Hatsukokoro Kurogane Birch Santoku 165mm
SPECIFICATIONS
Knife Style: Santoku
Steel Type: Carbon Steel
Blade Material: Aogami Blue #2
Blade Finish: Kurouchi
Blade Hardness: 62HRC (+/-1)
Bevel: Double
Handle: Birch Wood with White Spacer
Blade Length: 165mm
Heel Height: 50mm
Spine Thickness: 2.20mm tapered to 1.10mm
Weight: 150g
Hatsukokoro is more than a brand name. It’s a quiet reminder to honor tradition, craft, and the people behind the work. Since 2013, this Amagasaki-based company has been bringing together some of Japan’s most respected blacksmiths, sharpeners, and handle makers, creating tools that reflect the heritage and spirit of Japanese bladesmithing.
A perfect example of that philosophy is the Kurogane series. These knives are rooted in tradition, made in regions like Tosa and Sakai—places with centuries-old forging culture. What sets Kurogane apart is its honest, rustic feel. The kurouchi finish is raw and unpolished by design, proudly bearing the marks of the forge. The blades are forged thicker than typical Japanese knives, giving them a sturdy, grounded presence in the hand. They’re intentionally left with a bit of heft and room to grow—easy to regrind, reprofile, and customize as they become your own.
No two Kurogane knives are exactly alike. You might notice slight variations from piece to piece: a subtle asymmetry here, a forge mark there. These aren’t flaws—they’re reminders that each knife passed through the hands of a real craftsperson, not a factory line.
If you're drawn to the clean, flawless look of machine-made blades, these might feel too raw. But if you appreciate tools with soul—ones that feel as though they’ve already lived a bit before arriving in your kitchen—the Kurogane series is a rare find.
Whether you're just starting your journey with handcrafted knives or looking to add a bit of honest character to your collection, Kurogane is a beautiful reflection of what makes traditional craftsmanship so special.
Loved for its balance, simplicity, and all-purpose shape, the Santoku is a go-to in many kitchens for a reason. It’s great for slicing meat, chopping veggies, or mincing herbs—basically, your daily kitchen grind. Shorter and lighter than a Gyuto, it feels super comfortable and easy to control, especially if you're just getting into Japanese knives. Reliable, approachable, and always ready to get to work.
◻️ 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.
