Burrfection Nitro-V 170mm Bare Blade Blank - Tall Bunka / Kiritsuke Profile

Engineered in collaboration with Burrfection, this 170mm bare blade blank fuses the aggressive precision of a traditional Japanese Kiritsuke / Bunka profile with the fine-grain cutting mechanics of Nitro-V nitrogen-alloyed stainless steel. Defined by its dramatic clipped reverse-tanto (K-tip) and an expansive 53.5mm heel height, this blade offers exceptional knuckle clearance on the board while providing an acute, needle-like tip for intricate horizontal scoring, delicate brunoise work, and trimming.

Rooted in the metallurgical pedigree of AEB-L and enhanced with nitrogen and vanadium, Nitro-V delivers an ultra-fine carbide matrix that deburrs effortlessly on Japanese waterstones while offering superior resistance to micro-chipping and corrosion. A stout 3.0mm spine above the heel tapers smoothly toward the clipped apex, combining commanding rigidity at the pinch grip with friction-free slicing behind the edge. Pre-ground with a standardized 69mm x 13mm x 3mm tang, this bare blank is purpose-built for custom handle builders, DIY artisans, and knife collectors seeking to pair super-steel K-tip performance with a bespoke Japanese Wa-handle.

Key Features

• Aggressive Bunka / Kiritsuke Geometry: The angular reverse-tanto tip (K-tip) lowers the blade's apex, giving the chef pinpoint tactile control for precision tip work, scoring meat, and dicing shallots.

• Nitro-V Nitrogen-Enriched Martensitic Stainless Steel: Fortified with nitrogen and vanadium for uniform, fine carbide distribution. Delivers screaming-sharp apex potential, rapid whetstone touch-ups, and outstanding impact toughness without brittleness.

• Expansive 53.5mm Heel Height: A true "Tall Bunka" silhouette that ensures zero knuckle contact on cutting boards, increases blade road stability during push-cuts, and provides a wide surface for scooping chopped ingredients.

• Distal Spine Taper: Measured at 3.0mm directly above the heel for confident weight and indexing at the pinch grip, thinning progressively out to a laser-thin cutting tip.

• Acoustic & Tactile Sharpening Response: Nitro-V’s refined grain structure provides immediate acoustic feedback on synthetic and natural stones, making deburring and edge maintenance straightforward.

• Standardized 69mm x 13mm x 3mm Tang: Scaled to fit standard Japanese octagonal (Hakkaku) wa-handles. Slides into 12mm–13mm handle mortises with minimal rasp tuning.

Technical Specifications

Handle Fitting & DIY Installation Guidelines

• Tang Dimensions & Mortise Sizing: The tang measures 69mm in length, 13mm in width, and 3mm in thickness. It pairs naturally with wa-handles slotted at 12mm x 3.5mm or 13mm x 6mm. A few light strokes with a diamond needle file will quickly ease the slot to an exact friction fit.

• Internal Relief Channel Function: When seating into wa-handles equipped with an internal relief hole, excess adhesive flows freely into the secondary cavity, preventing hydraulic back-pressure from cracking the buffalo horn ferrule.

• Adhesive Selection:

  • Traditional / Reversible: Jeweler’s hot-melt glue allows for clean removal and adjustments using controlled dry heat.

  • Permanent Installation: Two-part marine epoxy (e.g., G/flex 650) creates a 100% waterproof seal against moisture entering the tang mortise.

• Safety Precaution: The Kiritsuke tip and factory apex are acutely pointed and razor-sharp. Wrap the entire blade, cutting edge, and tip in several layers of painter’s tape or heavy cardboard prior to test-fitting or seating into a handle.