Shinka AO2 Kurouchi Custom Fiber Hakata 180mm

The Shinka series is shaped by tradition, refined through generations, and brought forward with purpose. Hand-forged in Japan from Aogami Blue #2 carbon steel, it delivers the kind of edge that feels immediate and alive on the board. At 61 HRC (+/-1), it strikes an ideal balance between edge retention and ease of sharpening, giving you a blade that performs while preserving the forged, rustic character that makes traditional Japanese knives so distinctive. The dark kurouchi finish remains intentionally raw and honest, leaving visible traces of the forging process on every blade. It is a knife built for those who appreciate authentic craftsmanship and the unmistakable feel of a truly hand-forged Japanese knife without venturing into unnecessarily inflated price points.

Each knife is individually hand-forged for our shop in Tosa by a fourth-generation workshop whose history dates back to 1920. What began as a forge producing agricultural tools has evolved into a dedicated pursuit of high-performance kitchen knives, where geometry, taper, distal grind, and balance are refined through decades of experience rather than marketing trends. The result is a blade that glides effortlessly through ingredients with excellent food release, impressive cutting feel, and the versatility to excel in both demanding prep work and everyday cooking. Rather than chasing complexity, the Shinka focuses on executing the fundamentals exceptionally well.

This particular knife was custom assembled at Kakushin onto a premium carbon fiber handle, giving it an entirely different personality from the traditional wa-handle version. The deep black woven carbon fiber creates a bold, understated look that pairs perfectly with the rugged kurouchi finish, emphasizing contrast between centuries-old forging techniques and modern materials. Beyond its appearance, carbon fiber is exceptionally lightweight, dimensionally stable, and highly resistant to moisture, humidity, and temperature fluctuations, making it an outstanding choice for cooks who value durability as much as aesthetics. The darker handle also subtly shifts the balance toward the blade, reinforcing the confident cutting feel that many professionals prefer.

Every Kakushin custom assembly is completed by hand in our workshop, where the handle is carefully fitted, aligned, and finished to complement the blade. Because each handle is individually selected and assembled, no two knives are exactly alike. The result is a one-of-a-kind piece that combines traditional Japanese blacksmithing with a clean, contemporary design—offering the performance of an authentic hand-forged Shinka while standing apart as a unique custom creation exclusive to Kakushin.