{"product_id":"zakuri-as-kurouchi-bunka-180mm","title":"Zakuri AS Kurouchi Bunka 180mm","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOverview\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Zakuri AS Kurouchi Bunka 180mm is a compact, do-everything Japanese kitchen knife forged in Tosa, Japan by the Zakuri blacksmiths’ co-op. It pairs a hard-wearing \u003cem\u003eAogami Super (AS)\u003c\/em\u003e carbon-steel core with tough iron cladding in a traditional kurouchi (black) finish for extra bite, food release, and easy maintenance. The K-tip “bunka” profile excels at precise tip work, straight-line push cuts, and confident chopping on vegetables and proteins alike. If you want a nimble daily driver with serious edge life and classic Tosa character, this is it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSteel \u0026amp; build, in plain English:\u003c\/strong\u003e AS (Aogami Super) is a premium high-carbon steel prized for taking a screaming-sharp edge and holding it. The kurouchi iron cladding protects most of the blade from reactivity while keeping the core’s cutting performance front and center. Expect fast, clean cuts, crisp feedback on the board, and a patina that tells the story of your cooking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ:\u003c\/strong\u003e Is this knife suitable for home cooks?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA:\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely. The 180mm length is approachable in small kitchens yet long enough for full-size tasks. The K-tip helps with shallots, garlic, and detail work, while the flatter edge cruises through veggies with push cuts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ:\u003c\/strong\u003e How do I care for a carbon-steel knife?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA:\u003c\/strong\u003e Wash by hand, dry immediately, and wipe a drop of blade oil on before storage. We recommend \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/tokushuknife.com\/products\/100-pure-tsubaki-japanese-knife-maintenance-camellia-oil-3-4-oz\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eTsubaki (camellia) oil\u003c\/a\u003e. For edge touch-ups between full sharpenings, a few light passes on our \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/tokushuknife.com\/products\/leather-strop-tokushu-knife-premium-xl-buffalo-strop\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eTokushu XL Buffalo Leather Strop\u003c\/a\u003e work wonders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ:\u003c\/strong\u003e Do you offer sharpening or setup?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes—choose our in-house \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/tokushuknife.com\/products\/knife-sharpening-service\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKnife Sharpening Service\u003c\/a\u003e at checkout for dialed-in performance right out of the box.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ:\u003c\/strong\u003e What cutting board should I use?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA:\u003c\/strong\u003e Avoid glass\/stone. A quality soft board extends edge life—our pick is the \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/tokushuknife.com\/collections\/hasegawa-cutting-board\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eHasegawa Pro\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCore Steel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Aogami Super (AS) high-carbon steel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCladding Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Iron clad with kurouchi finish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBlade Length:\u003c\/strong\u003e 180mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOverall Length:\u003c\/strong\u003e 325mm \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpine Thickness (Heel):\u003c\/strong\u003e 3.0mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 138g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHandle Material:\u003c\/strong\u003e Chestnut with plastic collar\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardness (HRC):\u003c\/strong\u003e 63 HRC \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tosa, Japan; Zakuri co-op\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- Competitor Price List \u0026 Tokushu Price Recommendation --\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eUse \u0026amp; Care Tips\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHand wash only, dry immediately, and store with a thin coat of \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/tokushuknife.com\/products\/100-pure-tsubaki-japanese-knife-maintenance-camellia-oil-3-4-oz\" target=\"_blank\"\u003etsubaki oil\u003c\/a\u003e. Touch up on a \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/tokushuknife.com\/products\/leather-strop-tokushu-knife-premium-xl-buffalo-strop\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eleather strop\u003c\/a\u003e between full stone sessions. Avoid bones, frozen foods, and twisting cuts. Pair with a \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/tokushuknife.com\/collections\/hasegawa-cutting-board\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eHasegawa Pro board\u003c\/a\u003e to maximize edge life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- SEO-friendly Quick Answers (for voice \u0026 chat search) --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ:\u003c\/strong\u003e What makes Aogami Super special?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA:\u003c\/strong\u003e It takes a very fine edge and holds it longer than most carbons while resisting chipping when treated properly—great daily performance with proper care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ:\u003c\/strong\u003e Is the finish stainless?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA:\u003c\/strong\u003e The kurouchi cladding helps resist rust, but the exposed AS edge is carbon steel—keep it dry and oiled for best results.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e","brand":"Shibata","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45771027382496,"sku":null,"price":159.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0602\/6720\/0736\/files\/zakuri-as-kurouchi-bunka-180mm-2.jpg?v=1777745751","url":"https:\/\/tokushuknife.com\/products\/zakuri-as-kurouchi-bunka-180mm","provider":"Tokushu Knife","version":"1.0","type":"link"}