SKU: 15178372269

Ko Bunka Damascus Knife Reverse Tanto USA Flag Handle

Sale price$179.10 Regular price$199.00
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Description

Ko Bunka Damascus Knife Reverse Tanto USA Flag HandleThe Ko Bunka sits in your hand like it was sized for it. Compact and forward heavy, with that angled tip pointing where your cut needs to go. The Damascus pattern ripples across the face and the USA flag resin handle gives you a grip that does not shift when things get wet. This is a knife built for people who cook, not people who display. What is this knife? This ko bunka damascus knife is a compact Japanese prep knife for home cooks, culinary

The Ko-Bunka sits in your hand like it was sized for it. Compact and forward-heavy, with that angled tip pointing where your cut needs to go. The Damascus pattern ripples across the face and the USA flag resin handle gives you a grip that does not shift when things get wet. This is a knife built for people who cook, not people who display.

What is this knife?

This ko bunka damascus knife is a compact Japanese prep knife for home cooks, culinary students, and gift buyers who need a precise, agile blade for tight board work. Built from 200 layers of Damascus steel hardened to 55 to 58 HRC, it pairs a reverse tanto tip with a USA flag resin handle and steel bolster. It ships from Texas, USA within 5 to 10 days. The Ko-Bunka profile is a shorter, more compact version of the standard Bunka, purpose-built for detailed prep where a full-size chef knife feels oversized.

The Blade

The steel is 200-layer Damascus high carbon steel, forged and acid-etched to reveal the layered pattern across the full face of the blade. At 55 to 58 HRC, the edge is hard enough to handle daily prep tasks without needing frequent sharpening and tough enough to take a full whetstoning without chipping. The reverse tanto tip is the defining feature of the Ko-Bunka: where most chef knives have a curved tip that rises from the spine, the Bunka tip slopes from the spine down to meet the edge in a sharp angle. This gives you a tip that is precise and controlled for scoring, trimming, and fine cuts that a standard chef knife tip cannot reach cleanly. The blade height near the heel gives you full-knuckle clearance for a standard pinch grip and enough surface for push cuts on garlic, onions, and herbs.

The Handle

The handle is USA flag resin, stabilized and finished to a firm, smooth surface with visible flag colors running through the material. Resin handles are waterproof, unlike wood, which makes this handle particularly suited to daily kitchen use where the grip takes constant contact with wet hands. The steel bolster sits at the transition between blade and handle and adds weight exactly where you want it for balance. A quick note on sizing: the Ko-Bunka is a compact knife format. The handle is sized proportionally to the blade, which means it is shorter than a full chef knife handle. If you have very large hands and want a full-size handle, the 8-inch Gyuto from JW SteelCrafts is the better fit. For most hands, the Ko-Bunka handle seats comfortably in a standard pinch grip.

The Build

Full tang construction runs the steel through the full length of the resin handle. This is a structural choice that matters for a prep knife that takes repetitive short cuts: every chopping stroke transfers through one piece of steel, not a joint between blade and handle that loosens over time. The balance point sits just forward of the bolster, which keeps the tip engaged on the board without needing to muscle the blade forward. The overall weight is light to moderate, appropriate for a compact prep knife where you want agility over mass.

Storage and Protection

No leather sheath is confirmed for this product. The included item is 1x Ko-Bunka Damascus prep knife. Store this knife on a magnetic knife strip, in a knife roll, or in a knife block slot with a blade guard. Never store an exposed Damascus blade in a utensil drawer: contact with other metal tools dulls the edge and scratches the Damascus finish. If you want a sheath, contact JW SteelCrafts directly to ask about custom storage options.

Real-World Use

The Ko-Bunka handles everything on the small end of daily kitchen prep: garlic cloves, shallots, fresh herbs, citrus segmenting, mushrooms, small proteins, and any task where you want a tight tip for detail work. Home cooks who already own a Gyuto or full chef knife reach for the Ko-Bunka when the larger blade is too much knife for the task. Culinary students use it as a board knife that travels well in a knife roll. The reverse tanto tip makes it particularly strong for scoring and trimming where a Santoku or flat-tipped nakiri cannot reach without a repositioning movement. A machine-stamped prep knife is cut from flat stock and never develops the grain structure that forging builds into the steel: the hand-forged edge holds its sharpness longer between sessions because the grain structure of the steel supports the edge geometry from the inside.

The JW Difference

JW SteelCrafts is a Texas-based brand. Every knife ships from the USA within 5 to 10 business days. The brand holds a 4.91-star rating from 829 verified buyers across the full lineup. No two pieces are forged identically: the Damascus pattern on your blade forms from the specific sequence of folds, the temperature, and the hands that made it. Custom orders are available, with handle options including rosewood, stag, bone, pakka wood, resin, and olive wood. If you want this blade in a different handle, contact the shop directly.

Specifications

Feature

Detail

Blade Length

Approx. 5.5 inches (Assumption: Ko-Bunka standard range is 5 to 6 inches. Exact length not stated on page. Confirm with warehouse.)

Overall Length

Approx. 10 inches (Assumption based on Ko-Bunka proportions. Confirm with warehouse.)

Blade Steel

Damascus high carbon steel

Layer Count

200 layers (JW SteelCrafts brand specification. NOT stated on the current page. Add this immediately.)

Blade Hardness (HRC)

55 to 58 HRC (JW SteelCrafts brand specification. NOT stated on the current page. Add this immediately.)

Blade Finish

Acid-etched Damascus pattern (assumption per standard JW SteelCrafts finishing. Confirm with warehouse.)

Blade Tip Style

Reverse tanto (K-tip) for precise detail and scoring work

Handle Material

USA flag resin with steel bolster

Tang

Full tang (assumption per JW SteelCrafts standard construction. Confirm with warehouse.)

Handle Size Note

Ko (small) format. Handle is proportionally compact to match blade. Buyers with very large hands should consider the full-size Gyuto or Bunka.

Includes

1x Ko-Bunka Damascus prep knife. No sheath confirmed. Contact shop for storage options.

Ships From

Texas, USA

Made By

Hand-forged artisans, JW SteelCrafts


Who Is This For?

  • Home cooks who own a full-size chef knife and want a compact second blade for herbs, garlic, and small prep tasks where the large blade is too much

  • Culinary students who carry a knife roll and need a nimble, compact prep knife that fits neatly alongside a Gyuto or Gyuto-style blade

  • Patriot-themed gift buyers who want a Damascus knife with a bold USA flag handle for Father's Day, a retirement, groomsmen, or a military-themed collection

  • Damascus knife collectors who want a compact Japanese profile in hand-forged Damascus as a display and use piece

How to Use It

Use a pinch grip with your index finger and thumb on either side of the blade just ahead of the bolster. The short blade responds to small wrist movements, so keep your motion tight and controlled.

For garlic and shallots, press the flat of the blade to crush, then use the heel for rough chopping and the tip for fine work. The reverse tanto tip gets into corners and joins that a curved tip cannot reach.

For herbs, use a rocking motion with your free hand flat on the spine near the tip. The Ko-Bunka is short enough to rock efficiently without the tip dragging.

For citrus segmenting and small protein trimming, use the tip like a paring knife: small, deliberate pull cuts with the knife tilted slightly away from you.

Use a wood or soft plastic cutting board only. Glass, granite, and ceramic surfaces will chip the Damascus edge within one session.

How to Care for It

After Every Use:

  • Hand-wash the blade with warm water and mild dish soap. Never put a Damascus blade in a dishwasher.

  • Dry immediately with a clean cloth. Never air-dry. Moisture in the etched Damascus layers causes rust in the pattern lines.

  • Wipe from the spine toward the edge, never drag your fingers across the cutting edge.

Every Two to Three Weeks:

  • Apply a thin coat of food-safe mineral oil or camellia oil to the full blade surface.

  • Work the oil into the Damascus etching with a soft cloth. Let it absorb for one minute. Wipe off any excess.

Handle Care (Resin):

  • The USA flag resin handle is waterproof and requires no oiling or conditioning.

  • Wipe clean after use. Avoid abrasive scrubbers that can dull the resin surface finish over time.

  • Resin handles are more durable than wood in wet environments and will not swell, crack, or absorb odors.

Storage:

  • Store on a magnetic knife strip or in a knife roll with a blade guard.

  • Never store unprotected in a utensil drawer. Contact with other metal tools damages the Damascus pattern and dulls the edge.

Sharpening:

  • Use a whetstone starting at 1000 grit to restore a dull edge. Finish at 3000 to 6000 grit for a kitchen-sharp edge.

  • Maintain the original bevel angle, which is typically 15 to 17 degrees per side for a double-bevel Japanese prep knife.

  • A leather strop used weekly keeps the edge sharp between whetstone sessions without removing steel.

  • Never use a rotary grinder or pull-through electric sharpener. Heat destroys the temper and permanently damages the Damascus pattern.

Patina:

  • High carbon Damascus steel develops a dark natural patina over time. This is normal and actually increases corrosion resistance. Do not sand it off.

Frequently Asked Questions

What steel is this ko bunka damascus knife made from?

This knife is built from 200 layers of Damascus high carbon steel hardened to 55 to 58 HRC. The layered construction creates the pattern visible across the blade face. No two blades share the same pattern because each blade forms its own distinct grain during forging. The edge holds a sharp working bevel through daily prep tasks and sharpens cleanly on a whetstone.

Is a Ko-Bunka knife good for daily kitchen prep?

Yes, for compact prep tasks. The Ko-Bunka handles garlic, herbs, shallots, citrus, mushrooms, and small proteins well. It is not a replacement for a full chef knife on large cuts or heavy prep sessions. Use it as a dedicated small-board prep knife alongside a Gyuto or Western chef knife for the best results.

Does this knife come with a sheath?

No sheath is confirmed for this product. It includes the Ko-Bunka Damascus prep knife only. Store it on a magnetic strip, in a knife roll, or with a blade guard in a knife block. If you need a protective cover, contact JW SteelCrafts directly to ask about custom storage options.

Is a Damascus kitchen knife legal to own in the USA?

Yes. Damascus kitchen knives are legal to own in all 50 states for adults. No permit is required for home or professional kitchen use. This is a kitchen tool and is not subject to concealed carry restrictions that apply to fixed-blade outdoor knives in most jurisdictions.

How do I sharpen a Ko-Bunka Damascus knife?

Use a whetstone. Start at 1000 grit to restore a dull edge and finish at 3000 to 6000 grit. Hold the blade at 15 to 17 degrees per side and stroke from heel to tip. Never use a rotary grinder: the heat destroys the temper and damages the Damascus pattern permanently. Use a leather strop weekly to maintain the edge between whetstone sessions.

Can I customize the handle material?

Yes. JW SteelCrafts accepts custom orders. Handle options include rosewood, stag, bone, pakka wood, resin, and olive wood. Contact JW SteelCrafts through the website to discuss your order, including handle color, material, and engraving options.

How long will this Damascus knife last?

Indefinitely with basic care. High carbon Damascus steel does not degrade if kept dry and oiled. The resin handle is waterproof and will not crack or swell with normal use. Hand-forged blades develop better edge-holding over time than stamped blades because the forging process builds grain structure into the steel. Sharpen it correctly and this knife will outlast most kitchen tools you own.

Is this a good gift?

Yes. The USA flag resin handle and Damascus pattern make an immediate impression and the combination does not exist in mass-produced kitchen knives. It works for Father's Day, Independence Day, a military homecoming gift, a culinary graduation, groomsmen, or Christmas. It ships presentation-ready and no extra wrapping is needed.

The Perfect Patriotic Kitchen Gift

This ko bunka damascus knife with USA flag handle is the gift that stops people mid-unbox. The Damascus pattern and bold flag resin handle together in a kitchen knife format do not exist anywhere else. It works for Father's Day, Independence Day, a military homecoming, a culinary graduation, Christmas, or groomsmen who cook. It ships presentation-ready and no extra wrapping is needed.

Explore More from JW SteelCrafts

Browse the full Damascus chef knife collection for matching Gyuto, Santoku, cleaver, and fillet profiles:

Handmade Damascus chef knives

Complete your kitchen setup with a matched Damascus chef knife set:

Damascus chef knife sets

If you want a larger blade with the same USA flag handle, see the Damascus Steel Chef Knife with USA Flag Handle:

Damascus Steel Chef Knife with USA Flag Handle

Add this Ko-Bunka Damascus knife to your kitchen today and get direct shipping from Texas, USA within 5 business days.

 

Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 15178372269

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4.3 ★★★★★
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Verified Purchase
GM73
West Palm Beach, US
★★★★★ 5
Get protected!
Very easy to use and responsive.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2026
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Robert Bollman
Massapequa, US
★★★★★ 5
Very helpful
Good plan to have.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2026
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Verified Purchase
Amazon Customer
Charlottesville, US
★★★★★ 5
Asurion worked as intended.
After three years, my monitor failed. Asurion paid to send it to a repair center. I didn't save the box the monitor came in, and paid $23 to have it packaged up. They kept me informed of the various steps, such as en route, arrived, testing, and repair started. They discovered it could not economically be repaired and refunded my purchase price. The entire process from me telling them it was broken until the refund took 5 days. I am well satisfied with the service.
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Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2025
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Verified Purchase
Kyle H
Boise, US
★★★★★ 5
A great phone...but compared to what?
Digital Storage Capacity: 128 GB, Color: Black
Tldr: Good phone for this price, noticeably better than older A13 and I wish more people would include context to their reviews. Glad I bought mine. I'm leaving a long and detailed review because I got tired of reading through reviews that seemed contradictory, or said something was "bad" but without any context. If I made a poor choice buying a phone I'd likely be stuck with it for some years. I'm hoping this helps others like myself who are reading the reviews. Ok, so the most important context is what phone I'm coming from over to the A17 5g. My old phone was Samsung A13 5g. My opinions of the new phone will be largely based on how they compare to the previous phone I used. So it's budget phone to budget phone, with the A17 having approximately 3-4ish years newer tech (or same tech but cheaper.) Both phones are being used on metro PCS (T mobile) network. So I've now had the A17 for exactly one week. I primarily use my phone for android auto, text, checking email, web browser, occasional YouTube and maybe once per week on some games. I don't use it for heavy loads like massive file transfers or rendering video. It's fairly light use overall. So far, the things I've been most pleased with are the screen and software/system layout. The screen has decent color and brightness and is MUCH better than the A13. Both screens claim to run at 90hz but the change from the old 270 PPI (I believe stands for pixel per inch or some equivalent) to 385 PPI feels massive. Much cleaner image from text to images. The change from LCD to AMOLED gives much better contrast with deeper colors. The software and system layout are a bit harder to describe in detail. It's more of a personal/ascetic preference. Things look and feel a lot cleaner. There are added optional features like side slide tabs to house shortcuts for certain apps. Another feature is top down swipe from the right for system shortcuts and from the left for notification, so they are smashed together. Another improvement, though less so than the screen and software changes, is in the speed and responsiveness of the phone. This one also needs to be put in context a bit. I'm sure some would complain about it while coming from a more expensive and technologically superior phone. I have my own bias, as I'm coming from an inferior phone which had over 3 years of use (slowing it down over time.) I also use it for mostly light tasks. That being said, I am pleased that the phone is noticeably more responsive than my old one. Most of the lagging happens on start up (goes away after a few mins while the phone is connecting a bunch of apps and putting out/requesting info like date/time/location.) When I booted it for the first time, that was the worst lag I had. It will also slow down if you have several apps running at the same time. I feel like that's obvious, but some people genuinely don't know that if you hit the home button to leave an app, you need to bring up multi view and actually swipe the box away to close it fully. If you never close apps and never restart your phone on occasion it WILL slow way down. While using the phone for max 1 or 2 things at time it runs perfectly fine, and is better than the A13. Battery life is good. I went from appx. 5000mAh to 5000mAh phones, so besides the slight degradation in the old phones battery life it should be the same. 5000mAh for my uses feels excellent overall. It can go for a full 2 days without charging. Charging speed itself seems improved, but that's never mattered too much for me so I can't comment much. Seems fine though, roughly 1.5h charge from mostly dead to full. That's using a 25w fast charger block and appropriate USB c cable. I didn't use the cable that came with the phone so I can't comment. It didn't come with a charger block, by design. Your mileage on charge speed will vary based on what you're using to charge the phone with. The phone can't charge at full speed if you're using a 5w charger from 15 years ago. I don't have much to say about the camera. I rarely take photos and when I do it's usually quick snap shots of paper instructions or to share location. I believe (though I'm not sure) the A13 was also 50mp front camera but either the the other 2 lenses have been upgraded or they improved the camera software, because pictures do look a bit cleaner. It's not night and day or anything, but it looks better to my eye. Camera is also faster to adjust light and contrast when first focusing on a object, as compared to the old A13. Build quality seems a little improved. They are both budget phones and how build quality "feels" is inherently subjective but to me it does seem a little better. A quick note on activating this new phone...this may only be an issue I personally had, but in case this helps someone else I'd like to include it. I had a bit of trouble switching my physical SIM card out of my old phone and into the new. The metro app was telling me the phone wouldn't be compatible unless I changed phone plans (which is BS.) I had to call customer service and they opted to use the eSiM feature, rather than swapping the physical Sim. I noticed they also used the new phones 2nd SIM number to activate it, while i had tried using first. If you're having trouble perhaps check the phones info from the settings menu, and then try eSIM activation using the 2nd address. It worked fine for me after this. Samsung has a quick transfer feature if your previous phone was a Samsung. It basically copies over everything from your old phone, including apps, pictures, contacts and even text message history ect. It took 3 or 4 attempts (it didn't want to connect and dropped the connection once at 30% complete.) Luckily if it disconnects part way through, it will pick up where it left off, without needing to restart. Once it finally had a stable connection it took me about 6 minutes, it will vary based on how much stuff you have to move over. You need to download an app to do the transfer, but it will prompt you and take you to it's link. Summery: I find it pretty impressive how nice this phone feels both compared to its older model and for its price point in general. I found it frustrating that people would say this part or that was crap or great, but without giving any context to what they based that opinion off of. In my opinion, based on how cheap this phone is and compared to its older model (A13) this is an awesome phone so far, being one week in. Screen is a big improvement, system software and layout is better (IMO) and they seem to be making incremental improvements to things like the camera and overall build. For this price point I find it really impressive what you actually get. If you're coming from an older mid range phone I expect it will either be inferior or about the same. If you're coming from another phone in the 200 range it should be decent to good. For less than 200 and for what I use it for though, I'm very happy I bought this phone.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2026
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Olympia
Whiting, US
★★★★★ 5
Great phone at a reasonable price
Digital Storage Capacity: 128 GB, Color: Gray, Digital Storage Capacity: 128 GB, Color: Gray
I purchased the Samsung Galaxy A17 5G for my mom, and it has been a great choice for her. She was able to set it up and start using it without any confusion, which was important to me. The screen is bright and clear, making it easy for her to read messages, browse the internet, and view photos. The camera takes nice pictures, and the battery lasts long enough that she doesn’t have to worry about charging it constantly. The fact that it was unlocked made it easy for her to use it with the carrier in the Bahamas. Overall, it’s a reliable, easy-to-use phone that offers excellent value for the price.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 7, 2026

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