Name: Hatsukokoro Hayabusa AS Bunka
Brand: Hatsukokoro
SKU: HAT-079
Price: 145.0 GBP
Availability: OutOfStock

First Impressions

The Hayabusa ranges in various core steels from Hatsukokoro all boast a laser profile and lightweight feel in hand when fitted with the wa handles and the AS line is another nice choice of steel on offer with a high level of hardness and edge retention.

Beauty

This is a well finished and visually appealing knife, the hairline migaki finish is consistent and runs down to the core steel which will develop a nice contrasting patina to compliment the stainless cladding and when paired with the simple but classy mono bubinga wood handles it's a great look.

In Hand

You'll definitely notice that in hand, the Hayabusa is a light knife - it's a laser profile and so nice and thin all the way up to the spine which is also thin without too much taper.

The mono bubinga wood handles also tend to quite light compared to other woods so overall for those seeking that lighter feel in hand it's a knife to definitely consider.

Hatsukokoro have also done a nice job on this range rounding the edges of the choil and spine, it's subtle but noticeable and it's the little touches like this that are appreciated and elevate a knife.

Durability

The Super Blue core steel has been heat treated to around 64 HRC so in terms of edge retention, you're going to get a lot of use between sharpening. At this level of hardness you might want to be aware of maintaining good cutting technique but otherwise you can enjoy a high level of durability and edge retention.

Ease of Care

The Super Blue is a carbon steel core and the knife is clad in stainless steel so is relatively easy to maintain and resharpen although with the high level of hardness it may take a little longer to sharpen but it's more a matter of patience!

Just follow our normal carbon steel care instructions and this is a knife you will be using for many years. For long term care we'd recommend a carbon steel care kit.

Our Verdict

Excellent value for money when you're getting a real lightweight laser knife with a super blue steel core and the heat treat that offers very good edge retention and durability.

The little finishes like the subtle rounding on the spine and choil and neatly engraved Hatsukokoro kanji all come together to make this a very desirable range of knives in a very competitive price point for people looking to buy a first Japanese knife or add to a collection.

They look great too!

Product Quick View

Want to see a little more of the knife? Check out what the knife looks like in hand and up close.

Product details

Blade Length: 181mm (Measurement of the cutting edge)
Total Length: 332mm (Blade tip to handle end)
Blade Height: 49.6mm (Heel to spine)
Blade Thickness: 1.64mm (Spine width above the heel) 1.50mm (Measured halfway along spine) 1.28mm (Measured 15mm from tip)
Total Weight: 146 grams
Core Steel: Super Blue Steel
Care Tip – Reactive Carbon Steel

The core (and on some ranges, the cladding steel too) of this knife is made using a carbon steel which can react with moisture and acids in your food and so is not stainless or rust-proof.

Read our carbon steel care guide

View all carbon steel knives

View all non-reactive knives

RECOMMENDED Carbon steel care kit
Cladding Steel: Stainless
Hardness: 64 (HRC)
Handle Style: Japanese
Handle Material: Octagonal mono bubinga wood
Left or Right handed: Either (Double Bevel)

Product SKU: HAT-079

Our aim is to measure and photograph our products as accurately as possible but due to many items being handmade, finished or using natural materials, there can be minor variance in measurements and things such as blade or wood finishes can vary. We will always endeavour to provide the most accurate measurements, photos and descriptions of our products.

Some measurements such as HRC are provided by manufacturers and should therefore be used as a guide.

Protection & care for this knife

Due to the length of this knife, please note that the magnolia bunka saya does not fit however, the santoku size magnolia, black and black sand saya are compatable.

You can also use a bunka size (22x5cm) blade guard for this knife.

Saya & Guards Knife Racks & Storage Sharpening & Blade Care

Meet the maker

Hatsukokoro

Based in Seki city, Hatsukoroko employ a range of techniques and work with a selection of master blacksmiths working entirely by hand and for some ranges, they make use of modern machinery to combine craft with extreme precision.

Hatsukokoro Hayabusa AS Bunka