Shinka Custom Western Amboyna AO2 Kurouchi Nakiri 165mm
SPECIFICATIONS
Knife Style: Nakiri
Steel Type: Carbon Steel
Blade Material: Aogami Blue #2
Blade Finish: Kurouchi
Blade Hardness: 61HRC (+/-1)
Bevel: Double
Handle: Amboyna (Westrn Style)
Blade Length: 165mm
Heel Height: 51mm
Spine Thickness: 4.60mm tapered to 1.30mm
Weight: 147g
This custom Shinka is another one-of-one creation assembled in-house at Kakushin, bringing together a traditional Japanese blade with a completely custom Western-style handle that transforms both the look and feel of the knife.
For this build, we selected a stunning block of premium Amboyna burl, shaping it into a rat-tang yo-handle. Renowned for its mesmerizing grain, rich golden-orange hues, and remarkable natural depth, Amboyna is one of the world's most sought-after burl woods. Every swirl, eye, and figure is entirely unique, making it the perfect match for a knife that will never be duplicated. The ergonomic Western profile offers a secure, familiar grip while showcasing the wood's incredible character from every angle.
At the heart of this piece is the Shinka blade itself. Hand-forged in Japan from Aogami Blue #2 carbon steel, it delivers the crisp, lively cutting feel that carbon steel enthusiasts love. Hardened to approximately 61 HRC, it strikes an excellent balance between edge retention, toughness, and ease of sharpening, rewarding the user with exceptional performance while remaining practical for everyday use.
The kurouchi finish preserves the blade's darker forged appearance, highlighting the texture and character left behind by the blacksmith's hammer and forge. Rustic yet refined, it proudly showcases its handmade origins while providing a timeless Japanese aesthetic that never goes out of style.
Forged for us in Tosa, Japan, by a fourth-generation workshop whose history dates back to 1920, the Shinka series reflects generations of craftsmanship evolving from traditional tool making into exceptional kitchen cutlery. Its thin geometry, smooth taper, and balanced profile make it an effortless performer through vegetables, herbs, proteins, and virtually any daily prep task.
This particular knife exists as one and only one. By pairing Shinka's beautifully traditional carbon steel blade with a handcrafted Western-style Amboyna burl handle assembled here at Kakushin, we've created a knife that feels every bit as special as it looks. It's a seamless blend of Japanese craftsmanship and custom artistry—a functional kitchen tool, a collector's piece, and a true 1-of-1 that can never be recreated once it finds its owner.
◻️ 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.