Shibata Koutetsu SG2 Migaki 180mm Bunka
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Eligible US purchases include 180-day returns and a free prepaid return label.
Free US shipping over $99. Orders are normally fulfilled within 2 business days; UPS Ground transit is typically 1–5 business days. Custom work may add 1–2 business days.
Every order is fully insured. If a package is lost or damaged, contact us and we will handle the claim.
Overview
The Shibata Koutetsu SG2 Migaki 180mm Bunka is a lightweight, high-performance Japanese kitchen knife built for cooks who want laser-like cutting feel without the maintenance demands of carbon steel. Made from SG2 powdered stainless steel with stainless cladding, this bunka is known for excellent edge retention, clean food release, and a thin, aggressive profile that moves through vegetables, herbs, boneless proteins, and everyday prep with very little resistance. The migaki finish keeps the look clean and refined, while the reverse tanto-style bunka tip adds extra precision for detail work.
This knife is especially appealing for users who want elite cutting performance in a compact format. A bunka combines the versatility of a santoku with a more pointed tip, so it feels nimble on the board while still giving you enough edge length for serious prep. Shibata’s Koutetsu line is famous for its thin geometry and crisp cutting feel, making this a strong choice for experienced home cooks, enthusiasts, and professionals who appreciate a true laser.
Specifications
- Maker: Shibata Takayuki
- Region: Hiroshima, Japan
- Knife Type: Bunka
- Core Steel: SG2 / R2 powdered stainless steel
- Cladding Type: Stainless clad
- Finish: Migaki
- Blade Length: 181.5mm
- Overall Length: 324mm
- Height at Heel: 51.1mm
- Spine Thickness (Heel): 2mm
- Spine Thickness (Middle): 2mm
- Spine Thickness (Behind Tip): 0.51mm
- Weight: 135g
- Handle Material: Rosewood octagonal handle
- Hardness (HRC): 62-63
- Bevel: Double bevel
Measurement Note: The dimensions above were measured by Tokushu Knife staff on April 4, 2026. Handmade knives may vary slightly from knife to knife.
Common Questions
Q: What is this knife best used for?
A: This 180mm bunka is an excellent all-purpose prep knife for vegetables, herbs, fruits, boneless meats, and proteins. Its tall blade gives useful knuckle clearance, while the pointed bunka tip helps with precision cuts, trimming, and detail work.
Q: Is the Shibata Koutetsu SG2 Bunka suitable for home cooks?
A: Yes, especially for home cooks who want a premium Japanese knife that holds an edge for a long time and offers very high cutting performance. SG2 stainless steel is easier to care for than reactive carbon steel, but this knife is still thin and hard, so it should be used with proper technique and on a knife-friendly cutting surface.
Q: How do I care for this knife?
A: Hand wash only, dry it after use, and avoid frozen foods, bones, hard squash, or twisting cuts. A soft wood or Hasegawa Pro Cutting Board helps protect the edge. For ongoing maintenance, light stropping on a leather strop can help keep the edge lively between sharpenings, and when it is time for a full edge refresh, proper whetstone sharpening is recommended.
Shipping, returns and order protection
US shipping: Free on orders over $99. Orders are normally fulfilled within 2 business days, and UPS Ground transit is typically 1–5 business days after fulfillment. Custom handle installation or sharpening may add 1–2 business days.
Returns: Eligible purchases may be returned within 180 days with a free prepaid return label. Knives sharpened by Tokushu Knife or fitted with a custom handle remain eligible if they are otherwise new, unused, undamaged, and returned in their original packaging with all included components. The same refund terms apply.
Order protection: Every order is insured. If a package is lost or damaged, contact us at Tony@TokushuKnife.com and we will handle the claim.
Outside the US: Supported international orders from TokushuKnife.com typically ship via FedEx Delivered Duty Paid (DDP). Tokushu Knife pays all applicable import duties and taxes on the customer's behalf. Customers are not responsible for paying duties or taxes. Available destinations, shipping charges and delivery estimates are shown at checkout. Customers may also shop at TokushuKnife.eu for regional inventory and options.
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Steel, Construction and Care
Our catalog includes stainless, semi-stainless and carbon steels selected for edge performance and durability. Carbon steels may develop a patina, while stainless steels are designed to resist discoloration. Follow the care guidance on each product page, hand wash only and dry the knife promptly after use.
