{"product_id":"hatsukokoro-kurogane-birch-epoxy-ko-bunka-80mm","title":"Hatsukokoro Kurogane Birch \u0026 Epoxy Ko-Bunka 80mm","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 80\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003emm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeel Height:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 32mm\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 69\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 more substantial construction gives each knife a solid, handcrafted feel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003e80mm blade\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTraditional forged character, a unique stabilized birch and epoxy handle, and an ultra-compact 80mm profile — small knife, surprisingly big personality.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Made in Japan","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51751914504425,"sku":null,"price":175.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0261\/4368\/6711\/files\/hatsukokoro-kurogane-birch-epoxy-ko-bunka-80mm-8788887.png?v=1787977027","url":"https:\/\/kakushin.ca\/products\/hatsukokoro-kurogane-birch-epoxy-ko-bunka-80mm","provider":"Kakushin","version":"1.0","type":"link"}