Hand-forged in Fukushima, Japan by Takahiro Nihei for the Hatsukokoro Shinkiro series, this 170mm bunka is a Japanese multipurpose knife with an Aogami Super core and iron clad damascus. The kurouchi finish gives the blade a rustic appearance. Hefty and solid in hand. At 170mm, a compact daily driver for cooks who prefer a shorter multipurpose knife.
Hand-forged in Fukushima, Japan by Takahiro Nihei
170mm (6.7") actual cutting edge, 51.4mm heel height
Aogami Super (~64 HRC) with iron clad damascus
Kurouchi finish
Octagonal ebony handle
For left- and right-handed users
Takahiro Nihei is a blacksmith based in Iitate, Fukushima, and the fourth generation of Yasuragi Kobo. He trained under Kazuomi Yamamoto at Yoshikane Hamono in Sanjo from 2011 and opened his own workshop in 2019. He handles all work himself from forging to final sharpening. Nihei-san is currently working toward his swordsmith certification alongside his knife work.
Details
Brand:Hatsukokoro Series: Shinkiro Blacksmith: Takahiro Nihei Origin: Fukushima, Japan Knife type:bunka Finish: kurouchi damascus Core steel: Aogami Super (AS) Steel type: carbon steel Cladding: iron clad
Blade & Handle Specs
Overall length: 311mm Blade length - heel to tip: 170mm (6.7") Blade height at heel: 51.4mm Spine thickness: At handle: 4.6mm At heel: 3.9mm Midway: 2.3mm 1cm from the tip: 0.9mm Weight: 185g Edge/bevel: 50:50 Handle: octagonal ebony with buffalo horn ferrule Hand orientation: ambidextrous Saya/sheath: none
Notes:
Each knife is hand-forged, so no two are exactly alike. The photo shows a randomly selected piece from our stock. If you want to see the exact knife you'll receive, email us at info@zahocho.com.
Minor variations in finish, surface marks, and measurements are normal in handcrafted Japanese knives.
Handle is fitted by the maker and shipped as-is. We don't offer handle swaps.
Shipping & Returns
• Worldwide shipping from Tokyo • Dispatches within 24-48 hours • Full tracking from dispatch to delivery • 30-day returns on unused items Details
Care Guide
• Use whetstones for sharpening • Use wooden or rubber cutting boards • Keep clean and dry to prevent rust • Avoid cutting bones or frozen foods • Hand wash only - no dishwasher View Complete Care Guide
Why is the blade length different from the displayed size? The size in the product title is a nominal reference used by knife makers. The actual blade can be slightly longer or shorter due to handcrafting and traditional sizing. Each product page lists the exact measured length.
When will out-of-stock items be restocked? We carry limited, rotating stock. Once something sells out, we don't necessarily reorder it right away. It could be months before that item comes back, if at all. We bring in new knives regularly, but they're not always the same ones. Our newsletter is the best way to stay updated on new arrivals.
What payment methods do you accept? Visa, Mastercard, Amex, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Shop Pay. No cash on delivery.
