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Hatsukokoro Shinkiro (unstamped) kurouchi damascus AS bunka 170mm

3 total reviews

Regular price ¥65,000 JPY
Regular price Sale price ¥65,000 JPY
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Ships from Tokyo, Japan  ·  Dispatched within 24–48 hours

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Add-on: magnolia saya. Details

Specifications

Hand-forged in Fukushima, Japan by Takahiro Nihei, this bunka is part of the Shinkiro series by Hatsukokoro, with an Aogami Super core and iron clad damascus. It is an unstamped version with no Hatsukokoro kanji, made available at the request of enthusiasts who prefer the blade face left plain.

This compact Japanese multipurpose knife has a nice heft and cuts well. Midweight grind and thin behind the edge. The blade road has minimal low spots, making stone work more manageable for anyone wanting to do a kasumi finish later.

  • Hand-forged in Fukushima, Japan by Takahiro Nihei
  • Unstamped (no Hatsukokoro kanji)
  • 169mm (6.65") cutting edge, 51.9mm heel height
  • Aogami Super core with iron clad damascus
  • Octagonal mono 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 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 (Blue Super)
Steel Type: carbon
Cladding: iron clad damascus

Blade & Handle Specs

Overall Length: 312mm
Blade Length - heel to tip: 169mm
Blade Height at Heel: 51.9mm
Spine Thickness:
  At the handle: 4.3mm
  At the heel: 3.3mm
  Midway: 2.2mm
  1cm from the tip: 0.9mm
Weight: 186g
Edge/Bevel: 50:50
Handle: octagonal mono ebony
Hand Orientation: ambidextrous
Saya/Sheath: not included

Notes:
  • The photo shows one of the knives from our current stock, so it may not be the exact one you'll receive. Each knife is handmade, so no two are exactly alike. If you'd like to see the actual knife, email us at info@zahocho.com.
  • Kurouchi finish varies from knife to knife. Fading, patchy spots, and light scratching are normal characteristics, not defects. If you prefer a clean & uniform finish, other finish types may suit you better.
  • 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

Customer Support

Email us at info@zahocho.com or fill out our contact form.

FAQ

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.

View all FAQ →

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