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

Hatsukokoro HAP40 Honesuki

£165.00

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Hatsukokoro HAP40 Honesuki Purchase options

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.

This range is machine made and then finished and sharpened by hand and scores very well on our sharpness tests so with that potential to hone further and durability we think this is a great knife for overall performance.

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.

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 machine made in Seko City, Japan and then sharpened and the handles fitted by hand. It's tempting and entirely fair to compare them with the entirely hand made knives we sell and it's a tricky one in some respects because it's a difficult comparison of man vs machine made but the obvious benefit of machine made here is consisency and finish across the range.

The reality here is that 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.

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

This range is entirely machine made in Seki City, Japan and finished with hand fitted handles.

View all Hatsukokoro Seki City knives

Helping you find the perfect knife

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

Since 2011 we've helped thousands of happy customers find the perfect knife for their cooking and hope to serve you soon.

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