Touroku Sakai CroMoV Sanshi Bunka 180mm

Taka Kitano leads Touroku Sakai, continuing a three-generation family legacy while bringing together the work of skilled Japanese knife craftsmen. The CroMoV Sanshi Series combines practical stainless steel performance with lightweight wa-handle construction and a distinctive Japanese purple lacquer finish.

The 180mm Bunka is an exceptionally versatile all-purpose knife, combining a relatively flat cutting profile with an angled K-tip that provides considerably more precision than its broad blade might suggest.

Its flatter edge works naturally with push cutting, chopping, and controlled slicing, while the pointed K-tip excels at trimming, scoring, detail work, and precise tip cuts. At 180mm, the blade provides enough length for substantial everyday prep while remaining compact and highly maneuverable on the cutting board.

Made from CroMoV stainless steel and hardened to approximately 59 HRC, the mono-steel blade balances corrosion resistance, edge retention, toughness, and ease of sharpening. A full-flat grind creates efficient cutting geometry that moves cleanly through vegetables and proteins while maintaining enough structure for confident everyday use.

That combination makes the Bunka a compelling alternative to both a Santoku and a traditional chef knife. It is equally comfortable working through vegetables, proteins, herbs, fruit, and general kitchen prep, but its K-tip adds another level of precision when finer knife work is required.

The blade receives a clean Migaki medium-polish finish and is fitted with an octagonal mono-oak Japanese wa handle finished in Sanshi purple lacquer. Lightweight and responsive, the handle keeps the knife nimble during longer prep sessions.

For cooks who want one compact Japanese knife capable of handling the majority of everyday prep while offering exceptional tip control, the Touroku Sakai CroMoV Sanshi Bunka is an excellent daily workhorse.