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alt="The Hatsukokoro Shinkiro kurouchi damascus AS bunka 170mm (no logo) features a hand-forged Japanese design with a sharp Aogami Super blade and black handle, displayed on a dark textured surface."
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alt="The Hatsukokoro Shinkiro kurouchi damascus AS bunka 170mm (no logo) features a hand-forged Japanese design with a sharp Aogami Super blade and black handle, displayed on a dark textured surface."
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alt="The Hatsukokoro Shinkiro kurouchi damascus AS bunka 170mm—featuring a dark handle and layered Damascus steel blade—rests on a textured gray surface, highlighting its exceptional Aogami Super craftsmanship."
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alt="The Hatsukokoro Shinkiro kurouchi damascus AS bunka 170mm—featuring a dark handle and layered Damascus steel blade—rests on a textured gray surface, highlighting its exceptional Aogami Super craftsmanship."
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alt="Close-up of the Hatsukokoro Shinkiro kurouchi damascus AS bunka 170mm (no logo), highlighting its wavy Damascus steel and matte black handle, set against a dark, textured background."
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alt="Close-up of the Hatsukokoro Shinkiro kurouchi damascus AS bunka 170mm (no logo), highlighting its wavy Damascus steel and matte black handle, set against a dark, textured background."
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alt="A close-up of the Hatsukokoro Shinkiro kurouchi damascus AS bunka 170mm knife blade, showcasing its wavy Damascus steel patterns on the polished edge against a dark gray textured background."
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alt="A close-up of the Hatsukokoro Shinkiro kurouchi damascus AS bunka 170mm knife blade, showcasing its wavy Damascus steel patterns on the polished edge against a dark gray textured background."
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alt="Close-up of the Hatsukokoro Shinkiro kurouchi damascus AS bunka 170mm blade, showcasing its wavy Damascus steel pattern and sharp pointed tip against a dark background."
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alt="Close-up of the Hatsukokoro Shinkiro kurouchi damascus AS bunka 170mm blade, showcasing its wavy Damascus steel pattern and sharp pointed tip against a dark background."
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alt="A Hatsukokoro Shinkiro kurouchi damascus AS bunka 170mm knife with a straight edge, pointed tip, and dark handle rests on a flat gray surface."
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alt="A Hatsukokoro Shinkiro kurouchi damascus AS bunka 170mm knife with a straight edge, pointed tip, and dark handle rests on a flat gray surface."
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alt="The Hatsukokoro Shinkiro kurouchi damascus AS bunka 170mm - no logo, a hand-forged Japanese knife with a dark handle and broad, angled blade, is displayed on a dark gray textured surface."
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alt="The Hatsukokoro Shinkiro kurouchi damascus AS bunka 170mm - no logo, a hand-forged Japanese knife with a dark handle and broad, angled blade, is displayed on a dark gray textured surface."
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alt="The Hatsukokoro Shinkiro kurouchi damascus AS bunka 170mm knife with a black handle lies beside a sleek black box on a dark, textured surface."
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alt="The Hatsukokoro Shinkiro kurouchi damascus AS bunka 170mm knife with a black handle lies beside a sleek black box on a dark, textured surface."
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alt="Close-up of the Hatsukokoro Shinkiro kurouchi damascus AS bunka 170mm (no logo) knife tip, shot from the front with a shallow depth of field; the thin, sharp blade stands out against a plain light gray background."
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alt="Close-up of the Hatsukokoro Shinkiro kurouchi damascus AS bunka 170mm (no logo) knife tip, shot from the front with a shallow depth of field; the thin, sharp blade stands out against a plain light gray background."
Hand-forged by Takahiro Nihei in Fukushima, Japan, this bunka is part of the Hatsukokoro Shinkiro series. It’s an unstamped version made available by request for those who prefer a sterile blade. With clear Sanjo influence, it’s hefty and feels authoritative in hand, and cuts extremely well.
Hand-forged in Fukushima, Japan by Takahiro Nihei
Aogami Super carbon steel core with damascus iron cladding
Cutting edge length of 169mm
Spine tapers from 4.3mm to 0.9mm
Octagonal mono ebony handle
Ambidextrous design
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.
Handle: Octagonal walnut with buffalo horn ferrule
Hand Orientation: Ambidextrous
Saya/Sheath: Not included
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.
Kurouchi finish is a natural byproduct of forging, so texture and coverage vary from blade to blade. Uneven or patchy areas are normal and not a defect.
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.
