Hatsukokoro Ryuhyo SG2 Rainbow Damascus Bunka

The variety of finishes from deep and intricate kurozome dark damascus, the high polish mirror and even the rainbow etch across these extremely thin laser profile blades are a treat for the eyes and the laser profile and exceptionally thin edge is a equally impressive, a superb range in a modern high performance SG2 steel.

They Ryuhyo is available in a range of finishes to suit tastes, the dark kurozome is one of the best darker damascus finishes we've seen in terms of the intricacy and clarity of the patterns, the polished finish offers a more subtle look but one that boasts all the same detail when viewed up close.

Then there's that rainbow finish...

We guess this one will be somewhat more devisive as it's an example of Hatsukoko pushing the boundaries of design of their ranges to suit the demand from their wider market. It's not a true rainbow damascus rather a visual finish applied by electroplating processto give it that distinctive look.

You'll find that because the blades are so thin and light that the knives across the range tend to be balanced where the blade meets the handle so if you prefer a knife that's balanced a little further towards the handle then they're a nice fit.

The finishing on the spine and heel are reasonable and have been slightly smoothed off for comfort but not fully rounded as you might find on higher priced knives.

As a very modern knife, the use of SG2 steel for the core and clad in stainless they've been heat treated to around 62-63HRC as most SG2 knives are which provides an excellent balance of durability and edge retention. 

While the edge is very thin with a laser profile the SG2 steel core does lend itself well to this type of grind offering good levels of robustness and durability despite how thin it's been ground.

We would note that on the electroplated rainbow model, this finish will over time wear with use and when you sharpen the knife as it is a surface treatment and the vivid colours will fade back to what is essentially the mirror finished version of the knife. It's not something that would necessarily be a remotely quick process particularly in a home kitchen but it is a reactive knife in this respect.

SG2 is a stainless steel and is easy to maintain and resharpen. Just follow our normal Japanese knife care instructions and this is a knife you will be using for many years.