Name: Hatsukokoro Irodori Blue #2 Rainbow Damascus Gyuto 240mm
Brand: Hatsukokoro
SKU: HAT-0130-##
Price: 550.0 GBP
Availability: OutOfStock

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.

It's only right that a blade of this quality is fitted with a handle to match and the double black buffalo karin wood handle is of an equally high standard.

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

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.

Product details

Blade Length: 228mm (Measurement of the cutting edge)
Total Length: 382mm (Blade tip to handle end)
Blade Height: 48.1mm (Heel to spine)
Blade Thickness: 4.34mm (Spine width above the heel) 2.51mm (Measured halfway along spine) 1.13mm (Measured 15mm from tip)
Total Weight: 250 grams
Core Steel: Blue Steel #2
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: Soft Iron
Hardness: 62 (HRC)
Handle Style: Japanese
Handle Material: Karin wood with double black buffalo horn
Left or Right handed: Either (Double Bevel)

Product SKU: HAT-0130-##

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

Nigara Hamono for 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 Irodori Blue #2 Rainbow Damascus Gyuto 240mm