Name: Hatsukokoro HAP40 Honesuki
Brand: Hatsukokoro
SKU: 9002
Price: 165.0 GBP
Availability: OutOfStock

First Impressions

Sharp out of the box and there's definitely scope to pretty easily get a truly screaming sharp edge with a little work on a stone or with a ceramic rod.

The blade shape is stamped and then sharpened and finished by hand to ensure a consistent and quality finish across the knives.

Beauty

This is perhaps not a range you're going to buy based entirely on its looks. It's a classic polished finish with a visually interesting and consistent grind exposing the HAP40 steel core and the Kanji is 初心 meaning 初 (innocent) 心 (spirit).

In Hand

The entire range is impressively lightweight and overall they're pretty thin all the way along the spine and taper nicely. The heel of the knife is comfortable but it would be nice if it were just a little more rounded and finished around the edges for added comfort.

Durability

Made by Hitachi Metals Limited, HAP40 is a steel that is well regarded for its hardness and the treatment of this range is around 64-65 HRC so edge retention is excellent and these are durable knives when looked after correctly.

The durability and edge retention is the big feature of this range.

Ease of Care

These are a semi stainless knife so we'd recommend caring for them following the normal rinse and dry routine but it would also be worth applying drop or two of camellia oil from time to time as HAP40 steel has a chromium content but it's worth the extra care for the edge retention properties it offers.

Our Verdict

This range is an interesting combination of stamped blade production and then sharpened and the handles fitted by hand.

There's a great level of consistency across the knives in the range and for the most part, you're paying for the HAP40 steel which is going to take and retain an excellent edge and offers a high level of durability despite it's thin profile.

Overall, an impressively light but solid knife that's going to last.

Product details

Blade Length: 150mm (Measurement of the cutting edge)
Total Length: 275mm (Blade + Handle)
Blade Thickness: 1.92mm (Measured level with heel)
Blade Height: 37.3mm (Heel to spine)
Total Weight: 77 grams
Steel Type - Cladding: Stainless
Steel Type - Core: HAP40
This knife is made from a reactive steel that has some special care instructions and properties – learn more.
Left or Right handed: Either
Hardness: 64-65 (HRC)
Handle Style: Japanese
Handle Material: Octagonal walnut

Product SKU: 9002

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.

Compatable saya or guard

The Kotetsu Ko-Bunka saya is compatable with this knife.

View all sayas, guards and storage options

Blacksmith Profile

Hatsukokoro Seki City

Made in Seki City, Japan the HAP40 is a machine stamped blade that benefits from the attention to detail of a hand sharpening and finishing process .

View all Hatsukokoro Seki City knives

Hatsukokoro HAP40 Honesuki

First Impressions

Beauty

In Hand

Durability

Ease of Care

Our Verdict

Product details

Compatable saya or guard

Blacksmith Profile

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Helping you find the perfect knife

Hatsukokoro HAP40 Honesuki

First Impressions

Beauty

In Hand

Durability

Ease of Care

Our Verdict

Product details

Compatable saya or guard

Blacksmith Profile

Helping you find the perfect knife

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