Ryuhyo Kurozome R2/SG2 Damascus Custom Santoku 170mm
SPECIFICATIONS
Knife Style: Santoku
Steel Type: Stainless Steel
Blade Material: R2 (SG2)
Blade Finish: Black Damascus
Blade Hardness: 63HRC (+/-1)
Bevel: Double
Handle: Padauk with smoked translucent epoxy
Blade Length: 170mm
Heel Height: 48mm
Spine Thickness: 1.5mm
Weight: 136g
Another standout creation from Hatsukokoro, a collaborative project that brings together some of Japan’s most respected blacksmiths, sharpeners, and craftsmen. By working directly with top-tier artisans across the country, Hatsukokoro delivers knives with exceptional grind quality, heat treatment, and finishing — often rivaling or surpassing far more expensive blades. These aren’t budget knives, but the value is undeniable once you put them to work.
This particular blade comes from the Ryuhyo Kurozome collection and is handcrafted in Echizen by Yauji, who personally handles every step of the process — forging, grinding, finishing, and sharpening. Nothing is outsourced. The result is a blade with real consistency, intent, and soul. At its core sits SG2 (R2) powdered steel, hardened to approximately 63 HRC for exceptional edge retention. The geometry is ultra-thin, firmly in “laser” territory — designed for effortless, precise cutting with minimal resistance. This is a knife that disappears through food, yet leaves a lasting impression in hand.
The knife features a striking nickel Damascus suminagashi pattern layered over a deep black Kurozome finish. In the right light, the surface shimmers like a dark night sky dusted with stars — subtle, elegant, and quietly dramatic.
What makes this piece truly unique is how it’s completed here at the shop. We’ve paired this blade with a one-of-one handle, assembled in-house using rich Padauk wood and smoked translucent epoxy. The contrast between the warm natural grain and the dark, glassy epoxy gives the knife a bold yet refined presence, while maintaining excellent balance and durability. No second handle like this exists.
◻️ 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.
