Shizu Gen VG10 Damascus Bunka 190mm – Kurouchi Tsuchime – D-Shape Pakka Wood Handle

The Shizu Gen VG10 Damascus Bunka 190mm is a bold, highly versatile Japanese kitchen knife with more blade length than the typical Bunka. Combining a distinctive K-tip, VG10 Damascus steel and a contrasting Kurouchi Tsuchime finish, it offers the precision of a Bunka with enough size to take on many of the jobs normally handled by a Gyuto.

A Larger Bunka with Extra Versatility

At 190mm, this is not a small Bunka. The additional length gives you more cutting edge for larger vegetables, meat and fish while retaining the control and distinctive geometry that make the Bunka so popular.

Its relatively flat cutting profile works particularly well for push cutting and chopping, while the taller blade provides comfortable knuckle clearance during vegetable preparation.

The defining feature is the K-tip. Its acute point gives excellent visibility and precision for trimming, scoring, portioning and detailed cuts, adding another level of versatility to an already capable all-purpose knife.

VG10 Damascus Stainless Steel

The blade uses a VG10 stainless steel core with Damascus layering visible towards the cutting edge. VG10 is a proven choice for Japanese kitchen knives, offering excellent sharpness, good edge retention and corrosion resistance.

For everyday cooking, this provides a practical balance between high cutting performance and straightforward maintenance.

Kurouchi, Tsuchime & Damascus

Three different visual elements give the Shizu Gen Bunka its distinctive appearance.

The upper blade carries a dark Kurouchi finish, complemented by the irregular texture of the hammered Tsuchime surface. Moving towards the cutting edge, the lighter steel reveals the flowing Damascus pattern, creating a strong contrast across the blade.

It is a particularly striking combination and gives this knife a unique design without relying on an overly decorative finish.

D-Shape Pakka Wood Handle

The Japanese-style D-shaped Pakka wood handle keeps the overall construction light and responsive. This works especially well with the longer 190mm blade, helping maintain control around the tip and during rapid board work.

Its dark wood grain and black ferrule also pair naturally with the darker Kurouchi section of the blade.

Who Is This Bunka For?

The 190mm Bunka is an interesting option for someone choosing between a Santoku and a Gyuto. It offers more reach than most Santoku knives while maintaining a flatter cutting profile and a much more precise tip.

It is particularly suited to cooks who enjoy vegetable preparation but still want one knife capable of comfortably handling meat, fish, herbs, fruit and general everyday prep.

Specifications

• Brand: Shizu
• Series: Gen
• Knife Type: Bunka / Japanese Multipurpose Knife
• Blade Length: 190mm
• Core Steel: VG10 Stainless Steel
• Blade: Damascus
• Finish: Kurouchi / Tsuchime
• Blade Profile: K-Tip
• Handle: Pakka Wood
• Handle Shape: D-Shape
• Handle Style: Japanese
• Stainless: Yes

The Shizu Gen VG10 Damascus Bunka 190mm is a compelling choice for anyone searching for a Japanese Bunka knife in Malta with the versatility to serve as a primary kitchen knife. Its unusual 190mm size provides additional reach, while the K-tip retains the precision that defines the Bunka profile.

With its combination of VG10 Damascus, Kurouchi, hammered Tsuchime and dark Pakka wood, it is both a serious everyday cutting tool and a unique, gift-ready Japanese knife.