XMAS2024 Hatsukokoro Yorokobi SLD Copper Damascus Gyuto 255mm B Grade SP2 with Saya

This item is classified as a B-grade product. Please note that there are some defects on the blade.

Returns are not accepted for this item.

This particular 255mm Gyuto has some copper cladding on the cutting edge, which can cause some tears when slicing paper but doesn't have noticeable effect on cutting potato. There are few dark spots of oxidation on the copper. The blade is fitted with a KnS heart shaped black ebony marble horn ferrule handle and a wenge wood Saya.

Weight: 256g

Edge Length: 251mm

Height at Heel: 56mm

Spine Thickness at Heel: 4.1mm

Spine Thickness at Mid: 1.9mm

Spine Thickness 1cm Behind the Tip: 1.1mm

Forged and sharpened by the same makers of the famous Komorebi line, the Yorokobi(よろこび) offers a unique copper damascus cladding with the much loved SLD steel. This combination is specially developed by Hitachi for Hatsukokoro, combining excellent artistic with the great performance. The overall grind and profile is heavily influenced by Sanjo area: very thick heel that aggressively tapers to a thin tip; a large blade (tip-to-heel length rather than tip-to-machi) and immaculate fit and finish.

The copper damascus differes from the typical black and white pattern of normal damascus, it introduces colour to the blade through the orange tone of copper, this colour brings a sense of warmth to the blade, which is captured by the name Yorokobi-"joy" really well. The different mechanical property of copper will also creat height difference when the blade being polished, bringing texture to the knife. Be aware that the copper is like carbon steel, is reactive when exposed to moisture and acidity, therefore the copper damascus knives do need more attention to keep the finish clean and shiny.

The SLD steel being cladded between the copper damascus is a tool steel with similar composition to the SKD 11, but with less Chromium at 8%. The edge retention and the ability to creat a very thin edge is backed up with a heat treating that brings the steel to 63-63HRC. The less cromium content means the steel is only semi-stailness, just like the beautiful copper cladding, the core steel too need some care to stay pretty.

I you are thinking about stepping up into the exotic material game but don't want look at the price tag on that Takeshi Saji, this Yorokobi line can be that alternative option. With attention and care, these beautiful copper damascus cladded knives can keep bringing you joy when working through ingredients with them.