Hatsukokoro Hikari SLD Birch & Epoxy Ko-Santoku 150mm
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Hatsukokoro Hikari SLD Birch & Epoxy Ko-Santoku 150mm
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SPECIFICATIONS
Knife Style: Ko-Santoku
Steel Type: Semi-Stainless Steel*
Blade Material: SLD
Blade Finish: Migaki
Blade Hardness: 61HRC (+/-1)
Bevel: Double
Handle: Birch Wood & Epoxy
Blade Length: 150mm
Heel Height: 38mm
Spine Thickness: 1.80mm
Weight: 80g
Hatsukokoro is more than just a name. Based in Amagasaki City since 2013, the company works closely with skilled blacksmiths, sharpeners, and handle makers throughout Japan, bringing together traditional craftsmanship with knives that are designed to be used and enjoyed every day. Many of the artisans behind Hatsukokoro knives remain undisclosed, allowing the work itself to take center stage.
One of the standout lines in their collection is the Hikari Series, made from SLD semi-stainless steel. Originally developed by Hitachi as a high-performance tool steel for cutting other steels, SLD offers excellent edge retention with a sharpening feel and performance that sit closer to traditional carbon steels than many fully stainless options.
Because SLD is considered semi-stainless rather than fully stainless, a little care is still recommended. Simply wipe and dry the blade after use, particularly when working with acidic ingredients, and it will remain easy to maintain.
What really defines the Hikari Series is the grind. These knives are true lasers—thin, lightweight, and extremely precise behind the edge. The polished finish and visible lamination line keep the blade clean and understated while still giving it plenty of character.
For this version, we paired the Hikari blade with a new stabilized birch and epoxy handle. Natural birch grain is combined with touches of epoxy to add colour, contrast, and depth while keeping the warm, organic look of the wood. Because of the natural materials and epoxy pattern, every handle has its own slightly different appearance, making each knife feel a little more individual.
At 150mm, the Ko-Santoku sits in a really useful middle ground between a petty knife and a full-size Santoku. It keeps enough height and blade presence for proper board work, while the shorter length makes it extremely nimble and easy to control.
It’s an excellent choice for vegetables, fruit, boneless proteins, herbs, and everyday prep, especially for anyone who prefers a smaller knife or works in a tighter kitchen space. The flatter profile also works very naturally with push-cutting and chopping techniques.
Compact without feeling limited, the Hikari Ko-Santoku is the kind of knife that can easily become an everyday favourite—combining the thin cutting performance of the Hikari Series with a distinctive stabilized birch and epoxy handle.
◻️ 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.