HEZHEN 8.5 Inch Bunka Knife (Blue Steel No.2) Review — Is It Worth It? [2026]
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HEZHEN 8.5-Inch Blue Steel No.2 Bunka
A long 215 mm Bunka with a Blue Steel No.2 core, Damascus cladding and a gift box included.
Is the HEZHEN 8.5-inch Bunka worth buying?
If you want a longer Japanese slicer with a pointed tip, yes. The Bunka shape suits vegetables, meat, fruit and fish, and the 215 mm blade gives more reach than the 5.5-inch Santoku. It uses the same Blue Steel No.2 core at 62-64 HRC, so the same rules apply: very sharp, but hand wash only. The gift box makes it an easy present.
Longer blade, same Blue Steel core
This is also in the Retro Series. The blade is Damascus-clad Blue Steel No.2, the handle is octagonal sycamore with buffalo horn, and an elegant gift box is included with the knife.
What makes it stand out
Bunka profile with a pointed tip
A Bunka has a flat belly and an angled, pointed tip that is useful for detail work. HEZHEN says it handles vegetables, meat, fruit and fish.
Blue Steel No.2 and Damascus cladding
62-64 HRC at the core and a 15-degree edge per side. Expect a sharp edge that needs normal carbon steel care.
215 mm blade, 368 mm overall
The blade is 52 mm wide and about 2.0 mm thick, and the knife weighs 142 g. It is long enough to slice a roast but still light.
Gift box included
HEZHEN notes that a gift box comes with the knife. The same care note applies: hand wash, dry immediately, no bones or frozen foods.
Full spec sheet
| Model | HEZHEN 8.5" Bunka, Retro Series |
| Blade material | Blue Steel No.2 carbon steel core, Damascus steel |
| Hardness | 62-64 HRC |
| Edge angle | 15 degrees +/- 1 per side |
| Blade length | 215 mm |
| Overall length | 368 mm |
| Blade width | 52 mm |
| Thickness | About 2.0 mm |
| Net weight | 142 g |
| Handle | Figured sycamore wood + buffalo horn |
| Extras | Gift box included |
| Care | Hand wash only, no bones or frozen food |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Long 215 mm blade at just 142 g.
- Blue Steel No.2 core at 62-64 HRC.
- Gift box included.
- Handles vegetables, meat, fruit and fish.
- Full dimensions on the product page.
Cons
- Carbon steel needs careful drying.
- $169.99 is a lot for a single knife.
- Pointed tip is delicate.
- Page doesn't say how many Damascus layers there are.
- Not for bones or frozen food.
Answers before you buy
What is a Bunka knife?
How long is the blade?
What steel does it use?
Does it come in a gift box?
How should I care for it?
A sharp, gift-ready slicer
The 8.5-inch Bunka is the more useful of the two Blue Steel knives if you only buy one. It gives you reach and a precise tip, as long as you keep it dry.
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