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Hatsukokoro Shinkiro (unstamped) kurouchi damascus AS gyuto 240mm
Regular price¥90,000 JPY
Regular priceSale price¥90,000 JPY
Unit price/ per
Sale
Sold out
Ships from Tokyo, Japan · Dispatched within 24–48 hours
Worldwide shipping with tracking
20,000円以上のご注文で送料無料
Free shipping on orders over ¥20,000
Handforged in Fukushima by Takahiro Nihei, this 240mm gyuto from the Shinkiro series by Hatsukokoro features an Aogami Super core clad in damascus. It is an unstamped variant with no Hatsukokoro kanji, made at the request of enthusiasts who prefer a plain blade face.
This Japanese chef's knife has a nice heft to it 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)
243mm (9.6") cutting edge, 52mm heel height
Aogami Super core with iron clad damascus
Balance point at the pinch grip area
Octagonal wenge handle with resin ferrule
For left- and right-handed users
Pricing reflects a recent increase from the maker (August 2026)
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: gyuto Finish: kurouchi damascus Core Steel: Aogami Super (Blue Super) Steel Type: carbon Cladding: iron clad damascus
Blade & Handle Specs
Overall Length: 398mm Blade Length - heel to tip: 243mm (9.6") Blade Height at Heel: 52mm Spine Thickness: At the handle: 4.6mm At the heel: 3.7mm Midway: 2.4mm 1cm from the tip: 0.8mm Weight: 231g Balance Point: pinch grip area Handle: octagonal wenge with resin ferrule Hand Orientation: ambidextrous Saya/Sheath: none Box: 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
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.