Zakuri AS Kurouchi Bunka 165mm
Tax excluded. Free US shipping on orders over $99.
180-day returns on eligible unused items. Free prepaid label. Return details.
Free US standard shipping over $99. Normally fulfilled within 2 business days. Delivery details.
Every order insured. We handle shipping claims.
Overview
The Zakuri AS Kurouchi Bunka 165mm is a compact, tall-profile Japanese all-rounder forged in Tosa from Aogami Super (AS) carbon steel and clad in soft iron with a traditional kurouchi (forged black) finish. Its kiritsuke-style tip excels at precise tip work while the long flat spot powers through push cuts and chopping. This is a light, lively bunka that rewards good technique with laser-like performance and satisfying bite.
AS steel is renowned for taking a screaming-sharp edge and holding it. The iron cladding and kurouchi finish keep weight down and add rustic character—expect a protective patina to develop with use. A comfortable walnut wa handle keeps the balance point forward for confident, agile control on herbs, onions, garlic, proteins, and fruit. With iron cladding it is important to wipe the knife dry when not in your hand to prevent corrosion.
Common Questions
Q: Is this knife suitable for home cooks or only pros?
A: Both. The 165mm length is easy to handle in small kitchens, while the AS core delivers pro-level sharpness and edge life. If you’re upgrading from a santoku, this bunka adds a pointier tip for finer detail work.
Q: Will it rust?
A: The core and cladding are carbon steel, so wipe dry after use. Apply a light coat of tsubaki (camellia) oil to prevent rust between sessions.
Q: How should I maintain the edge?
A: Touch up on a finishing stone and keep it keen with a few strokes on our Tokushu leather strop. Want a pro tune-up out of the box? Use our sharpening service.
Q: What cutting board should I use?
A: Softer boards are best for carbon steel. We recommend the Hasegawa Pro for edge longevity and hygiene.
Specifications
- Core Steel: Aogami Super (AS) carbon steel
- Cladding Type: Soft iron (san-mai) with kurouchi finish
- Blade Length: 165mm (edge commonly measures ~170mm)
- Overall Length: ~310mm
- Spine Thickness (Heel): ~3.2mm
- Spine Thickness (Mid): ~1.8mm
- Weight: 115g
- Handle Material: Chestnut with plastic Ferrule
- Hardness (HRC): ~63
- Grind: Double bevel (50/50)
- Origin: Tosa, Japan
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.
