The Japanese Hatsukokoro brand was founded by a company that has been specializing in cutlery for almost 10 years, working with renowned blacksmiths who are experts in ancestral forging techniques. These experienced craftsmen forge Hatsukokoro Japanese knives, renowned for their quality and unique design!
The handcrafted Japanese knife in SLD steel
This kiritsuke knife features a damascened blade, a process that involves forging a rigid steel core surrounded by several layers of softer steel. This structure gives your blade a balanced hardness of rigidity and flexibility, while protecting its core.
The core of this Hatsukokoro knife is made of Japanese SLD steel, produced by Hitachi, an internationally renowned steel manufacturer. This powder-metallurgy steel contains around 1.6% carbon, guaranteeing high hardness. In fact, its hardness reaches 63HRC on the Rockwell scale: this Japanese knife offers excellent cutting retention and a long-lasting edge!
What's more, SLD steel contains around 12% chromium, enhancing its resistance to corrosion. Although it is a hybrid between stainless and oxidizable steel, it still requires regular maintenance to prevent oxidation.
The microstructure of SLD steel offers a notable advantage: on a microscopic scale, its micro-carbides are evenly distributed, providing excellent resistance to micro-cracking and wear!
The blade of your knife has a fine, flat grind, guaranteeing strength and aesthetic appeal. This type of grind is not only visually appealing, but also practical to maintain, as it is easy to reproduce when sharpening.
The core of the knife, made of hard steel, is wrapped in several layers of softer stainless steel, adding "softness" to the blade without compromising its rigidity. This process reduces the risk of breakage during use. The superimposition of steels is visible along the edge, forming delicate, random wave patterns, with a unique coppery appearance that gives this handcrafted Japanese damascus a distinctive aesthetic.
The blade also features a rough forged finish, left unpolished for a rustic, traditional effect much prized by Japanese chefs. This finish adds character to your damascus knife, giving it an extra touch of authenticity!
A kiritsuke knife with a handle for every hand
This damascus knife features a handle made entirely from ebony, a tropical wood renowned for its strength and durability. Its dark color and unique grain give each Hatsukokoro knife a distinctive, refined character.
The handle is octagonal in shape, making this knife comfortable to hold for both left- and right-handed users. It provides a comfortable grip, ideal for extended cooking sessions.
Wood paste is applied to the junction between the blade and the handle, guaranteeing a perfect seal and preventing any infiltration of water or food residues.
To preserve your damascus steel knife, wash it exclusively by hand with a sponge and a mild detergent, avoiding getting the handle wet. Dry immediately after cleaning with a clean cloth, then store in a dry place. Do not soak in water or put in the dishwasher.
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