Overview

The Makoto Kurosaki VG-XEOS Tsuchime Bunka 240mm is a long, aggressive bunka designed for cooks who want Kurosaki-level performance in a customizable blade-only format. Makoto, older brother of Yu Kurosaki and a highly respected sharpener from Takefu Knife Village, is known for ultra-clean grinds, excellent cutting feel, and strong out-of-the-box performance.

At its core is VG-XEOS, a next-generation stainless steel engineered for high hardness, long edge life, and strong corrosion resistance. Heat-treated to around 61–62 HRC, it delivers a crisp, long-lasting edge that still responds well to sharpening. A stainless cladding with a hammered tsuchime finish helps reduce sticking and gives the blade a refined, hand-forged look.

This knife is supplied as a blade only (no handle), making it ideal for custom builds. Install your favorite wa handle for a personalized balance and feel, or pair it with professional sharpening so it arrives tuned for peak performance right away. On the board, the 240mm bunka profile offers a long, flat section for powerful push cuts and chopping, plus a fine kiritsuke-style tip for detail work.

Common Questions

Q: Is a 240mm bunka too large for home cooks?

A: Not necessarily. If you enjoy batch prepping, cooking for a crowd, or simply prefer more blade on the board, this length feels fantastic. Think of it as a gyuto and a kiritsuke had a tall, versatile hybrid—great for everything from onions and carrots to herbs and proteins.

Q: Do I need to worry about rust with VG-XEOS?

A: VG-XEOS is a high-performance stainless steel, so normal kitchen habits are usually enough. Use the knife, rinse off food acids, dry it thoroughly, and store it safely. Avoid dishwashers and soaking. With that basic care, you’ll have very little to worry about in terms of corrosion.

Q: How should I maintain the edge on this knife?

A: For regular upkeep, a few light passes on a quality strop will bring the edge back without over-sharpening. When it eventually needs a full refresh, use your preferred water stones or send it in for a professional sharpening service to restore that laser-like bite.

Specifications

Core Steel: VG-XEOS stainless steel

Cladding Type: Stainless san-mai with hammered tsuchime finish

Blade Length: 240mm (approx. 9.4")

Overall Length: Approx. 380mm (varies slightly with final handle)

Spine Thickness (Heel): Approx. 1.9mm

Spine Thickness (Mid): Approx. 1.7–1.8mm, tapering toward the tip

Weight: Approx. 110g (blade only; final weight depends on handle choice)

Handle Material: None (blade only; compatible with Japanese wa handles)

Hardness (HRC): ~61–62 HRC

Note: All measurements are approximate and can vary slightly from blade to blade due to hand-finishing.