Hatsukokoro Kokugei Blue #1 Kurouchi Santoku 165mm

Hand-forged in Tosa, Japan.

 

The Hatsukokoro "Kokugei" (黒鯨 – Black Whale) is a rustic knife crafted from Aogami #1 carbon steel and heat-treated to 62 HRC for exceptional edge retention. Its distal tapering provides good weight and balance to the knife while the kurouchi finish celebrates the traditional appearance of hand-forged Japanese tools.

 

Accessible in price, the Kokugei series is an excellent introduction to Japanese carbon steel knives.

 

Do note that since this knife is fully carbon steel, extra care has to be taken to prevent rusting. Please take care to dry the knife thoroughly after washing, let it air dry, then oil and store the knife somewhere dry.

 

Blade Type: Santoku
Core: Aogami 1 (Blue 1) Carbon Steel
Cladding: Iron Cladding
Handle: Mono Bubinga (African Rosewood) Octagonal Handle
Spine Thickness at Heel: 3.1mm
Blade Height at Heel: 46mm
HRC: 62-63
Weight: 139g
Blade Length: 165mm
Overall Length: 310mm