{"product_id":"hatsukokoro-kurogane-birch-epoxy-kiritsuke-210mm","title":"Hatsukokoro Kurogane Birch \u0026 Epoxy Kiritsuke 210mm","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSPECIFICATIONS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKnife Style:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Kiritsuke\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 ~210\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 ~2.50\u003cspan\u003emm (Tapered)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e ~171\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eg\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHatsukokoro 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor this version, we wanted to preserve that traditional blade while giving it a little more personality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Made in Japan","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67646692917481,"sku":null,"price":230.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0261\/4368\/6711\/files\/HatsukokoroKuroganeBirch_EpoxyKiritsuke210mm.png?v=1791652331","url":"https:\/\/kakushin.ca\/products\/hatsukokoro-kurogane-birch-epoxy-kiritsuke-210mm","provider":"Kakushin","version":"1.0","type":"link"}