Bunka knives are one of the few multipurpose traditional Japanese blades, and can be used as a slicer or a vegetable knife. These sword shaped knives feature a straighter and wider edge than a Yanagi for vegetables, and a longer blade than an Usuba for slicing fish with ease. The user need to be more skilled with traditional Japanese knives in order to utilize this unique Bunka style design properly. Traditionally, these knives are used only by head chefs as a symbol of status.