Hatsukokoro Ryusui AO2 Damascus Custom Skull Gyuto 240mm
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Hatsukokoro Ryusui AO2 Damascus Custom Skull Gyuto 240mm
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SPECIFICATIONS
Knife Style: Gyuto
Steel Type: Carbon Steel
Blade Material: Aogami Blue #2
Blade Finish: Blasted Nashiji Style with Damascus
Blade Hardness: 62HRC (+/-1)
Bevel: Double
Handle: Olive Wood and Skull Infused Epoxy
Blade Length: 240mm
Heel Height: 48mm
Spine Thickness: 3.20mm tapered to 2.40mm
Weight: 203g
Nigara Hamono has spent generations building a reputation for creating knives that are every bit as impressive visually as they are on the cutting board. Forged in Aomori, Japan, their work consistently blends traditional craftsmanship with distinctive finishes and blade designs that immediately stand out among modern Japanese knives.
This particular knife takes that philosophy a step further. Here at Kakushin, we transformed the blade into a true one-of-a-kind custom build by fitting it with an extraordinary custom handle featuring a sculpted skull suspended within flowing purple epoxy, seamlessly paired with natural wood. The combination creates remarkable depth and movement throughout the handle, with the embedded skull revealing itself differently depending on the angle and light. The transition from wood to resin feels natural and intentional, flowing effortlessly into the blade and giving the entire knife a cohesive, artistic appearance.
The blade itself showcases Nigara's signature attention to detail. A beautifully executed blasted Nashiji finish creates a subtle textured surface that highlights the craftsmanship behind the forging process, while the Damascus layers beneath add depth and visual complexity throughout the blade. The result is a finish that remains elegant and refined while still revealing new details every time the knife is handled.
Beyond its appearance, the knife offers the performance that has made Nigara one of Japan's most respected makers. The spine retains substantial forged thickness before gradually tapering toward the tip, creating a balance that feels confident and purposeful in hand. Rather than chasing the ultra-light feel of a laser grind, this geometry provides a touch more presence through the blade, resulting in a naturally forward-balanced knife that excels during longer preparation sessions.
That weight distribution allows the knife to move effortlessly through larger ingredients, dense vegetables, and proteins while maintaining the precision and control expected from a high-end Japanese blade. It feels authoritative without being cumbersome, delivering a cutting experience that is both smooth and satisfying.
The result is a knife that successfully combines traditional Japanese forging, premium cutting performance, and truly unique custom craftsmanship. A functional kitchen tool, a conversation piece, and a collectible all at once.
Assembled entirely in-house at Kakushin, this is a genuine 1 of 1.
◻️ 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.