Hatsukokoro Blue 2 Ebony Kurouchi Santoku 180mm
SPECIFICATIONS
Knife Style: Santoku
Steel Type: Carbon Steel
Blade Material: Aogami Blue #2
Blade Finish: Kurouchi
Blade Hardness: 62HRC (+/-1)
Bevel: Double
Handle: Ebony
Blade Length: 180mm
Heel Height: 45mm
Spine Thickness: 2.75mm (Tapered)
Weight: 158g
Designed with the same philosophy as the Kokugei series — keeping Japanese craftsmanship accessible without sacrificing performance — this 180mm Santoku delivers exceptional value for cooks who want a true handmade Japanese knife without the premium price tag.
Hand-forged in Japan, it features a traditional dark Kurouchi finish and a San-Mai construction, pairing a hard Aogami Blue #2 carbon steel core with softer outer cladding. This combination provides outstanding sharpness, excellent edge retention, and added toughness, creating a knife that feels both refined and dependable in daily use.
The 180mm Santoku is one of the most versatile profiles in the kitchen. Its flatter edge makes quick work of vegetables, herbs, and fruits, while the subtle curve toward the tip allows for smooth slicing of meats, fish, and other proteins. Long enough to handle larger ingredients yet compact enough for precise work, it strikes an ideal balance between control and efficiency. A gently tapered spine keeps the knife feeling agile and responsive, making long prep sessions comfortable and enjoyable.
Hardened to approximately 62 HRC (+/-1), the Aogami Blue #2 core is capable of taking an exceptionally keen edge and maintaining it through extended use. Despite its impressive performance, it remains surprisingly approachable to sharpen, making it an excellent introduction to high-carbon Japanese steel while still offering enough capability to satisfy experienced knife enthusiasts.
Rustic, practical, and built with purpose, the Kokugei Santoku focuses on what truly matters: excellent cutting performance, reliable edge retention, and the character that only a handcrafted carbon steel knife can provide. No gimmicks, no unnecessary flash — just a hardworking Japanese kitchen knife that consistently punches well above its price point.
◻️ Additional Information
Please note that colours, shading, and overall appearance may vary slightly between photos and the product you receive. Lighting, camera exposure, and reflections on materials like steel, epoxy, and wood can all create subtle differences.
Many of our items are handmade, which means each piece has its own character. Minor variations in pattern, texture, or finish are normal and part of the craft.
If you’d like to see additional photos or close-ups of any item, feel free to request them before or after placing your order—especially for one-of-a-kind pieces. We’re always happy to help you choose the perfect knife or handle.
◻️ Sharp Certified
Before our knives are shipped, each one undergoes a rigorous sharpness test to ensure they meet the highest standards of quality. Our BESS Certified sharpness scale will guarantee that your knives deliver the smoothest cuts.
This commitment to sharpness not only guarantees that you receive a product that's ready to perform at its best but also reflects our dedication to delivering excellence in every aspect of our field.
◻️ Shipping & Returns
Every product listed on our website is physically in stock at our shop and typically ships within 24 hours — giving us enough time for sharpening and proper packaging.
The only exceptions are custom knife assemblies or engraving, which may require 3-5 days before shipping. Everything is done in-house, so even with the extra steps, it’s still exceptionally fast.
Canadian orders can say goodbye to unexpected duties, additional customs fees and exchange rate fluctuations; all our prices are clear and upfront.
For international orders, we take care of providing the declarations documents on items from foreign countries.
We know choosing a knife online isn’t always easy. To make things stress-free, we offer a flexible 30-day Return Policy on regular-priced items. Take a look at our full policy for all the details!
◻️ Contact Us
We are at your service through email, social media, or even by phone, where you can have a direct conversation with one of our team members during our business hours.
Whether you require assistance with your existing product, have inquiries about a potential purchase, need more specific details, additional photos, or even a video to get a better sense of the product in a real human hand, we've got you covered.
Don't hesitate to get in touch.