Our in-depth range review

First Impressions

Made for Hatsukokoro by Nigara Hamono the Irodori is an incredible rainbow damascus with a contrasting etched blue #2 core. 

The chef knives boast a relatively thick spine with a consistent distal taper with a slightly hollow grind running down to a cutting edge of the highest quality.

Beauty

The Irodori is undoubtely one of the most stunning knives we've had the pleasure of stocking. The rainbow damascus on the cladding is almost like a tiger stripe and the dark etched Blue #2 core contrasts it fantastically. 

In Hand

A joy to hold, the relatively thick spine and balance point around the heel of the knife are very comfortable and the finishing touches of the rounded spine and heel add to that overall comfort and obvious quality of the knife.

Durability

The Blue #2 core has been treated to 62HRC which offers a good balance between durability, edge retention and ease of sharpening.

Ease of Care & Maintenance Tips

This is a reactive knife, the core steel develops a patina and the soft iron cladding can develop to rusting if left undried. We would certainly recommend following our carbon steel care tips and we'd suggest including a carbon steel care kit for longer term care and maintenance.

Our Verdict

This is a limited availability range that Hatsukokoro have commissioned from Nigara Hamono and is a great example of the skill of their blacksmiths experimenting with various designs and finishes and is certainly one of our favourite raindbow damascus knives. 

As a tool, this is a top quality Nigara Hamono knife, with an excellent profile, edge and finish and is absolutely designed for high performance and use but one that boasts the looks and style to be shown off as a flagship piece in any collection. 

Meet the maker

Hatsukokoro

Based in Seki city, Hatsukoroko are a brand who collaborate with wide range of master blacksmiths, workshops and factories. Their knives and accessories range from entirely hand forged pieces from master blacksmiths through to products from workshops who make use of modern machinery and techniques to forge knives with extreme precision.

Thanks to their constant innovation and passion for development Hatsukokoro's knives and accessories have quickly become a favourite of our customers.

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