Name: Hatsukokoro Kumokage Blue #2 Petty 150mm
Brand: Hatsukokoro
SKU: 12101
Price: 125.0 GBP
Availability: OutOfStock

Hatsukokoro Kumokage Blue #2 Petty 150mm Purchase options

First Impressions

From the first use, you'll be impressed with the overall sharpness and the quality of finish. The Kumokage collection is a fine example of classic steel choice made in a traditional style.

Beauty

Kumokage translates to "cloud shadow" and continues in Hatsukokoro's tradition of naming their ranges based on a combination of the phyiscal look and style of the knife and being inspired by nature.

The darker kurouchi finish on the soft iron cladding paired with the more polished damascus finish down to the blue #2 edge make it pretty easy to see how the inspiration for the name comes about.

The kanji characters on the blade represent Hatsukokoro's brand 初 (Hatsu) 心 (Kokoro) which translates to 初 (innocent) 心 (spirit).

In Hand

The knives across the range are well balanced and comfortable with the traditional octagonal wa handle they're enjoyable to use and thanks to reasonably thick spine near to the handle above the heel have a sturdy feel without the feeling of too much weight.

Durability

Blue #2 and soft iron clad is a great combination for making an affordable and durable knife with excellent edge retention and durability.

Ease of Care

It should be noted that this is a fully reactive knife so both core and cladding react with moisture and your ingredients. As such, the care requirements for this steel combination are a little higher than some knives. Learn more about carbon steel care here.

We would recommend periodically treating it with a little camellia oil and in the event of rust spots forming on the soft iron cladding a quick pass with a rust eraser is all you need.

Our Verdict

The Kumokage is excellent value for money, a classic Japanese knife crafted in a traditional style with a durable core steel that holds a great edge and is easy to sharpen.

If you're looking for a carbon steel knife and are happy with a fully reactive blade then we'd highly recommend checking out this range.

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: 151mm (Measurement of the cutting edge)
Total Length: 283mm (Blade + Handle)
Blade Thickness: 3.03mm (Measured level with heel)
Blade Height: 36mm (Heel to spine)
Total Weight: 88 grams
Core Steel: Blue Steel #2
This knife is made from a reactive carbon steel which is not stainless and therefore has some special care instructions and properties.

Read the carbon steel care guide
Order a carbon steel care kit
Cladding Steel: Soft Iron
Hardness: 62-63 (HRC)
Handle Style: Japanese
Handle Material: Octagonal teak with black buffalo bolster
Left or Right handed: Either (Double Bevel)

Product SKU: 12101

Our aim is to measure and photograph all our products as accurately as possible but due to the handmade nature of many items, please be aware that there may be some variance in the measurements and that things such as blade and knife handle patterns can vary and presentation boxes may differ from those shown but we will always endeavour to provide the most accurate measurements, photos and descriptions of our products.

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

Protection & care for this knife

A photo of various protective guards for Japanese chef knives

We recommend a petty sized blade guard for this knife.

Saya & Guards Knife Racks & Storage Sharpening & Blade Care

Blacksmith Profile

Hatsukokoro

These knives are made by a 3rd generation blacksmith for Hatsukokoro, due the blacksmith's other partnerships we can't list their name here .It's a blacksmith we're already familiar with and admire their work and skill gained from many years of knife making.

View all knives from Hatsukokoro

Hatsukokoro Kumokage Blue #2 Petty 150mm