Hatsukokoro Kurogane Blue #2 Ko-Bunka 120mm
Hatsukokoro Kurogane Blue #2 Ko-Bunka 120mm
Hatsukokoro Kurogane Blue #2 Ko-Bunka 120mm
Hatsukokoro Kurogane Blue #2 Ko-Bunka 120mm
Hatsukokoro Kurogane Blue #2 Ko-Bunka 120mm
Hatsukokoro Kurogane Blue #2 Ko-Bunka 120mm
Hatsukokoro Kurogane Blue #2 Ko-Bunka 120mm
Hatsukokoro Kurogane Blue #2 Ko-Bunka 120mm
Hatsukokoro Kurogane Blue #2 Ko-Bunka 120mm
Hatsukokoro Kurogane Blue #2 Ko-Bunka 120mm
Hatsukokoro

Hatsukokoro Kurogane Blue #2 Ko-Bunka 120mm

£95.00

In stock – Ready for dispatch (10)

£95.00

The Kurogane ko-bunka is one of our favourite sized knives for smaller jobs like peeling, it's got just enough length for a range of ingredients and has the additional height for balance and precise control and is an incredibly versatile utility knife.

 
Product Code: HAT-0144
Hatsukokoro Kurogane Blue #2 Ko-Bunka 120mm
£95.00

About this range

First Impressions

Made in Tosa for Hatsukokoro, the Kurogane Blue #2 is a classic and rugged workhorse range using a traditional combination of durable Blue #2 core steel clad in soft iron.

Across the range, you'll find a moderate distal taper and relatively thick profile that feels reassuringly durable but one that offers smooth cutting performance and food release.

Beauty

A traditional kurouchi finish and vertical hairline grind down to the core and edge are a typical look for many Japanese knives and one that always looks great once your patina begins to form on the blade too. 

We've paired the knives in this range with a single piece octagonal ebony wa handle which is always a  favourite pairing.

In Hand

The Kurogane is very much a workhorse, it feels tough and durable and one you'd reach for when you don't want to worry about prepping those root veggies or peeling something with a harder skin.

Obviously it's still not an axe and you need to practice good cutting technique but we particularly like how these knives feel and the out of the box edge is good for a knife at this price point so making finer cuts is no problem either.

Durability

The Blue #2 core has been hardened to around 63HRC and so offers a good level of edge retention between sharpening and with the workhorse profile it's a good choice for a busy kitchen and lots of prep.

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. For long term maintenance, we recommend our carbon steel care kit.

Our Verdict

The Kurogane is a versatile and durable workhorse range from Hatsukokoro made in Tosa by one of their partner workshops and offers a slightly more refined level of edge finish to the similar Blue #1 Kokugei and Blue #2 Shikkoku and Sumi ranges.

We found the edge on the Kurogane out of the box offers smooth cutting performance and good food release thanks to the relatively thick profile and distal taper across the knives and at the price point it's a great option for anyone looking at a first time classic carbon steel knife that boasts good edge retention and for those more experienced knife owners, there's plenty of additional performance that can be achieved with minimal effort when sharpening on your whetstones. 

Definitely another top value range from Hatsukokoro to add to your shortlist.

Hatsukokoro Kurogane Blue #2 Ko-Bunka 120mm - product quick view

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

Knife Measurements - Hatsukokoro Kurogane Blue #2 Ko-Bunka 120mm

  • Blade Length: 122mm (Measurement of the cutting edge)
  • Total Length: 250mm (Blade tip to handle end)
  • Blade Height: 41.4mm (Heel to spine)
  • Blade Thickness: 3.3mm (Spine width above the heel) 2.1mm (Measured halfway along spine) 1.66mm (Measured 15mm from tip)
  • Total Weight: 102 grams

Range Specifications

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.

Sayas, guards and knife protection

Protection & care for this knife

We recommend a medium size 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.

How to choose the perfect knife

We've helped thousands of customers choose their perfect knife since 2011 and we're here to help you too.

Read our guide to choosing a Japanese knife and don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions!

Read our knife guide