Nakamura Hamono Bunka Kitchen Knife 180mm in its open box

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

Nakamura Hamono Bunka Kitchen Knife 180mm next to the free Amakusa red natural whetstone on a grey background

Nakamura Hamono craftsman hammering the blade

Hand holding a Nakamura Hamono Bunka Kitchen Knife 180mm

Nakamura Hamono master artisan examining the thickness of a blade

Closeup of the blade of a Nakamura Hamono Bunka Kitchen Knife 180mm with maker name engraved

Nakamura Hamono master artisan hammering a heating blade in his workshop

Closeup of the blade of a Nakamura Hamono Bunka Kitchen Knife 180mm

Blade thickness of a Nakamura Hamono Bunka Kitchen Knife 180mm

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 Bunka Kitchen Knife 180mm 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 compact, versatile knife known for its distinctive kiritsuke-style tip, bunka knives are well suited for precise vegetable work and detailed prep. The flat edge profile supports clean chopping, while the sharp angled tip excels at scoring and fine cuts. Typically double-edged and measuring between 165mm and 180mm, the bunka offers excellent control and efficiency for everyday kitchen tasks.

Blade Shape	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	320mm
Blade Length	180mm	Weight	140g
Spine Thickness at Heel	2.3mm	Usage	Multipurpose
Edge	Double-edge (50/50)	Origin	Oita, Japan
Handedness	Right hand, Left hand

Nakamura Hamono Bunka Kitchen Knife 180mm

Name: Nakamura Hamono Bunka Kitchen Knife 180mm
Rating: 4.96 (46 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 Japanese craftsmen, as featured in our +1.5 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	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	320mm
Blade Length	180mm	Weight	140g
Spine Thickness at Heel	2.3mm	Usage	Multipurpose
Edge	Double-edge (50/50)	Origin	Oita, Japan
Handedness	Right hand, Left hand

Specifications

Blade Shape	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	320mm
Blade Length	180mm	Weight	140g
Spine Thickness at Heel	2.3mm	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.

KnifeCraftsmanCraftsmanshipBladeDeliveryFamilyQualityThanksToolNakamura hamono

5 stars: 44 (96%)
4 stars: 2 (4%)
3 stars: 0 (0%)
2 stars: 0 (0%)
1 star: 0 (0%)

Fantastic knife and rapid delivery.

Ive just received mine. Lovely piece of art work with a totally practical function: Looked after, I'll never need to buy another 7" knife. Beautifully finished. I'm going to buy a meat paring knife and a larger 210 mil Principal knife. It's all I'll ever need, possibly a bread knife. I'll be able to ditch my knife Block and cheap knives..

Hi Stuart, we're thrilled to hear you love the Nakamura Hamono Bunka Kitchen Knife! It’s wonderful to know it has become a practical and beautiful addition to your kitchen. We look forward to serving you again in the future! Thanks for sharing your experience!
Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

Straight Bunka dark brown chestnut

Japan to Florida in 13 business days. Packaged very well to ensure no shipping damage, love the uniqueness of the handcrafted blade, extremely sharp and thin edge. Great value for my first traditional Japanese blade. Love supporting businesses that pride in tradition over using technology/automated machines to produce products.

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. Thank you once again for supporting Japanese craftsmen!

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

Light Beige Sakura Wood / Without Custom Engraving

Satisfactory Experience

Very well crafted knife. Hope to use it for a long time. Thanks for the seamless purchasing experience.

Hi Durbar Mukherjee, thank you for your kind words! We're delighted to hear you're pleased with the Nakamura Hamono Bunka Kitchen Knife. Wishing you many enjoyable cooking experiences ahead. Greetings from Japan, The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

Light Beige Sakura Wood / Without Custom Engraving

It's great knife

It's great knife... 🫡

Hi there! We're thrilled to hear you love the Nakamura Hamono Bunka Kitchen Knife. Thank you for your wonderful feedback!

Greetings from Japan, The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

Light Beige Sakura Wood / Without Custom Engraving

Good price, good knife, I need to use it more but

Good price, good knife, I need to use it more but good stuff! Happy! Good customer service too!

Hi Jackfruit, we're thrilled to hear you're happy with your Nakamura Hamono Bunka Knife! We hope it serves you well in your kitchen. Thanks for your kind words and support! Greetings from Japan, The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

Light Beige Sakura Wood / Without Custom Engraving

Amazing knife

Amazing knife to cut with. Glides effortlessly through food and does not get stuck at all. Is beautiful and thin behind the edge. Will buy another knife from this craftsmen. No complains at all with the product nor the customer service. Totally worth it

Dear Julian,

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 that goes into each and every piece. Thank you once again for supporting Japanese craftsmen, and Nakamura Hamono in particular! We look forward to helping you again in the future.

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

Light Beige Sakura Wood / Without Custom Engraving

Only tool I need in a kitchen

I must say that all the hype was real, the Japanese craftsmanship is superb. All those years of tradition is actually possible to feel in your hand, as a Knife glides through anything with ease.
Very happy with my purchase, and now I am set for years.

Dear Andrej,
Thanks so much for the review, and happy to hear you are enjoying your knife!! We will let Nakamura Hamono 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 / With Custom Engraving

Wunderschönes Messer

Meine Bestellung ist super verpackt und sehr zeitnah angekommen und ich bin ss sehr zufrieden und begeistert.ich habe die Videos der Familie auf YouTube gesehen und war so begeistert von der Arbeit dieser wunderbaren Menschen, die dieses tolle Messer hergestellt haben.Es ist noch viel schöner und noch viel schärfer,als ich es mir vorgestellt hatte.Ich bin so begeistert, dass ich mir in absehbarer Zeit noch das Gemüsemesser dazubestellen werde.Ich werde das Messer in Ehren halten und sende liebe Grüße an die wunderbare Familie die es mir ermöglicht haben solch ein tolles Messer besitzen zu dürfen.

Lieber Thomas Haase,

Vielen Dank für Ihre Bewertung und dafür, dass Sie Nakamura Hamono mit Ihrem Kauf unterstützen! Wir freuen uns sehr, dass Ihnen dieses einzigartige Messer gefällt, und hoffen, dass Sie noch viele Jahre Freude daran haben werden. Wir leiten Ihr positives Feedback gerne an Nakamura Hamono weiter. Wir freuen uns darauf, Sie in Zukunft wieder bedienen zu dürfen!

Grüße aus Japan,
das Team von Japanese Food Craftsman

Light Beige Sakura Wood / Without Custom Engraving

Tolles Messer👍😊

Hallo echt gut 👍 das Messer.

Lieber Thomas Blaha,
Vielen Dank für Ihre Bestellung und dafür, dass Sie japanische Handwerkskunst unterstützen!
Mit freundlichen Grüßen aus Japan,
das Team von Japanese Food Craftsman

Amazing knife, excellent customer service. An honor to have this in my home

Bonjour je suis surpris de la facture vous

Bonjour je suis surpris de la facture vous dites que le transport est gratuit mais vous oubliez qu’il faut payer la douane et la facture est difficile à digérer 46 euros. Je suis satisfait du couteau mais pas de la facture.

Mahieu,

Merci d'avoir soutenu Nakamura Hamono en passant commande ! Nous sommes ravis d'apprendre que vous êtes satisfait de votre couteau et ne manquerons pas de transmettre vos commentaires positifs à l'artisan. Nous sommes désolés d'apprendre que des droits de douane vous ont été facturés. Malheureusement, les droits de douane/taxes d'importation sont déterminés par chaque pays à la livraison, et nous ne pouvons donc pas les inclure dans nos prix/frais de port gratuits. Bien que nous ayons fait de notre mieux pour le préciser clairement sur notre page « Politique d'expédition » ainsi que sur chaque page produit, nous ferons tout notre possible pour le rendre encore plus clair afin que les futurs clients ne soient pas pris au dépourvu. Merci encore pour vos précieux commentaires !

Salutations du Japon,
L'équipe Japanese Food Craftsman

Light Beige Sakura Wood / Without Custom Engraving

Above and beyond!

Absolutely love my Bunka! I had some self caused issues with shipping, these guys stepped up and still got me the knife I had ordered. Way above and beyond, couldn’t ask for better customer support or product!

Dear Nate Bowman,

Many thanks for your kind words and for supporting Nakamura Hamono with your order! We are glad that we were able to get your issues sorted out properly! We hope you enjoy your knife. Please feel free to reach out if you ever have any questions or concerns. Once again, thank you for supporting Japanese craftsmanship.

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

Light Beige Sakura Wood / Without Custom Engraving

Kitchen perfection

Since visiting Japan, I found that these handmade knives are what professional chefs use. I now have three knives. It’s my go to tool in the kitchen. Thanks to all the craftsman who were involved in this product. Love the look and the feel of the knife and the balance it has. I like it so much. I have a hard time sharing it with people who come over. Thanks again, your friend in spirit, John.

Dear John Mertell,

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

Light Beige Sakura Wood / With Custom Engraving

Beautiful and functional

Lovely craftsmanship and amazing performance! Highly recommended

Dear Brian Preusser,
Thank you for your positive review and for supporting Nakamura Hamono with your order! We will be happy to send your positive feedback back over to the smithy. 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

Nakamura Hamono Bunka Kitchen Knife 180mm

Dear Tomas Mikulasovych,

Thank you so much for your purchase and for your positive review! We are glad to hear that you're happy with your knife - we will let Nakamura Hamono hear your positive feedback!

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

Light Beige Sakura Wood / Without Custom Engraving

Evgen

The knife is very thin, light, sharp, and beautiful. I like the gray color of its blade; it's now a favorite in the kitchen.

Dear Moskalenko Evgeniy,

Thank you so much for your positive review and for supporting Nakamura Hamono! We will pass your positive feedback on to the smithy!

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

Thankyou so much Nakamura craftsmen, beautifully sharp and comfortable to use whilst retaining a rustic and traditional aesthetic. Absolutely love using it and waiting for the patina to settle in .

Light Beige Sakura Wood / Without Custom Engraving

Excellent knife

I received the knife, very well packaged. I've tried it out and the cutting is incredible. Congratulations to the craftsman and his family.

Miguel Angel Quesada Ortega,

Thank you for your positive review and for supporting Nakamura Hamono! We are thrilled to hear that the knife is serving you well. We hope you continue to enjoy your piece of Japanese craftsmanship for years to come!

Greetings from Japan, the Japanese Food Craftsman Team

Light Beige Sakura Wood / With Custom Engraving

Engraved knife

My boyfriend is so excited with his new customed knife! All the staff was so nice replying my emails about the engraving and shipment.
We will buy it again :)

Dear Marina Cano,

Thank you so much for your purchase and for your nice review! We are glad to hear that you and your boyfriend are happy wth your purchase! Above all, thank you for supporting Japanese craftsmen!

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

Schmiedehandwerk auf hohem Niveau

Sehr geehrte Familie Nakamura,

nach genau 15 Tagen, ist das Bunka bei mir im Freistaat Sachsen angekommen. Um so mehr war ich überrascht, dass ein handgeschmiedetes Messer so leicht sein kann. Das zeugt von hoher Handwerkskunst. Ich wünsche Ihnen, dass Sie noch lange vielen Menschen eine Freude machen können.

In Verehrung
Detlef Mendt

Lieber Detlef Mendt,

vielen Dank für Ihren Einkauf und Ihre nette Bewertung! Wir freuen uns, dass Sie mit Ihrer Bestellung zufrieden sind und die Handwerkskunst und Tradition schätzen, die in jedem einzelnen Stück steckt. Nochmals vielen Dank für Ihre Unterstützung japanischer Handwerker!

Mit freundlichen Grüßen aus Japan,
das Team von Japanese Food Craftsman

Light Beige Sakura Wood / Without Custom Engraving

Nice knife

Well made knife, and very sharp ;)

Dear Reinhard Wolf,

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

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

Light Beige Sakura Wood / With Custom Engraving

Excellent knife, very sharp even for a Japanese knife

I just got my Bunka knife. It is extremely sharp out of the box - I am a Japanese kitchen knife collector and this is one of the sharpest knives I got to work with. The delivery arrived quickly and everything was nicely packaged. Highly recommended!

Dear R.A.,
Thank you so much for your purchase and your positive review! We are glad to hear that you are happy with your knife and that it makes a great addition to your collection! We and the craftsmen appreciate your support in helping keep the craft alive!
Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

Beautiful knife!!! Very very sharp!!! More then just a kitchen knife. The work of a true craftsman. A privilege to own.

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Description

Nakamura Hamono Bunka Kitchen Knife 180mm

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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