Hatsukokoro Kurogane Birch & Epoxy Nakiri 165mm
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Hatsukokoro Kurogane Birch & Epoxy Nakiri 165mm
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SPECIFICATIONS
Knife Style: Nakiri
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: 165mm
Heel Height: ~48mm
Spine Thickness: ~2.60mm tapered to 1.10mm
Weight: ~161g
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 thicker construction gives the knife a solid, grounded feel in hand.
That 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.
For this version, we wanted to keep that traditional blade exactly as it is, but give the knife a little more punch.
The new handle combines stabilized birch with touches of epoxy, keeping the natural grain and warmth of the wood while adding extra colour, depth, and contrast. The epoxy is used more as an accent than the main feature, so the handle still feels refined and natural, but with just enough extra character to make it stand out. Each one has its own grain, pattern, and variation, making every knife visually unique.
It’s a really nice contrast: a rustic, forge-finished Japanese blade paired with a cleaner, more modern handle that brings the whole knife to life.
As for the 165mm Nakiri, this is where the Kurogane really shines for vegetable prep. The tall, rectangular blade gives you plenty of knuckle clearance and a large, flat cutting edge that feels especially natural for push-cutting and straight chopping through vegetables, herbs, and fruit.
The 165mm size keeps it compact and easy to control while still giving you enough blade height to work comfortably with larger ingredients like cabbage, squash, onions, and leafy greens. The broad blade also makes it incredibly convenient for scooping and transferring ingredients from the cutting board once you're done.
Its slightly more substantial construction gives the Nakiri a reassuring, solid feel in hand without making it feel cumbersome. It has that satisfying, planted feeling on the board that works particularly well with the Nakiri shape, while still offering the precision and control you expect from a Japanese kitchen knife.
For anyone who does a lot of vegetable prep, or simply loves the feel of a tall Japanese blade on the cutting board, the 165mm Kurogane Nakiri is a really enjoyable option. It keeps all the raw, traditional character of the original Kurogane blade while the stabilized birch and epoxy handle adds just enough modern detail to make each one feel special.
◻️ 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.