Hatsukokoro Kumokage Blue #2 Bunka

Regular price £145.00
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The bunka is a great all rounder offering good height clearance and the flatter profile is ideal for those who push cut and the k-tip is ideal for more intricate work - a very versatile knife.

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: 182mm (Measurement of the cutting edge)
  • Total Length: 321mm (Blade tip to handle end)
  • Blade Height: 46.2mm (Heel to spine)
  • Blade Thickness: 3.2mm (Spine width above the heel)
  • Total Weight: 153 grams
  • Core Steel: Blue Steel #2
  • Cladding Steel: Soft Iron
  • Hardness: 62-63 (HRC)
  • Handle Style: Japanese
  • Handle Material: Teak with black buffalo bolster
  • Left or Right handed: Either (Double Bevel)

Product SKU: HAT-057

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

We recommend a bunka size (22x5cm) blade guard to protect this knife. Due to the thickness of the spine near the heel of the blade we currently have no wooden saya that fit this knife.

Saya & Guards Knife Racks & Storage Sharpening & Blade Care

Meet the maker

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.

Helping you find the perfect knives & accessories

Cutting Edge Knives is a family run business established in 2011 and based in the picturesque town of Holmfirth, West Yorkshire. We love the history and craftsmanship that goes into making Japanese chef knives and accessories and the excitement and enjoyment you experience when using a truly sharp knife in the kitchen.

Over many years we've helped thousands of happy customers find their dream knife and look forward to helping you too.

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