Hatsukokoro Kurogane Birch & Epoxy Kiritsuke 210mm
Alert me if this item is restocked.
We often restock popular items or they may be returned by the other customers. If you would like to be notified when this happens just enter your details below.
Hatsukokoro Kurogane Birch & Epoxy Kiritsuke 210mm
We respect your privacy and don't share your email with anybody.
Alert me if this item is restocked
SPECIFICATIONS
Knife Style: Kiritsuke
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: ~210mm
Heel Height: ~48mm
Spine Thickness: ~2.50mm (Tapered)
Weight: ~171g
Hatsukokoro is more than just a brand name. Since 2013, the Amagasaki-based company has worked with talented blacksmiths, sharpeners, and handle makers across Japan, bringing together traditional craftsmanship with knives that are made to be used and enjoyed.
The Kurogane Series is one of the best examples of that philosophy. Rooted in traditional Japanese forging, these knives have a much more raw and honest character than highly polished, machine-perfect blades. The dark Kurouchi finish proudly displays the marks of the forge, while the slightly thicker construction gives the knife a solid, grounded feel in hand. It's a series that celebrates traditional craftsmanship without trying to hide the imperfections that naturally come with it.
That handcrafted nature means every Kurogane is a little different. Small variations in the finish, grind, blade alignment, or forge marks are part of the series' character. Each knife has its own personality and feels like an individual piece rather than something coming off an assembly line. It's this rustic authenticity that makes the Kurogane particularly appealing to those who appreciate traditional Japanese knives.
For this version, we wanted to preserve that traditional blade while giving it a little more personality.
The custom stabilized birch and epoxy handle brings a beautiful contrast to the rugged blade. Natural wood grain remains at the heart of the design, while carefully incorporated epoxy accents introduce colour, depth, and a more contemporary appearance. Rather than overpowering the wood, the epoxy complements its natural patterns, creating a handle that feels both organic and distinctive. Each one features unique grain, colour variations, and details, making every knife a little different.
The result is a combination we really enjoy: a rustic, hand-forged Japanese blade paired with a modern, carefully selected handle that gives the knife a completely different presence.
As for the 210mm Kiritsuke, this is where the Kurogane becomes especially interesting. Combining the versatility of a traditional Gyuto with a more angular, assertive profile, the Kiritsuke offers a relatively flat cutting edge and a distinctive K-tip designed for precision. The flatter profile feels excellent for push-cutting, chopping vegetables, and making clean, controlled slices, while the sharply angled tip is particularly useful for detailed work, trimming proteins, and preparing smaller ingredients.
At 210mm, it offers an excellent balance between reach and maneuverability. There's enough length to work comfortably with larger vegetables, meat, and fish, yet the knife remains practical for everyday kitchen preparation. Its slightly more substantial construction gives it a reassuring feel on the cutting board, while the carefully shaped edge maintains the precision and cutting performance expected from a Japanese chef's knife.
The Kiritsuke profile also brings a very different visual personality to the series. Its long, confident silhouette and aggressive tip pair beautifully with the dark Kurouchi finish, giving the blade a bold, traditional appearance without needing elaborate polishing or decorative Damascus patterns.
For anyone who appreciates traditional Japanese craftsmanship with a little more attitude, the Kurogane Kiritsuke 210mm is an excellent choice. Rustic, distinctive, versatile, and finished with a one-of-a-kind handle, it's a knife that combines old-school Japanese character with just the right amount of modern 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.