Name: Kyohei Shindo Aogami Kurouchi Bunka
Brand: Kyohei Shindo
SKU: KYO-0001
Price: 85.0 GBP
Availability: InStock

First Impressions

This is an impressive knife. Out of the box, it's got a good thin edge that's ready to go but there's definitely scope to refine and polish it a little more with minimal effort on your whetstone.

At this price point, it's quite the knife and an easy entry point into learning about just how sharp and fun Japanese knives are.

Beauty

There are lots of different looks, styles and finishes for Japanese knives and the kurouchi (blacksmith) finish you see here is one of the most common, it's a traditional looking knife you'd see in many Japanese homes.

In Hand

Light and well balanced, and exceptional value for money if you're happy to accept that there might not be quite consistency of grind and overall shape to match more expensive knives then this is both fun and great value for money without doubt!

As you might expect at this price point, the handle is very much secondary to the blade and there is a small ridge/gap where the black plastic ferrule meets the handle. This is quite typical for cheaper handles which are often used because this is where blacksmiths can save money which is better invested in the steel.

If you were minded, it's easy to replace handles on Japanese knives and we offer a range of alternative handle options should you wish.

Durability

Blue #2 and soft iron cladding is widely used because it's robust and retains an edge well and at this price point it's a great pairing that's going to serve you well.

Ease of Care

This is a fully reactive knife so both the core steel and soft iron cladding will react with food and moisture as you work so you will need to follow our normal care instructions as well as learn a little more about carbon steel care too.

Our Verdict

If you're looking to jump into the world of Japanese knives and carbon steel, this range offers an excellent introduction combining traditional construction and an impressive finish and edge right out of the box at a price tag that's extremely competitive.

Obviously there must be compromise to reach such a great price point and the handle is an obivous one but this is also a knife that unsurprisingly doesn't have the exacting consistency of grind you'd find on more expensive knives or knives from more senior blacksmiths.

The edge however is very thin and well done and it's undoubtedly a great value and sharp knife that's fun to use!

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: 170mm (Measurement of the cutting edge)
Total Length: 310mm (Blade + Handle)
Blade Thickness: 4.5mm (Measured level with heel)
Blade Height: 45.5mm (Heel to spine)
Total Weight: 121 grams
Core Steel: Blue Steel #2
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 (HRC)
Handle Style: Japanese
Handle Material: Keyaki with black plastic bolster
Left or Right handed: Either (Double Bevel)

Product SKU: KYO-0001

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

You can protect this knife with either a handmade leather saya or bunka (22x5cm) sized blade guard.

Due to the variable thickness of the spine, there are no wooden saya that fit this knife.

Saya & Guards Knife Racks & Storage Sharpening & Blade Care

Blacksmith Profile

Kyohei Shindo

A young emerging blacksmith from Tosa, Shindo san already had several years experience in blade making before working independently and is undoubtedly one of the new wave of Japanese blacksmiths you'll hear more about in future.

View all knives from Kyohei Shindo

Kyohei Shindo Aogami Kurouchi Bunka