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Hatsukokoro  |  SKU: HS-SAIHY-SG2KDM-ST180BR

Hatsukokoro Saihyo SG2 Kurozome Black Damascus Santoku 180mm Birch

$429.95
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Detailed Specifications
Line Hatsukokoro Saihyo SG2
Profile Santoku
Bevel Type Double Bevel
Weight 160 g        5.64 oz
Edge Length 181 mm   .7.13 inch
Heel Height 43 mm     .1.69 inch
Width @ Spine 1.9 mm     0.07 inch
Width @ Mid 1.5 mm     0.06 inch
Width @ 1cm from Tip 0.4 mm     0.02 inch
Steel SG2 / R2 | Powdered Stainless
Blade Construction Sanmai - Stainless Damascus Clad
Hardness (HRC) 62 - 64
Surface Finish Mirror Polish
Handle Octagonal Birch Burl with Spacer
Region Hyogo
Best for
  • Enthusiasts
  • Collectors
    • Free shipping for knives over AU$200 Australia wide.
    • World-wide shipping via DHL Express, 3 to 5 days.


    Hatsukokoro's Saihyo(細氷, fine ice) is a line that I would consider as the "performance looker" these knives would have a stunning finish but not relying on it as the only selling point, the steel, the grind and the profile will still be performance oriented.

    This Saihyo line is equipped with Suminagashi style stainless damascus cladding, finished with a mirror polish, it is a very densely packed, high contrast and defined damascus, which combines with the mirror polish would give the blade a dazzling look. The grind of these knives do not fall short behind, with the 210mm gyuto's spine thickness measures 1.9mm above the heel, the Saihyo line is a collection of lasers. Paired with the TAKEFU SG2 powder metallurgy steel, you could easily put on a wicked edge and expect it to hold very well.

    If we consider the highly polished core steel as clear water and the dense damascus pattern as cluster of fine ice, the name would match perfectly with the imagery created by the blade. The entire blade is like the face of an arctic river, with fine ice flowing down from the spine to the edge can bring. That, is a very poetic scene that appears in front of my eyes when I pick up these knives.

    Pros Cons
  • Great artistic
  • Thin behind the edge
  • Excellent performance
  • High budget
  • Mirror polish can be hard to maintain

  • Care Instruction
    1. Don't cut hard things! Japanese knives are brittle so bone hacking is a NO NO!
    2. Wash with neutral detergent after use, and wipe dry;
    3. Please don't wash knife with dishwasher, it will damage the wood handle;
    4. Be careful not to leave the knife close to a heat source for a long time;
    5. It is a lot more dangerous to cut with a blunt knife than a sharp knife!
    6. It is best to sharpen a Japanese knife regularly on a waterstone.

    Hatsukokoro

    An emerging brand rapidly building up its reputation internationally, Hastukokoro offers a great selections of premium hand crafted knives sourced from makers all over Japan. Top tier knife makers such as Yoshikane, Nigara and Nakagawa Hamono all send their best knives to Hyogo.

    • Profile: Santoku

      The Santoku knife, embodying the meaning "three uses," is a cornerstone in Japanese kitchens, adept at slicing, dicing, and mincing. Esteemed for its versatility, it features a blade length typically between 15cm and 20cm (6 to 8 inches), catering to a wide array of culinary tasks. Distinguished by its less pointy tip compared to the Gyuto, the Santoku boasts a unique profile that contributes to its functionality and popularity. Its design is tailored to provide ease and efficiency in preparation, also because of its less aggressive prrofile, making it a preferred choice for home cooks.

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    • Steel: SG2 / R2

      SG2, also known as Super Gold 2 or R2 steel, is a high-end powdered tool steel by Takefu Special Steel, known for its excellent edge retention, wear resistance, and ability to achieve a hardness of up to 64 HRC. Identical to Kobelco Steel's R2, it's prized in premium knife making for its fine edge sharpness and durability. The powdered nature ensures uniform carbide distribution, enhancing toughness and reducing chipping risks. SG2/R2 is ideal for those seeking top performance and longevity in their cutting tools.

      Manufacturer:

      • Takefu Special Steel, Japan

      Nature: Stainless

      Hardness: 62- 64

      << Slide for more >>

    • Construction: Sanmai - Stainless 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. On the Kitchen knives with stainless core steel, the damascus cladding will be stainless, this means they will also protect the carbon/semi-stainless core from rusting/discolouration.

      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.

      << Slide for more >>

    • Finish: Mirror Polish

      Mirror Polish is a simplistic yet hightly demanding process, where the roughness of the metal surface is gradually removed with higher and higher grit abrasives, leading to a extremly smooth surface with only specular reflection, just like a mirror.

      The Mirror Polish can be applied to various constructions, ranging from Damascus to Honyaki. It can reveal the beautiful Hamon on the Honyaki blade, and form textural contrast on damascus. The perfect surface is highly appreciated, but it also means a lot of care must be give to avoid it being scratched.

      << Slide for more >>

    • Handle Specs

      Profile: Octagonal WA

      Material:

      • Birch Burl Stabilized

      The stabilized birch burl handle adorning the Hatsukokoro chef knife is a testament to both exquisite craftsmanship and natural beauty. Birch burl, prized for its intricate grain patterns and unique textures, undergoes a meticulous stabilization process to enhance its durability and stability, ensuring longevity and resilience against moisture and wear.

      The handle's ergonomic design offers a comfortable and secure grip, allowing for extended periods of use without fatigue. Its smooth contours and balanced weight distribution contribute to precise control and effortless maneuverability during culinary tasks.

      The natural variations in color and grain of the birch burl create a visually captivating aesthetic, making each handle distinctively unique. This harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetics not only elevates the chef knife's performance but also adds a touch of elegance to the kitchen, reflecting the unparalleled craftsmanship of Hatsukokoro knives.

      << Slide for more

    Hatsukokoro

    Hatsukokoro Saihyo SG2 Kurozome Black Damascus Santoku 180mm Birch

    $429.95

    Experience the refined craftsmanship of the Hatsukokoro Saihyo SG2 Kurozome Black Damascus Santoku 180mm, a premium Japanese kitchen knife crafted for versatility and precision. The 180mm blade is forged from SG2 steel, known for its superior sharpness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance, making it ideal for slicing, dicing, and chopping a wide range of ingredients.

    The blade features a striking Kurozome Black Damascus pattern, enhancing both its durability and aesthetic appeal. The Santoku design provides all-purpose functionality, making it a must-have tool in any kitchen. The birch handle is ergonomically designed for comfort and control, offering a secure grip during use. Each Hatsukokoro knife reflects meticulous Japanese craftsmanship, blending traditional techniques with modern performance.

    Upgrade your culinary tools with the Hatsukokoro Saihyo SG2 Kurozome Black Damascus Santoku, available at Knives and Stones, Sydney. We offer price match and in-store test cuts.

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