Hatsukokoro Kurogane Birch & Epoxy Bunka 165mm
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Hatsukokoro Kurogane Birch & Epoxy Bunka 165mm
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SPECIFICATIONS
Knife Style: Bunka
Steel Type: Carbon Steel
Blade Material: Aogami Blue #2
Blade Finish: Kurouchi
Blade Hardness: 62HRC (+/-1)
Bevel: Double
Handle: Birch Wood with Epoxy
Blade Length: 165mm
Heel Height: 48mm
Spine Thickness: 2.80mm tapered to 1.10mm
Weight: Xg (Coming Soon!)
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.
For 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.
Beyond 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.
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 combine traditional forging marks with the natural beauty of a one-of-a-kind handle—the Kurogane series offers something genuinely special.
The 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.
◻️ 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.