Hado Shiosai SG2 Powdered Stainless 135mm Small Bunka - Cherry Bark Handle

The Sound of the Tide: Hado Shiosai Small Bunka

The Hado Shiosai 135mm Small Bunka is a stunning convergence of modern metallurgy and ancient Japanese craft. "Shiosai" translates to the rhythmic sound of the tide, a fitting name for a blade that glides effortlessly through prep work. Forged from SG2 (Super Gold 2) Powdered Steel, this blade is tempered to a staggering 64 HRC, offering world-class edge retention that significantly outperforms standard stainless steels.

This "Small Bunka" profile functions as a high-utility hybrid—providing the knuckle clearance and "push-cut" capability of a full-sized Bunka, but with the compact agility of a Petty knife. The aesthetic is completed with a rare Sakuraza handle, featuring a core of Oak wrapped in Cherry Bark. This traditional Kabazaiku craft produces a handle that is naturally slip-resistant, moisture-repellent, and visually unique to every owner.

Technical Specifications

Universal Handling: Left & Right-Handed Friendly

This Small Bunka is ground with a symmetrical 50/50 double-bevel edge, making it perfectly balanced for both right-handed and left-handed users. The octagonal Cherry Bark handle is neutrally shaped, offering a warm, ergonomic grip that feels secure during precision tasks like mincing shallots or trimming proteins.

What’s in the Box?

• Hado Signature Packaging: A beautifully designed box reflecting Hado’s modern aesthetic.

• Protective Blade Cover: A temporary sleeve for safe initial transport and storage.

Authorized Hado Dealer 

When you purchase from Hasu-Seizo, you are guaranteed an authentic product sourced directly from Hado (Sakai Fukui) in Sakai, Japan. Hado is led by Takaya Oyamada, who collaborates with the finest sharpeners and blacksmiths in the region to produce knives that are as much art as they are tools. Every purchase is backed by our Seattle-based team and fast domestic shipping.

Maintenance & Elite Steel Care

Pro Tip for Longevity: Because SG2 is a high-carbon powdered steel tempered to 64 HRC, the edge is incredibly sharp but also very rigid. To prevent micro-chipping, we recommend a Magnolia Wood Saya or a felt-lined Knife Protector for storage. Avoid using this knife on acidic ingredients for extended periods without rinsing, as even stainless "super steels" benefit from proper care.

Sharpening Maintenance: SG2 steel is remarkably rewarding to sharpen, but its high hardness requires quality stones. To maintain this blade's surgical edge, we recommend a #1000 Grit Whetstone to start. Then a #6000 Grit Whetstone for finishing which produces a mirror-polished finish that highlights the "Shiosai" tides of the blade.

Performance & Care

• Best For: Precision board work, mincing aromatics, and detailed protein trimming.

• Care: Hand-wash only with mild soap and dry immediately. Never use a dishwasher.

• Safety: Strictly avoid cutting bone, frozen foods, or hard pits; a 64 HRC edge is optimized for fine cutting and should never be used for prying.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes SG2 (Super Gold 2) different? SG2 is a powdered steel, meaning the grain structure is much finer and more uniform than traditional steels. This allows the smith to harden the blade to 64 HRC without it being as brittle as other high-hardness steels. The result is a knife that stays "laser-sharp" for months, not weeks.

What is a "Cherry Bark" (Sakuraza) handle? This is a traditional Japanese craft called Kabazaiku. Cherry bark is harvested and treated to create a durable, water-resistant covering. It is prized for its unique texture, which actually becomes more comfortable and "grippy" as it warms to your hand during use.

Is this knife too small for general use? Think of it as a "Tall Petty." If you find a 210mm Gyuto too large for small tasks like dicing a single onion or garlic clove, this 135mm Bunka is the perfect solution. It offers more knuckle clearance than a standard paring knife, allowing you to work directly on the cutting board.

Where is this knife shipped from? All Hado inventory is stocked and inspected at our US-based warehouse in Seattle, WA. We offer local customer support and fast domestic shipping.