Shikkoku AO2 Kurouchi Santoku 165mm (Blade Only)
The Workshop (Knife Builder)
Need a visual? Try our newly launched Custom Kitchen Knife Builder — see your blade and handle combination come to life in real time.
Limited Time Offer - Installation Included
For a limited time, when you purchase a blade and handle together, we’ll include our professional in-house installation service free of charge.
SPECIFICATIONS
Knife Style: Santoku
Steel Type: Carbon Steel
Blade Material: Aogami Blue #2
Blade Finish: Kurouchi
Blade Hardness: 62HRC (+/-1)
Bevel: Double
Handle: None ➛ Choose yours
Blade Length: 165mm
Heel Height: ~45mm
Spine Thickness: ~2.90mm tapered to ~2.10mm
Weight: 107g
The Shikkoku Series from Hatsukokoro takes its name from the Japanese word for “Darkness”, a fitting match for its deep Kurouchi finish and traditional hand-forged character. Built around an Aogami #2 (Blue #2) carbon steel core and clad in soft iron, this Bunka delivers the sharpness, feedback, and sharpening response that make Blue #2 such a favorite among Japanese knife enthusiasts.
This is a rustic, hand-forged blade made for those who appreciate the raw character of traditional Japanese craftsmanship. Rather than chasing a perfectly polished, machine-made appearance, the Shikkoku proudly shows the subtle variations, texture, and individuality that come with forging and finishing a blade by hand. No two pieces will look exactly the same, and that is very much part of the appeal.
Hardened to approximately 62 HRC, the core steel is capable of taking a very fine edge while still offering excellent edge retention for everyday kitchen work. Each blade is hand-forged, hand-ground, and hand-sharpened, giving the Shikkoku a level of personality and craftsmanship that stands apart from mass-produced knives.
Kakushin can handle the blade-to-handle assembly for you at our shop. If you're new to the custom knife world and want to confirm the fit and sizing of a handle with a specific blade, feel free to reach out!
