Hatsukokoro VG-XEOS Kurozome Damascus Gyuto 210mm (Blade Only)
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SPECIFICATIONS
Knife Style: Gyuto
Steel Type: Stainless Steel
Blade Material: VG XEOS
Blade Finish: Kurozome (Dark) Damascus
Blade Hardness: 62HRC (+/-1)
Bevel: Double
Handle: None ➛ Choose yours
Blade Length: 210mm
Heel Height: 49mm
Spine Thickness: 2.80mm
Weight: 131g
This latest collaboration between Nigara Hamono and Hatsukokoro brings back the character and visual depth of the original Anmon series from nearly 10 years ago. The blade features a stunning Suminagashi Damascus pattern, flowing across the surface like ink moving through water. Combined with Nigara's signature dark Kurozome finish, the contrasting layers create an almost three-dimensional effect. Under different lighting, subtle silver, crystal-like details emerge throughout the Damascus, giving the blade a completely different personality depending on how you look at it.
At the core is Takefu Special Steel's VG XEOS, a next-generation stainless steel designed to deliver an excellent balance of hardness, corrosion resistance, edge retention, and toughness. Hardened to approximately 62 HRC (+/-1), it offers the kind of long-lasting sharpness you want from a premium Japanese kitchen knife, without the additional maintenance associated with traditional carbon steels. VG XEOS is also capable of taking an exceptionally fine edge, making it a fantastic choice for cooks who appreciate precise, effortless cutting performance.
Nigara's distinctive blade geometry brings everything together. The carefully shaped profile and blade taper provide a satisfying combination of stability and precision, with enough substance near the heel for confident cutting and a more delicate feel toward the tip. The result is a knife that feels controlled, responsive, and comfortable through a wide variety of kitchen tasks.
The 210mm Gyuto is arguably one of the most versatile formats in Japanese cutlery, and this Nigara version brings together everything we appreciate about a well-designed everyday chef's knife. Unlike the flatter Kiritsuke profile, the Gyuto features a more gradual belly that accommodates a wider variety of cutting techniques. Whether you prefer rocking through fresh herbs, push-cutting vegetables, finely chopping onions, or slicing proteins, the blade adapts naturally to your movements without forcing you into one particular cutting style.
At 210mm, it strikes an excellent balance between cutting capacity and maneuverability. There's enough length to work comfortably with larger ingredients, yet the knife remains agile enough for smaller, more delicate tasks. The gently curved edge, pointed tip, and carefully tapered blade make it a particularly practical choice for anyone looking for one high-performance Japanese knife to handle the majority of their kitchen preparation.
What makes this Gyuto especially appealing is how naturally it combines everyday practicality with the more distinctive character of Nigara's craftsmanship. The dramatic Damascus and Kurozome finish give it the presence of a collector's piece, while the stainless VG XEOS core and versatile geometry make it a knife you'll genuinely want to reach for every day.
This version is offered blade-only, allowing you to choose a handle that perfectly complements both the knife and your personal style. Whether you prefer traditional Japanese wood, elegant ebony, or one of our colourful stabilized wood and epoxy creations, you can build something truly unique.
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