Name: Hatsukokoro Shinkiro Gyuto 210mm
Brand: Hatsukokoro
SKU: HAT-041-##
Price: 390.0 GBP
Availability: OutOfStock

First Impressions

Made for Hatsukokoro by Takahiro Nihei, these blades are an exceptional line boasting a thick spine and smooth distal taper and a screaming sharp edge all as you would expect from such a skilled blacksmith.

Beauty

A mixed finish of kurouchi cladding running down to a subtle damascus line and finally polished core steel combine to make a great looking knife in a traditional style. We've chosen to pair these with an ebony and white buffalo wa handle.

In Hand

You'll notice in hand that this is a pretty thick range of knives, especially just above the heel where you'd hold it in a pinch grip. This provides a lot of stability and puts the balance point a little ahead of the heel.

It's nimble and well balanced and that thickness of the spine is counter balanced a little by the ebony handle.

Durability

Aogami Super is a very popular and durable steel and used widely throughout the Japanese knife world so it's one that's easy to sharpen and retains an edge well so this is definitely a knife that's going to last when cared for.

Ease of Care

The core steel is reactive so will develop a patina as it reacts with the acids and moisture in your foods. Other than that, our normal care instructions always apply and for day to day care.

For longer term care and upkeep we recommend our carbon steel care kit which has everything you need to keep your carbon knives in tip top condition.

Our Verdict

A stunning knife all round and from the hand laminated start, Nihei-san makes these in a style that shows a little of training in the profile which is quite common among Sanjo based or trained based blacksmiths and it's quite similar to Yoshikane's lines and the Sumiiro from Konosuke and so the baseline of a proven and high quality profile and edge is already tried and tested.

These are beautiful knives boasting layers of finishes from the nashiji markings on the kurouchi finish to the exposed damascus and finally the high polish of the core steel and we're delighted to be able to stock them and for anyone seeking a top class thicker workhorse profile knife the Shinkiro is highly recommended.

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: 222mm (Measurement of the cutting edge)
Total Length: 370mm (Blade tip to handle end)
Blade Height: 46.6mm (Heel to spine)
Blade Thickness: 4.5mm (Spine width above the heel)
Total Weight: 208 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: Soft Iron
Hardness: 62-63 (HRC)
Handle Style: Japanese
Handle Material: Ebony and white buffalo
Left or Right handed: Either (Double Bevel)

Product SKU: HAT-041-##

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

The wide fit 210mm gyuto magnolia saya and large gyuto (27x5.5cm) blade guard are compatable with this knife.

Saya & Guards Knife Racks & Storage Sharpening & Blade Care

Meet the maker

Takahiro Nihei for Hatsukokoro

Nihei san has collaborated with Hatsukokoro on this range and drawn on all his skill and experience working with Konosuke and Yoshida Hamono.

Hatsukokoro Shinkiro Gyuto 210mm