knife, suitable for use at home, as well as in a professional kitchen. Due to its resistance to corrosion, it is suitable for first-time buyers of a Japanese kitchen knife. It can also serve as a wonderful gift!

This blade is available without a handle. Now is your chance to make your own handle or order it separately, so you can put together a one-of-a-kind knife that is perfectly suited to your taste and needs.

BLADE SHAPE:
Bunka is a go-to blade for everyday cooking. The flat heel is perfect for chopping, the pointed tip handles precision tasks, and the curved belly makes rocking cuts easy. Great for meat, fish, and veggies. Want to dive deeper? Read our guide to Japanese bunka knives.

STEEL:
The heart of this knife is made of Hitachi’s Silver III steel, also named Ginsan steel or Ginsanko, which was hardened to around 63 HRC. Due to its high content of Chromium (Cr), Ginsan steel will resist corrosion very well.

GEOMETRY:
It has a double bevel (symmetrical) blade.

LAMINATION:
Along the bottom of the blade, you’ll notice a distinct wavy line—this marks the boundary between the hard core steel and the softer outer layers. This three-layer structure, known as san-mai, adds strength and protects the core. It’s a hallmark of quality in most Japanese knives today.

BLADE FINISH:
The top of the blade features unique hand-forged hammer marks and a beautiful nashiji finish, resembling Asian pear skin. This textured finish helps prevent food from sticking while cutting, with a smooth kasumi line separating it from the sharp edge.

BLACKSMITH:
Hokiyama Hamono is a leading smithy in Kochi Prefecture, Japan. They have been making Japanese knives for more than the past 100 years (they were founded in 1919).