The Hatsukokoro brand produces high-quality kitchen knives in collaboration with Japanese blacksmiths who have extensive experience in cutlery making! This Japanese knife was crafted by Yauji Yoshihiro in Takefu Knife Village, a place where many knife makers gather to share their expertise and experiences.
Yauji Yoshihiro is a Japanese artisan born in the 1980s who began his training at a very young age. In 2003, he apprenticed under the renowned master blacksmith Hideo Kitaoka. Kitaoka himself learned the craft from his family and was able to pass on all his knowledge of knife-making to Yauji-san. In 2019, after serving as an apprentice for about fifteen years, Yauji Yoshihiro opened his own workshop, where he designs, forges, and sharpens his own blades.
A damask knife made by a Japanese blacksmith
This all-purpose knife features a blade with a damask structure: this involves forging a core of rigid steel, which is then wrapped in several layers of more malleable steel. This technique protects the core of the blade and optimally balances its hardness.
The core of this handcrafted knife is made of Japanese ATS-34 stainless steel, produced by the renowned steelmaker Hitachi, which is internationally recognized. This alloy has a high carbon content of approximately 1%, which is what increases the steel’s hardness. In fact, on the Rockwell scale, its hardness is 64 HRC, ensuring excellent edge retention and a high-performance cutting edge.
To complete the Damascus pattern, several layers of stainless steel and nickel are layered around the core. These layers provide flexibility to the blade (without making it bend) so that it is more durable and less prone to breaking during use. Damascus steel also offers a very elegant visual appeal, as the layering of the different steels creates fine, random wave-like patterns across the entire surface of the blade.
In addition to elegant damask patterns, your blade has been polished to achieve a refined mirror finish! Kanji characters have also been engraved to add a touch of authenticity to your damask knife.
A sturdy handle for this handcrafted Japanese knife
The handle of your Damascus knife is crafted from ebony, an exotic wood that is sturdy and durable. This wood has a high density, making it ideal for withstanding moisture, impacts, and warping. Ebony is prized for its dark color and distinctive natural grain pattern.
To complete the handle, a black buffalo horn bolster is added. Since it is a natural material (just like wood), each handle is unique! The bolster, located between the blade and the handle, provides added balance to your utility knife.
This handle has been shaped into an octagon to suit all cooks—whether they’re right- or left-handed! It offers a comfortable grip for ergonomic use, especially during long sessions in the kitchen.
Finally, wood putty has been added where the blade meets the handle to fill in any small gaps. This ensures a watertight seal and prevents water or small food particles from seeping inside.
To care for your Hatsukokoro knife, wash it only by hand with a sponge and mild detergent, taking care not to get the handle wet. Once cleaned, dry it immediately to remove all traces of moisture and store it in a dry place. Do not put it in the dishwasher, and do not leave it soaking in the sink.
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