Nakamura Hamono Curved Back Bunka Kitchen Knife 165mm in its open box

The 3 members of the Nakamura family in front of the Nakamura Hamono workshop's entrance

Nakamura Hamono Curved Back Bunka Kitchen Knife 165mm next to the free Amakusa red natural whetstone on a grey background

Nakamura Hamono craftsman hammering the blade

Hand holding a Nakamura Hamono Curved Back Bunka Kitchen Knife 165mm

Nakamura Hamono master artisan examining the thickness of a blade

Closeup of the blade of a Nakamura Hamono Curved Back Bunka Kitchen Knife 165mm with maker name engraved

Nakamura Hamono master artisan hammering a heating blade in his workshop

Closeup of the blade of a Nakamura Hamono Curved Back Bunka Kitchen Knife 165mm

Blade thickness of a Nakamura Hamono Curved Back Bunka Kitchen Knife 165mm

Closeup of the Amakusa Red Sharpening Stone included for free with the knife

Nakamura Hamono master artisan making a blade in the workshop and packaging it

Description

The Nakamura Hamono Curved Back Bunka Kitchen Knife 165mm is a handcrafted Japanese kitchen knife by Nakamura Hamono, a 120-year smithy in Oita, Japan. This double-bevel bunka knife is crafted with Aogami (Blue) No. 2 Steel. It has a kurouchi finish and is fitted with a sakura wood handle. The blade is engraved with the signature of the smithy.

Optional (Additional Fee): Blade Engraving (Up to 10 characters. Let us know the EXACT words you want in ROMAN ALPHABET OR JAPANESE through the LEAVE A NOTE WITH YOUR ORDER option!)

About the Blade Shape: A softer take on the classic bunka profile, curved-back bunka knives retain the sharp kiritsuke-style tip while introducing a gentle spine curve for improved balance and comfort. The flat-to-slightly-curved edge supports efficient chopping and slicing, while the angled tip remains ideal for detailed prep work. This bunka variation offers precision with a more fluid, approachable feel for everyday use.

Blade Shape	Curved Back Bunka	Handle Length	130mm
Blade Material	Aogami No2	Handle Material	Light Beige Sakura Wood
Blade HRC	61-63	Handle Shape	Oval
Blade Finish	Kurouchi	Total Length	310mm
Blade Length	165mm	Weight	140g
Spine Thickness at Heel	4mm	Usage	Multipurpose
Edge	Double-edge (50/50)	Origin	Oita, Japan
Handedness	Right hand, Left hand

Nakamura Hamono Curved Back Bunka Kitchen Knife 165mm

Name: Nakamura Hamono Curved Back Bunka Kitchen Knife 165mm
Rating: 5.00 (33 reviews)

by Nakamura Hamono

$174.49 - $185.49

$174.49

$174.49 - $185.49

$174.49

Quantity

Made in Japan

All products are crafted by real Japanese craftsmen with years of experience, as featured in our +1.7 million-subscriber YouTube Channel documentaries.

Free Whetstone

It includes a FREE Amakusa Red Whetstone for sharpening, as recommended by the artisan.

Optional (Additional Fee): Blade Engraving (Up to 10 characters. Let us know the EXACT words you want in ROMAN ALPHABET OR JAPANESE through the LEAVE A NOTE WITH YOUR ORDER option!)

Blade Shape	Curved Back Bunka	Handle Length	130mm
Blade Material	Aogami No2	Handle Material	Light Beige Sakura Wood
Blade HRC	61-63	Handle Shape	Oval
Blade Finish	Kurouchi	Total Length	310mm
Blade Length	165mm	Weight	140g
Spine Thickness at Heel	4mm	Usage	Multipurpose
Edge	Double-edge (50/50)	Origin	Oita, Japan
Handedness	Right hand, Left hand

Specifications

Blade Shape	Curved Back Bunka	Handle Length	130mm
Blade Material	Aogami No2	Handle Material	Light Beige Sakura Wood
Blade HRC	61-63	Handle Shape	Oval
Blade Finish	Kurouchi	Total Length	310mm
Blade Length	165mm	Weight	140g
Spine Thickness at Heel	4mm	Usage	Multipurpose
Edge	Double-edge (50/50)	Origin	Oita, Japan
Handedness	Right hand, Left hand

Free Whetstone Details

Amakusa Red Sharpening Stone (natural stone)
Grit: #500-#800
Size: 150 x 45 x 30mm*
Weight: 525 gr*

*This is a natural stone that comes directly from a quarry, so the size and weight of each stone may slightly vary.

Product Care Instructions

HOW TO USE?

Only cut food you can bite and chew with this knife since hard foods can chip the blade. Do not cut olive pits, bones, lobster shells, wood pieces or frozen food, which are especially bad due to the cold making hard steel more brittle.
Do not use the knife in twisting motions.
Use wood or plastic cutting boards to avoid dull knives. Do not use glass, granite or bamboo surfaces.

HOW TO CLEAN?

After each use, hand wash the knife with mild detergent and a soft sponge, rinse with hot water and dry by hand immediately. Do not use the dishwasher.
Wood handles may dry out over time and exposure to water. To prevent this, use some food safe mineral oil or beeswax.

HOW TO SHARPEN?

Use the FREE WHETSONE included with the knife for sharpening. It is recommended by Nakamura Hamono.
Remember to sharpen both sides evenly as this is a double-bevel knife.

HOW TO STORE?

Wrap the blade in newspaper to reduce direct exposure to the air and prevent rusting if you keep knives in a drawer or travel case.
If you are hanging the knife or using a knife stand, remember that the blade should point downwards.
If you are storing them in a drawer, keep the edge from touching anything else.

Shipping + Return Policy

Shipping Policy

All products are crafted, inspected, and shipped directly from Japan.

Please allow up to 5 business days for order processing before dispatch.

Click here for more info on our shipping policy.

Return Policy

We have a 30-day return policy, which means you have 30 days after receiving your item to request a return.

Please note: Made-to-order items, such as Bizen Osafune Swordsmith and Shirou Kunimitsu Tamahagane knives, as well as custom-engraved knives are non-refundable. All sales are final.

Click here for more info on our return policy.

Customs Fees & Other Taxes

Import duties, VAT, or local customs taxes may apply once your order reaches your country.

These are set by your local customs authority and are not included in our product prices or free shipping. We suggest contacting the responsible institutions to find more information.

These fees are the customer's responsibility and thus must be paid upon delivery.

FOR U.S. CUSTOMERS: As of May 8, 2026, all U.S. orders are shipped DDP (Delivered Duties Paid). Customs duties and import taxes are included for US customers in the final price shown at checkout.

EU GPSR & Safety Information

Manufacturer Information:

Company Name: Nakamura Hamono
Address: 1407 Sadanomi Nakatsu, Oita 879-0122

EU Responsible Person:

Company Name: TerrainQ Solutions UG
Address: Franz-Ehrlich-Straße 12 12489 Berlin, Germany
Phone: +4917643242825
Email: info@cert-rep.com

Product Information:

Product Type: Japanese Kitchen Knife
Intended Use: Food preparation and kitchen use only
Country of Origin: Japan

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Extremely sharp blade. Handle with care. Keep out of reach of children at all times. Do not use if the blade is chipped or the handle is cracked or loose. Inspect before use. Hand wash only — do not place in dishwasher. Use only on appropriate cutting surfaces. When sharpening, place on a stable surface atop a damp mat or cloth to prevent slippage and resulting injury during sharpening. Wash hands after sharpening.

About this artisan

Nakamura Hamono

Blacksmith Eiji Nakamura opened his workshop, Nakamura Hamono, in 1900 in Oita to provide the local community with practical tools for farming and daily life. Today, his 74-year-old grandson Tetsuyoshi Nakamura runs the shop, along with his son and fourth-generation blacksmith, Kozo Nakamura.

The two craftsmen keep to traditional crafting techniques while adapting to modern needs. They create kitchen knives, household cutlery, farming tools, and professional knives. Known for their uniquely creative yet affordable everyday knives made from fine steels, Nakamura Hamono blends practical functionality with a distinctly Japanese traditional artisan style.

The Nakamura family takes great pride in making strong and durable blades, using skills passed down through the generations. Their commitment to quality ensures every blade is made to last. Get one of their finely crafted blades and experience true Japanese craftsmanship.

Learn more

Watch Nakamura Hamono hand-forge knives following 120 years of tradition.

Why buy from us?

Japanese Food Craftsman focus on introducing and supporting Japanese artisans, helping them continue their craft and preserve traditional culture for future generations.

When you purchase through us, your support goes to the maker behind the knife, not to mass production or anonymous distribution.

Through our global +1.5 million YouTube community, we share the stories, techniques, and philosophy of these craftsmen with viewers around the world.

The knives we offer are selected through direct relationships and transparent storytelling, not catalogs. Choosing this knife means supporting real people, real skills, and craftsmanship meant to last.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Nakamura Hamono knives dishwasher safe?

No, Nakamura Hamono knives should not be washed in the dishwasher. To prevent damage to your knife and ensure it lasts you for years to come, please wash the knife by hand with a mild detergent and gentle sponge.

How should I care for my knife?

After each use, be sure to wash the knife by hand using a mild detergent and gentle sponge. Rinse clean and wipe with a soft dish towel until completely dry. Store in a dry place.

Will my Nakamura Hamono knife rust?

Nakamura Hamono knives are made of Aogami No.2 (Blue Steel #2), a type of carbon steel. Thus, they are prone to rust, so be sure to dry your knife completely before putting it away and to store in a dry place to prevent corrosion.

How much will shipping cost?

All prices include FREE international shipping. Please allow up to 5 weeks for shipping, depending on your country of residence. Please see our Shipping Policy for details.

Please note: Our products ship directly from Japan to you. You may be required to pay customs duties and/or customs clearance fees upon delivery (if applicable in your country).

FOR U.S. CUSTOMERS: As of May 8, 2026, all U.S. orders are shipped DDP (Delivered Duties Paid).Customs duties and import taxes are included for US customers in the final price shown at checkout.

How do I sharpen my Nakamura Hamono knife?

Caring for your Nakamura Hamono knife will make it last for decades. We recommend sharpening the blade following the instructions in the video below using your whetstone included FREE with your purchase.

KnifeOneDeliveryPurchaseQualityCommunicationCraftsmanshipThanksCraftmanshipFisherman

5 stars: 33 (100%)
4 stars: 0 (0%)
3 stars: 0 (0%)
2 stars: 0 (0%)
1 star: 0 (0%)

Light Beige Sakura Wood / With Custom Engraving

Super Messer

Herzlichen Dank für ihre sehr gute Arbeit. Ich erfreue mich jeden Tag an ihrem Messer. Es macht Spaß damit zu arbeiten.
Bald werde ich das nächste kaufen.
Ich freue mich dass ihre perfekte Organisation dafür gesorgt hat dass das Messer einen so weiten Weg bis in meine Hände gemacht hat.

Hallo Andreas, vielen Dank für Ihre wunderbare Rückmeldung! Es freut uns sehr, dass Sie so viel Freude an Ihrem Messer haben. Wir freuen uns schon auf Ihren nächsten Einkauf. Viel Freude beim Kochen! Beste Grüße, Ihr Japanese Food Craftsman Shop

Very unique knife.

It was really nice to watch the video of the knife being made. The curved shape seemed really special to me. The knife is exactly what I wanted. It is thin and light. Finally, I finished it off a bit to my own taste. I wish you continued good health and success in your business.

Dear Symon,

Thank you so much for your purchase and for your nice review! We are glad to hear that you're happy with it! We hope it serves you well for years to come!

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

Light Beige Sakura Wood / Without Custom Engraving

Nakamura Hamono is the absolute best!

I wasn't quite sure what to expect when ordering this knife. I had seen this Smithys name before, but never personally owned anything from him. I saw the price and figured I would try it out, it can't be too bad.
I was right! This is hands down one of my top favorite knives now. The craftmanship is amazing.. You can see the hand work that went into it, which is what I fell in love with Japanese knives for to begin with. I am so pleased I am about to order 2 more, and another to give away on my Youtube channel. Thank you Japanese Food Craftsmen for offering this knife and this maker, and thank you for the most amazingly packaged item and shipping it to me with such care!

Dear DroneShotFPV,

Thank you so much for your purchase and for your detailed review. We are thrilled to hear that you are satisfied with the product and especially that you appreciate the hard work and craftsmanship that went into it! Thank you once again for supporting Japanese craftsmen!

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

Light Beige Sakura Wood / Without Custom Engraving

Probably the best knife I've owned

Probably the best knife I've ever owned. It's incredibly sharp and holds its edge exceptionally well. At this price point, I don't think you'll find a better Bunka knife.
I've used Shun knives in the past and always considered them excellent, but this knife is on another level. The delivery was fast, hassle-free, and exceeded my expectations.
I'm so impressed that I'm already looking to complement it with a smaller utility knife. Highly recommended.

Hi Barthez, thank you so much for your glowing review! We're thrilled to hear you're enjoying the Nakamura Hamono Bunka knife and that it surpassed your expectations. We look forward to helping you find your next perfect knife. Please do reach out and let us know if you ever need anything - we're happy to help! Thank you for supporting Japanese craftsmanship!
Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

Light Beige Sakura Wood / With Custom Engraving

Tell them we love it!

We love our knife from Nakamura Hamono. So lightweight and laser cutting tool. It's art as much as functional.

Hi David, we're thrilled to hear you love your Nakamura Hamono knife! It's wonderful to know it feels both like art and a functional tool. Thanks for sharing your positive experience! Greetings from Japan, The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

Light Beige Sakura Wood / Without Custom Engraving

Sharpest Knife

This has to be one of the sharpest knives that I own.
Delivery was very fast to the UK.
In the hand this knife feels like it was custom made for me, the pitch grip point is very comfortable! I’m very happy with my purchase and feel honoured to own a knife from a true craftsman!

Thank you, Sir

Dear Steven Karl Busby,

Thank you so much for your positive review and for supporting Nakamura Hamono with your order! We are thrilled to hear you are happy with the knife, and will be proud to pass your positive feedback on to the craftsman. Thank you once again for supporting Japanese craftsmanship!

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

Light Beige Sakura Wood / With Custom Engraving

Excellent

I took two different knifes and both is amazing quality. Is arrive quick from Japan but I have to pay in Belgium the VAT and service fee. I'm so happy to have this diamonds. Thank you for the good services

Dear Krasimir Yovchev,

Thank you so much for supporting Nakamura Hamono with your purchase, and for your positive review! We hope your knives serve you well for years to come. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you ever have any questions or need any assistance.

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

Light Beige Sakura Wood / Without Custom Engraving

Nakamura Hamono Curved Back Bunka Kitchen Knife 165mm

Dear Sebastian Fleischhauer,

Thank you for your kind review and for supporting Nakamura Hamono! We hope you enjoy your knife for years to come!

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

Light Beige Sakura Wood / With Custom Engraving

Beautiful craftsmanship

Polite and good communikation. The knife is of very high quality!

Dear Marinka Stein Due Sørensen,

Thank you for your positive review and for supporting Japanese craftsmanship! We hope your knife serves you well for years to come!

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

Light Beige Sakura Wood / With Custom Engraving

Curved Back Bunka Kitchen Knife

Hello.

The order arrived without any problems or damage.
The knife is very good, maybe the engraving is a little too scattered.
The knife blade is very sharp, the layers of steel and iron are clearly visible.
The whole thing looks very raw, but this is the type of knife I was looking for.
I wanted to get a handmade knife, not a machine-made knife.
I can say that I am very pleased with the purchase.
Please convey my bows and thanks to the master blacksmith.

Adam

Dear Adam,
Thank you so much for your purchase and for your nice review! We are glad to hear that you are happy with your order and that you appreciate the craftsmanship and tradition that go into each and every piece. Of course a handcrafted knife is going to have a different aesthetic and overall feel than a mass-produced machine knife, including some degree of individual variation. Thank you once again for supporting Japanese craftsmen and their craft!

Light Beige Sakura Wood / Without Custom Engraving

Bunka knife

I have ordered this knife a month ago and it arrived quite fast, having in mind that it comes from the other side of the world and the state of our local postal services (Bulgaria). I speechless by the quality and craftsmanship of the knife I have received! It is now part of my big Japanese knives collection and I am really proud that it was actually handmade by a Japanese knife master and I was able to support the person directly! Thank you for the opportunity and the detailed information during the delivery process. I will recommend you to any person interested in purchasing Original handmade Japanese items.

Dear Mihail Markov,

Thank you so much for your purchase and for your nice review! We are glad to hear that you are happy with your order and that you appreciate the craftsmanship and tradition that go into your handmade piece! Thank you once again for supporting Japanese craftsmen.

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

Great knife!

Just got my Bunka this afternoon, and of course I had to give it a test drive. It cut through a 2 inch carrot like it wasn't there, and made dicing cuts with precision and ease. I also love the look of the knife. And I love that I'm able to buy a hand crafted knife from a man and his son who are carrying on such a tradition, and that it was made for me. Thanks so much!
~Keith

Dear Keith B.,

Thank you so much for your purchase and for your nice review! We are glad to hear that you are happy with your order and that you appreciate the craftsmanship and tradition that go into each and every piece. Thank you once again for supporting Nakamura Hamono!!

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

Light Beige Sakura Wood / Without Custom Engraving

Curved Back Bunka Kitchen Knife 165mm

Yulia Yanai,

Thank you so much for your positive review and for supporting Japanese craftsmen!

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

Excellent knife

After watching the YouTube video, I thought i would give this knife a try. So glad I did, a great, practical addition to my knife collection. Super sharp, well made and very efficiently posted to the UK. Bought another one for a present for someone.

Dear Shaun Kelly,

Thank you so much for your review and for supporting Japanese craftsmen! We are thrilled to hear you are pleased with your handcrafted knife! We hope the recipient of your present enjoys it as well!!

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

Light Beige Sakura Wood / Without Custom Engraving

Very satisfied
Having fun using it

Dear Ian Altamirano,
Thanks so much for the review, and happy to hear you are enjoying your knife!! We will let Nakamura Blacksmith know you are happy with your order, and we hope you'll have many chances to create delicious dishes with it.
Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

Light Beige Sakura Wood / Without Custom Engraving

Hand made knife

Incredibly sharp.

Dear Kenneth Gordon,

Thank you so much for your purchase and for your nice review! We are glad to hear that you're happy with your knife!

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

Light Beige Sakura Wood / Without Custom Engraving

Amazing

I am hounoured, the knife is beautiful, excellent, well crafted, precise and has a faire price.
Thank you very much for the Team of Japanese
Food Craftsmen and special thank you for Nakamura San.
Thank you, I will definetly Order more in the Future.

Dear Lu,

Thanks so much for the review, and we are so happy to hear you are enjoying your knife!! We will let Nakamura Blacksmith know you are happy with it. We hope it serves you well for years to come! Thank you once again for supporting Japanese craftsmen.

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

Excellent curved back Bunka

Witnessing the forging of a curved-back Bunka knife was an exceptional experience. Holding one in my hand is an even more gratifying endeavor. I possess a collection of Japanese knives, of traditional designs, but the Bunka knife holds a special place in my heart. The Nakamura Hamono Bunka knife stands out for its exceptional thinness, balance, and sharp edge retention. It excels in slicing vegetables with remarkable precision. I acquired the one with a blackened Chestnut Ma handle, which provides exceptional control. The price of this knife is remarkably affordable, as I have Bunka knives that are four times more expensive and are not that much better.

Dear Kenneth,

Thank you for your review and for supporting Japanese craftsmen! We are thrilled to hear that you are satisfied with the quality and performance of your bunka knife, as will Nakamura Hamono. We hope you will enjoy it for many years to come.

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

Curved Bunka Knife

My wife and I really love our first Japanese knife. Well-made with good balance and ultra-sharp. We look forward to trying more of the other knives from this manufacturer. Thanks also to good communication and timely update from Mari.

Dear Edwin Herrera

Thank you so much for your purchase and for your nice review! We are glad to hear that you're happy with it! We look forward to helping you again in the future! Thanks once again for your support.

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

Nice finishing, Good Quality 👍

Light Beige Sakura Wood / Without Custom Engraving

Top Knife

The handcrafted Knife is a dream and can't be beaten.

Super sharp and top workmanship

Dear Hans Ueli,

Thank you so much for your positive review and for supporting Japanese craftsmen! We hope you enjoy it for many years to come!

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

Light Beige Sakura Wood / Without Custom Engraving

Curved Back Bunka

Absolutely love this knife. For a few years I wanted to own a knife that had been made by hand, now I have one. It cuts amazingly well and is probably the most respected knife I have. I'm not looking forward to sharpening it as I don't think I'll do such a good job as it is now. From purchase through to delivery, I am very happy.

Dear Ben,

Thanks so much for the review, and happy to hear you are enjoying your knife! We hope you are not too intimidated by the sharpening process by now, but in case it helps, please feel free to refer to the instructions included in your purchase, or to the following YouTube video: https://youtu.be/t-OzjOaqMPM?si=0jFvnB4Q2-DvB0Ih

Thanks once again for supporting Japanese craftsmen!

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

Handcrafted knife

Happy with my purchase
Fast delivery

Dear Robert Munteanu,

Thank you so much for your purchase and for your nice review! We are glad to hear that you're happy with it! May it serve you well for years to come.

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

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Description

Nakamura Hamono Curved Back Bunka Kitchen Knife 165mm

Shipping Policy

Return Policy

About this artisan

Nakamura Hamono

Watch Nakamura Hamono hand-forge knives following 120 years of tradition.

Why buy from us?

Frequently Asked Questions

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