Hatsukokoro Kurogane Birch & Epoxy Ko-Bunka 80mm
SPECIFICATIONS
Knife Style: Ko-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: 80mm
Heel Height: 32mm
Spine Thickness: 2.20mm tapered to 1.20mm
Weight: 69g
Hatsukokoro 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.
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 shows the marks of the forge, while the slightly more substantial construction gives each knife a solid, handcrafted feel.
That handmade nature means every Kurogane is a little different. Small variations in the finish, grind, and forge marks are part of the charm — each knife feels like an individual piece rather than something produced to look perfectly identical.
For this version, we paired that traditional blade with a new stabilized birch and epoxy handle. The natural grain of the birch remains the main focus, while touches of epoxy add extra depth, contrast, and just enough colour to give the knife a more modern personality. Because of the natural variation in both materials, no two handles look exactly the same.
The 80mm blade is the smallest and most specialized knife in the series, but also one of the most enjoyable to use. Extremely compact and precise, it gives you incredible control for all the little jobs where a full-size knife simply feels like overkill.
It’s perfect for garlic, shallots, strawberries, citrus, small garnishes, trimming, peeling, opening packaging, and quick prep directly in the hand or on a small cutting board. The short blade keeps everything close to your fingers, giving you excellent feedback and precision through delicate work.
It’s the kind of knife that might look tiny beside the rest of your collection, but quickly becomes one of those tools you grab constantly.
Traditional forged character, a unique stabilized birch and epoxy handle, and an ultra-compact 80mm profile — small knife, surprisingly big 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.