{"product_id":"hatsukokoro-kurogane-birch-epoxy-santoku-165mm","title":"Hatsukokoro Kurogane Birch \u0026 Epoxy Santoku 165mm","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSPECIFICATIONS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKnife Style:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Santoku\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 165\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003emm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeel Height:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 50mm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpine Thickness:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 2.20mm \u003cb\u003etapered \u003c\/b\u003eto 1.10mm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e X\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eg (Coming Soon!)\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 wanted to keep that traditional blade exactly as it is, but give the knife a little more punch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs for the \u003cstrong\u003e165mm Santoku\u003c\/strong\u003e, it’s one of the most practical everyday shapes in the series. Compact, balanced, and easy to control, it’s especially well suited for vegetables, boneless proteins, herbs, and general daily prep. Its shorter length makes it very comfortable in tighter spaces and gives you excellent control at the board, while the taller blade provides plenty of knuckle clearance and a generous surface for moving ingredients.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe slightly more substantial construction gives the Santoku a reassuring, solid feel in hand without taking away from the precision you expect from a Japanese kitchen knife. For home cooks in particular, the 165mm size strikes a great balance between versatility, comfort, and ease of use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor anyone who appreciates traditional Japanese craftsmanship but wants something with a little more personality, this version of the Kurogane Santoku hits a really nice balance — raw and traditional where it matters, with just enough modern detail to make it feel special.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Made in Japan","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51825700077801,"sku":null,"price":190.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0261\/4368\/6711\/files\/HatsukokoroKuroganeBirch_EpoxySantoku165mm.png?v=1788956649","url":"https:\/\/kakushin.ca\/products\/hatsukokoro-kurogane-birch-epoxy-santoku-165mm","provider":"Kakushin","version":"1.0","type":"link"}