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alt="A Hatsukokoro Shinkiro kurouchi damascus AS gyuto 210mm with a black handle and a silver, partially textured blade is placed on a dark gray surface, embodying the elegance of a kurouchi damascus gyuto."
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alt="A Hatsukokoro Shinkiro kurouchi damascus AS gyuto 210mm with a black handle and a silver, partially textured blade is placed on a dark gray surface, embodying the elegance of a kurouchi damascus gyuto."
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alt="A Japanese chef's knife, featuring a patterned Damascus steel blade and a dark handle, rests elegantly on a textured gray surface."
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alt="A Japanese chef's knife, featuring a patterned Damascus steel blade and a dark handle, rests elegantly on a textured gray surface."
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alt="Close-up of a Japanese chef's knife blade with visible wavy Damascus steel patterns and Japanese characters engraved on the dark upper portion, showcasing the artistry of a kurouchi damascus gyuto against a deep, dark background."
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alt="Close-up of a Japanese chef's knife blade with visible wavy Damascus steel patterns and Japanese characters engraved on the dark upper portion, showcasing the artistry of a kurouchi damascus gyuto against a deep, dark background."
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alt="Close-up of a damascus chef's knife blade showing a distinctive wavy pattern typical of Damascus steel, with a partial black coating near the spine and a polished sharpened edge. Background is a dark textured surface."
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alt="Close-up of a damascus chef's knife blade showing a distinctive wavy pattern typical of Damascus steel, with a partial black coating near the spine and a polished sharpened edge. Background is a dark textured surface."
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alt="A close-up of a Japanese chef's knife with a patterned Damascus steel blade and a dark handle, set against a textured dark background—an essential workhorse gyuto for any culinary enthusiast."
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loading="lazy"
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alt="A close-up of a Japanese chef's knife with a patterned Damascus steel blade and a dark handle, set against a textured dark background—an essential workhorse gyuto for any culinary enthusiast."
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alt="A single Japanese chef's knife with a dark handle and a patterned blade is placed upright on a dark grey background."
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alt="A single Japanese chef's knife with a dark handle and a patterned blade is placed upright on a dark grey background."
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alt="A Japanese chef's knife with a black handle lies beside a rectangular black box featuring white Japanese calligraphy on its lid, all set against a dark textured background."
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alt="A Japanese chef's knife with a black handle lies beside a rectangular black box featuring white Japanese calligraphy on its lid, all set against a dark textured background."
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alt="A damascus chef's knife with a black handle and a patterned steel blade is placed on a dark gray surface."
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alt="A damascus chef's knife with a black handle and a patterned steel blade is placed on a dark gray surface."
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alt="A close-up of the spine of a Japanese chef's knife blade angled upward against a plain, light gray background."
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alt="Close-up of a dark, octagonal Japanese chef's knife handle made of ebony wood against a plain light gray background."
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alt="Close-up of a dark, octagonal Japanese chef's knife handle made of ebony wood against a plain light gray background."
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alt="Close-up, centered view of the tip of a Japanese chef's knife blade pointed upward against a plain white background, showing the blade’s edge and part of the knife handle in focus."
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Hand-forged in Fukushima, Japan by Takahiro Nihei for the Hatsukokoro brand, this 210mm gyuto is a Japanese chef's 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 210mm, a practical size for most kitchens -- long enough for everyday tasks, compact enough for tighter workspaces.
Hand-forged in Fukushima, Japan by Takahiro Nihei (Hatsukokoro Shinkiro)
215mm (8.4") actual cutting edge, 49.3mm heel height
Aogami Super (~64 HRC) with iron clad damascus
Kurouchi finish
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 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:gyuto Finish: kurouchi Core steel: Aogami Super (AS) Steel type: carbon Cladding: iron clad damascus
Blade & Handle Specs
Overall length: 360mm Blade length - heel to tip: 215mm (8.4") Blade height at heel: 49.3mm Spine thickness: At handle: 4.6mm At heel: 4.2mm Midway: 2.5mm 1cm from the tip: 1.0mm Weight: 214g Edge/bevel: 50:50 Handle: octagonal mono ebony 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.
