Hatsukokoro | SKU: MUNE_B2KK_SU255BC

Hatsukokoro Kumokage Blue 2 Kurouchi Damascus K-tip Sujihiki 255mm Black Chacate Handle

Name: Hatsukokoro Kumokage Blue 2 Kurouchi Damascus K-tip Sujihiki 255mm Black Chacate Handle
Brand: Hatsukokoro
SKU: MUNE_B2KK_SU255BC
Price: 319.95 AUD
Availability: InStock

$319.95

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Detailed Specifications

Line	Hatsukokoro by Muneishi Kumokage Damascus
Profile	Sujihiki / Slicer
Bevel Type	Double Bevel
Weight	189 g 6.67 oz
Edge Length	255 mm .10.04 inch
Heel Height	36 mm .1.42 inch
Width @ Spine	3.3 mm 0.13 inch
Width @ Mid	2.6 mm 0.1 inch
Width @ 1cm from Tip	0.9 mm 0.04 inch
Steel	Blue 2 / Aogami #2 \| Carbon
Blade Construction	Sanami - Soft Iron Damascus Clad
Hardness (HRC)	61 - 63
Surface Finish	Kurouchi
Handle	Octagonal Black Chacate
Region	Hyogo
Best for	Enthusiasts Collectors

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We all LOVE Shigeki Tanaka’s knife, light, nimble, not a laser but glides through potatoes effortlessly, with minimal stiction. Problem is, we can never get enough of them. One of the most difficult products to get is the Kurouchi line, the lead time was significant. So a few years ago, I started searching for the perfect replacement: cuts well, rustic looking, and most importantly, same unbeatable price.

Fast forward to 2022, we finally received something from our close partner Hatsukokoro, and man, I am stoked: this blue 2 KU damascus line Kumokage(雲影, Cloud Shadow)exceeded almost every aspect of expectation.

The finish is something worth talking about, it is Kurouchi, but unlike a typical one, this one have a slightly scratched and beaten look, with a blue/teal lurking underneath the black. Under the finish is the damascus cladding, rolling gently across the bevel, sinking into the edge made by etched Blue 2 core steel. This combination creates an artistic look that I think quite fitting to the name of Cloud Shadow, at the same time, the etching provides the core steel a certain level of resistance to rust. Oh, let's not forget about that lovely stamped Hatsukokoro mark, which you don't see on other lines offered by Hatsukokoro.

This Hatsukokoro blue 2 line is made by the Muneishi Cutlery, which has a long history back in 1955. They heat treat their blue 2 steel to about 62 to 63 HRC which I consider is optimal hardness for blue 2. Can't fault the grind as well, very soild cutting performacne which makes this Hatsukokoro Blue 2 line a perfect knife for anyone looking to get into the world of carbon knife or for experienced users that just loves the cutting feel of carbon steel.

Pros	Cons
Budget friendly Great artistic Highly collectable	Prone to rust Etched damascus can be hard to maintain

Care Instruction

Don't cut hard things! Japanese knives are brittle so bone hacking is a NO NO!
Wash with neutral detergent after use, and wipe dry;
Please don't wash knife with dishwasher, it will damage the wood handle;
Be careful not to leave the knife close to a heat source for a long time;
It is a lot more dangerous to cut with a blunt knife than a sharp knife!
It is best to sharpen a Japanese knife regularly on a waterstone.
Oil the (carbon) knife if storing for an extended period of time to prevent rust.

Profile: Sujihiki

Slicer
The Sujihiki, also known as Sujibiki, stands out as a Japanese slicing knife, characterized by a thinner and sharper edge than those found in Western kitchens. Its long blade is ideally crafted for the artful, thin carving of cooked meats and for slicing terrines and patés with finesse. Blade lengths span from 210mm to 300mm (8.3 to 12 inches), with 270mm and 300mm being particularly favored for their ability to facilitate smooth and efficient slicing. The meticulous design of the Sujihiki reflects a harmonious blend of traditional Japanese precision and a focused functionality, catering to the needs of culinary professionals and enthusiasts alike.
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Steel: Blue 2 / Aogami #2
Blue Steel No.2, also recognized as Aogami No.2, is a distinguished high carbon steel produced by Hitachi Metals Ltd, enhanced by the addition of chromium and tungsten to the base of White Steel No.2. This modification brings about an improvement in toughness and the creation of hard carbide molecules, which significantly boost edge retention. Although its sharpness is comparable to that of White Steel No.2, Blue Steel No.2 offers a slight advantage in maintaining its edge.

Widely favored for its versatility, Aogami No.2 is celebrated for its ease of sharpening and robust resistance to chipping, making it an ideal choice for those new to Aogami steel knives. Containing 1.0–1.2% carbon and achieving a typical hardness of 62–63 HRC on the Rockwell scale, it stands as the benchmark in evaluating Aogami steel cutlery.
Manufacturer:
- Hitachi Special Steel, Japan
Nature: Carbon
Hardness: 61- 63
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Construction: Sanami - Soft Iron Damascus Clad

Sanmai(Three-Piece) is a common construction for double bevel knives where two pieces of softer cladding steel are forgewelded to each side of a harder core steel. The harder but more brittle core steel will form the hard cutting edge after heat treating, and the softer cladding will support the core to increase the overall strength of the blade.
Damascus Sanmai utilize damascus steel as the cladding material for the Sanmai construction, which adds aesthetic feature to the blade. However, the damascus cladding found on Japanese kitchen knives with carbon steel core are ususally made of soft iron, which means they too need to be maintained to stay pretty.
The soft cladding enables the thinning process to be a lot easier than a honyaki or monosteel construction. However, when the cladding is made of damascus, whether etched, polished or mirror polished, the thinning process will take a toll on the cladding, meaning the damascus won't look the same as when it was taken out of the box.
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Finish: Kurouchi

Kurouchi refers to the rustic, unpolished finish found on the blade of many traditional Japanese kitchen knives. This blacksmith's finish is characterized by its dark, textured appearance, which is the result of leaving the blade forge-scale on the steel during production. Kurouchi finish not only adds a unique aesthetic appeal but also provides certain practical benefits. It acts as a protective layer against rust and corrosion, and helps to reduce food sticking to the blade during cutting. Commonly seen on high-quality, hand-forged knives, the kurouchi finish emphasizes the artisanal nature of the knife and its heritage, making each piece distinctively unique.
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Handle Specs
Profile: Octagonal WA
Material:
- Black Chacate
Black Chacate is a highly valued timber known for its deep, rich brown to almost black coloration, fine texture, and exceptional durability. It polishes well, offering an exquisite finish that highlights its subtle, elegant grain patterns. This wood is often used in fine woodworking projects, including luxury furniture, decorative items, and high-end knife handles.
An octagonal wa handle made from Black Chacate wood would exhibit a sleek, geometric shape that fits comfortably in the hand, enhancing the user's grip and control. The deep hues and natural luster of Black Chacate add a touch of sophistication and unparalleled beauty to the handle, making it not only a functional component of a kitchen knife but also a piece of art. The durability and stability of Black Chacate ensure that the handle withstands the rigors of kitchen use while maintaining its aesthetic appeal over time.
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