{"product_id":"hatsukokoro-kurogane-birch-epoxy-ko-bunka-120mm","title":"Hatsukokoro Kurogane Birch \u0026 Epoxy Ko-Bunka 120mm","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSPECIFICATIONS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKnife Style:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Ko-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 \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eBirch Wood with Epoxy\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eBlade Length:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 120\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003emm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeel Height:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 37mm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpine Thickness:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 2.20mm \u003cb\u003etapered \u003c\/b\u003eto 1.20mm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 82\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eg\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHatsukokoro is more than 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 shows the marks of the forge, while the slightly thicker construction gives the knife a solid, grounded feel in hand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat handcrafted nature means every Kurogane is a little different. Small variations in the finish, grind, or forge marks are part of what makes the series interesting — each knife has its own personality and feels like an individual piece rather than something coming off an assembly line.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor this version, we kept that traditional blade exactly as it is, but gave it a little more punch with a new stabilized birch and epoxy handle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe natural grain of the birch stays front and center, while small touches of epoxy add extra colour, depth, and contrast. It keeps the handle looking refined and organic, but gives it just enough extra personality to stand out. With the natural variation in both the wood and epoxy, every handle ends up a little different.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003e120mm Ko-Bunka\u003c\/strong\u003e is where this combination gets especially fun. Compact, quick, and incredibly precise, it fills the gap between a petty knife and a small chef knife. The extra blade height gives you more knuckle clearance and control than a traditional petty, while the aggressive K-tip makes detailed trimming, tip work, and smaller precision cuts feel effortless.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s an excellent size for garlic, shallots, herbs, fruit, smaller vegetables, and quick prep where pulling out a full-size chef knife simply feels unnecessary. Despite its compact size, the Ko-Bunka still feels surprisingly capable on the board and has enough presence to become one of those knives you reach for constantly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRustic Japanese character, a unique modern handle, and a seriously useful compact profile — the Kurogane 120mm Ko-Bunka packs a lot of personality and performance into a very small knife.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Made in Japan","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51751911653609,"sku":null,"price":180.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0261\/4368\/6711\/files\/hatsukokoro-kurogane-birch-epoxy-ko-bunka-120mm-8049814.png?v=1787977026","url":"https:\/\/kakushin.ca\/products\/hatsukokoro-kurogane-birch-epoxy-ko-bunka-120mm","provider":"Kakushin","version":"1.0","type":"link"}