{"product_id":"hatsukokoro-kurogane-birch-epoxy-bunka-165mm","title":"Hatsukokoro Kurogane Birch \u0026 Epoxy Bunka 165mm","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSPECIFICATIONS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKnife Style:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Bunka\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSteel Type: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCarbon Steel\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlade Material:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Aogami Blue #2\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlade Finish:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Kurouchi\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlade Hardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 62HRC (+\/-1)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBevel:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Double\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHandle:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Birch Wood with Epoxy\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eBlade Length:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 165\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003emm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeel Height:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 48mm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpine Thickness:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 2.80mm \u003cb\u003etapered \u003c\/b\u003eto 1.10mm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e X\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eg (Coming Soon!)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHatsukokoro 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor this particular version, we've taken that traditional character a step further with a custom stabilized birch burl and epoxy handle. The natural grain of the burl brings warmth, depth, and intricate patterns, while the dark epoxy introduces a modern contrast that makes the entire knife stand out. Each handle has its own unique distribution of wood, resin, and natural figuring, meaning no two will ever look exactly alike. The combination creates a striking balance between rustic Japanese forging and contemporary craftsmanship, without taking away from the authentic character of the blade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeyond its appearance, the stabilized wood offers improved resistance to moisture and everyday changes in humidity compared to untreated wood, making it a practical as well as beautiful choice. Carefully assembled and finished at our Kakushin workshop, this custom handle transforms an already distinctive knife into something even more personal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf 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 combine traditional forging marks with the natural beauty of a one-of-a-kind handle—the Kurogane series offers something genuinely special.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Bunka isn’t just about looks—it’s built to perform. Its versatile blade profile handles slicing, dicing, chopping, and detailed work with confidence, while the distinctive angled K-tip offers excellent precision for smaller, more delicate tasks. From vegetables and herbs to boneless proteins, the Bunka is a practical all-rounder with plenty of personality.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Made in Japan","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67646315299049,"sku":null,"price":190.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0261\/4368\/6711\/files\/KuroganeBunka.png?v=1791562610","url":"https:\/\/kakushin.ca\/fr\/products\/hatsukokoro-kurogane-birch-epoxy-bunka-165mm","provider":"Kakushin","version":"1.0","type":"link"}