Name: Hatsukokoro Inazuma Bunka
Brand: Hatsukokoro
SKU: 9303
Price: 260.0 GBP
Availability: OutOfStock

Hatsukokoro Inazuma Bunka Purchase options

First Impressions

It's hard to avoid hyperbole when talking about high quality products like handmade Japanese knives because so many of them are exceptional pieces of craft and the skill required is so high.

You're going to have to indulge our excitement about this range though!

Quite simply, the sharpness out of the box is sensational and boast some of the best scores we've ever tested across any knife range.

Beauty

Not only are the knives exceptional in terms of raw performance, the style and finish is dark, moody and you can see why the range is named Inazuma (lightning) if you invoke images of a dark stormy sky the flash of light that reflects off the polished Super Blue core steel is beautiful.

In Hand

We paired this range with a classic octagonal walnut and black buffalo handle which is light and comfortable in the hand.

Across the range the Inazuma knives are as well balanced and light as you'd expect from the Master blacksmith who created them.

Durability

Super Blue steel is a popular choice among blacksmiths and knife owners for its durability and relative ease of maintenance and you should expect this knife to last a long time with careful use and maintenance.

Ease of Care

This is a fully reactive knife as the core of super blue steel is clad with a reactive soft iron so you can expect a patina to quickly develop across the entire blade as you use it.

We recommend caring for it following the our normal care instructions and storing it on a magnetic rack when not in use.

It would also be worth applying drop or two of camellia oil from time to time to help care for and protect it as the patina develops.

Our Verdict

Outstanding value for money. This is an exceptional knife in all respects and one of the highest performing knife collection we've seen so if you're looking for outright performance and sharpness paired with a stunning design then we'd say you've hit a sweet spot here.

The price is doubly impressive because this collection comes from a true master blacksmith but due to branding and other agreements between the blacksmith and their other partners we are not able to name him.

So while there's a mystery element here we're absolutely delighted to stock his knives and the more eagle eyed knife collector out there might recognise the style and design of this knife and for those who do, you'll see what a bargain this exceptional collection is.

Product details

Blade Length: 174mm (Measurement of the cutting edge)
Total Length: 317mm (Blade + Handle)
Blade Thickness: 2.7mm (Measured level with heel)
Blade Height: 51mm (Heel to spine)
Total Weight: 132 grams
Core Steel: Super Blue Steel
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: Walnut with black buffalo bolster
Left or Right handed: Either (Double Bevel)

Product SKU: 9303

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

The Oster Rob ZDP-189 bunka saya is an excellent fit for this knife.

Saya & Guards Knife Racks & Storage Sharpening & Blade Care

Blacksmith Profile

Master Blacksmith - Made for Hatsukokoro

One of Japan's leading master blacksmiths has created this range for Hatsukokoro and due to existing partnerships between the blacksmith and their other partners we're not able to name him but we are very happy to have this master's work available on our site.

View all knives from Hatsukokoro

Hatsukokoro Inazuma Bunka