Shinka AO2 Kurouchi Custom Mango Hakata 180mm
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Shinka AO2 Kurouchi Custom Mango Hakata 180mm
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SPECIFICATIONS
Knife Style: Hakata
Steel Type: Carbon Steel
Blade Material: Aogami Blue #2
Blade Finish: Kurouchi
Blade Hardness: 61HRC (+/-1)
Bevel: Double
Handle: Stabilized Mango Wood
Blade Length: 180mm
Heel Height: ~47mm
Spine Thickness: ~3.40mm tapered to ~2.00mm
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 approximately 61 HRC (+/-1), it offers an excellent balance between edge retention, sharpening response, and everyday usability while preserving the rustic character that makes traditional Japanese blades so appealing.
Its dark kurouchi finish is deliberately left raw, allowing the marks of the forging process to remain visible across the blade. Rather than chasing a perfectly uniform, machine-finished appearance, the Shinka celebrates the small variations that come with genuine hand forging. It is a series made for cooks who want the character and cutting feel of an authentic Japanese carbon-steel knife without moving into unnecessarily inflated price points.
Each blade is individually hand-forged for our shop in Tosa, Japan, by a fourth-generation workshop whose history dates back to 1920. What began with agricultural tools has developed over generations into a dedicated pursuit of kitchen knives, with particular attention paid to geometry, taper, grind, and balance. The result is a responsive blade that moves cleanly through ingredients, releases food naturally, and offers the versatility needed for both serious prep work and everyday cooking. The Shinka is not about unnecessary complexity—it is about executing the fundamentals exceptionally well.
This particular piece was custom assembled in our Kakushin workshop with a striking red-toned wa handle, giving the rustic Shinka blade a completely different personality. The warm grain and deep reddish finish create a strong contrast against the dark kurouchi surface, while the decorative spacer near the ferrule introduces a subtle black and translucent accent that adds detail without overwhelming the knife.
The pairing works particularly well because it balances two very different aesthetics: the blade remains raw, traditional, and visibly hand-forged, while the handle brings in a cleaner and more refined finish. The result feels premium without losing the character that makes the Shinka series distinctive in the first place.
Every Kakushin custom assembly is completed by hand in our workshop. The handle is individually selected, fitted, aligned, and finished to complement the proportions and balance of the blade. Because these handles are chosen and installed individually, each finished knife develops its own identity rather than feeling like another mass-produced variation.
The result is a one-of-a-kind Kakushin assembly that combines generations of Japanese blacksmithing with a handle selected and installed here in our shop—traditional where it matters, distinctive where it counts.
◻️ 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.