Name: Hatsukokoro Yorokobi Gyuto 240mm
Brand: Hatsukokoro
SKU: HAT-060-##
Price: 430.0 GBP
Availability: OutOfStock

First Impressions

Opening the box and taking this knife out of the sleeve is absolutely breathtaking.

If you are looking for a truly premium level knife that has unique looks, an incredible thick spine and distal taper along with a screaming sharp edge, the Yorokobi has all the superlatives covered!

Beauty

The copper layered stainless cladding used to make the rainbow damascus finish on these blades is unqestionably one of the nicest we've seen.

The Yorokobi manages to be both eye catching but understated and the polished finish just gives it an overall look and feel of class.

In Hand

It's certainly on the bigger end, the workhorse profile, thick spine and height all favour those who want a more significant feel in their knives but they cut incredibly smoothly and are well balanced even with the height and weight.

Durability

SLD is a newer generation of steel from Hitachi designed to offer the same level of performance and edge retention as carbon steel but with high levels of durability, robustness and stain resistance so it's a great steel that's growing in popularity for good reason.

Ease of Care

As a semi-stainless steel, SLD is perhaps as close to being stainless as you can get so caring for it is pretty straightforward if you just follow the normal care instructions for any Japanese knife.

It's also very easy to maintain and sharpen in comparison to its similarly hard and high performance carbon steel counterparts.

Please note: The knives in this range are finished with a protective lacquer coating (which you will see in the photos as either streaks or a rainbow colouring) which is used to protect the finish and should be removed before use.

How to remove lacquer from Japanese knives.

Our Verdict

One of the most spectacular knives Hatsukokoro have created. While the blacksmith behind them remains a closely guarded secret (it's the same person who makes their Komorebi line), it's immediately obvious it's someone exceptionally skilled and the quality of these knives is absolutely top drawer.

If you're a fan of a particularly thick spine and heavier knife and looks to blow the mind then you need this knife in your collection right now as they feel like a range that is going to be a long term classic and in high demand over time.

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: 235mm (Measurement of the cutting edge)
Total Length: 394mm (Blade tip to handle end)
Blade Height: 53.1mm (Heel to spine)
Blade Thickness: 4.2mm (Spine width above the heel)
Total Weight: 257 grams
Core Steel: SLD
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: Stainless
Hardness: 62-63 (HRC)
Handle Style: Japanese
Handle Material: Octagonal ebony and black buffalo horn bolster
Left or Right handed: Either (Double Bevel)

Product SKU: HAT-060-##

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.

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.

Hatsukokoro Yorokobi Gyuto 240mm