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Hatsukokoro  |  SKU: HT-YROSLDCOPD-BK165BR

Hatsukokoro x Nigara Yorokobi SLD Copper Damascus Bunka 180mm Birch Handle

$549.00
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Detailed Specifications
Line Hatsukokoro Yorokobi SLD Kurouchi
Profile Bunka
Bevel Type Double Bevel
Weight 179 g        6.31 oz
Edge Length 168 mm   .6.61 inch
Heel Height 51 mm     .2.01 inch
Width @ Spine 3.5 mm     0.14 inch
Width @ Mid 2.8 mm     0.11 inch
Width @ 1cm from Tip 0.6 mm     0.02 inch
Steel SLD | Stainless
Blade Construction Sanami - Soft Iron Damascus Clad
Hardness (HRC) 62 - 64
Surface Finish Kurouchi
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.


    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.

    Compared with its migaki finished twin sister, the Yorokobi(joy in Japanese) Kurouchi line doesn't fall short in its artistic appearance, in my opinion, Hatsukokoro's artistic approach on this line is more curated and thoughtful. Insteal letting the copper damascus spread across the blade, the pattern is resticted in the area right above the cladding line, moving up along the bevel is another layer of iron cladding, then the bevel finishes off into the Kurouchi surface. The layering of different material and their contrast make creates waves of pattern, emerging from the Kurouchi finish, flow down the bevel into the cutting edge, there is almost a sense of motion in it. This setup is rather complex but doesn't look busy, demonstrate a high level of artistic skill.

    Complementing this beautiful finish is the SLD core steel, with similar composition to the SKD steel but less chromium, this tool steel can be heat treated to 63-64HRC and hold a thin edge for a extensive amount of time. However having only 8%chromium will make it a semi-stainless steel, but on this line the core steel have been put through a chemical etching, which gives it a dark colour and some resistance to rusting and discolouration.

    This is a line made for those who fancy the passionate vibe that a copper damascus blade can give you, but don't want have that beauty shouting out loud. The dense orange pattern still emits a strong presence which is hard to miss, but it is well balanced and kept more subtle by the Kurouchi finish that takes up half of the blade. Remember that the copper and the core steel are both reactive to moisture and fingerprints, but if you keep them well looked after, knives from this Yorokobi like can keep bring you joy will its unique beauty.

    Pros Cons
  • Great artistic
  • Highly collectable
  • Excellent fit and finish
  • Need extra care
  • Semi-stainless can rust

  • 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: Bunka

      A pointier version of the Santoku. The Bunka knife features a distinctive profile with a straighter edge and a pointed tip, making it versatile for a variety of kitchen tasks. Its design is a blend of the Santoku and Gyuto knives, with a blade length typically around 165mm to 180mm. The Bunka is particularly adept at slicing, dicing, and chopping fruits, vegetables, and meats, thanks to its sharp edge and comfortable handling. The angled tip, also known as a reverse tanto, provides additional precision for intricate tasks such as julienning. With its unique shape and functionality, the Bunka stands out as a multifunctional knife in the culinary world.

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    • Steel: SLD

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      Manufacturer:

      • Hitachi Special Steel, Japan

      Nature: Stainless

      Hardness: 62- 64

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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:

      • 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.

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    Hatsukokoro

    Hatsukokoro x Nigara Yorokobi SLD Copper Damascus Bunka 180mm Birch Handle

    $549.00

    Hatsukokoro x Nigara Yorokobi SLD Copper Damascus Bunka 165mm Birch Handle

    Explore the exceptional craftsmanship of the Hatsukokoro x Nigara Yorokobi SLD Copper Damascus Bunka 165mm, a premium Japanese kitchen knife. This knife, born from a collaboration between Hatsukokoro and the esteemed Nigara Hamono, merges traditional Japanese techniques with modern materials for outstanding performance. The 165mm blade is forged from SLD steel, renowned for its sharpness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance.

    The blade features a stunning Copper Damascus pattern, enhancing both its strength and aesthetic appeal. The Bunka design is ideal for detailed cutting, slicing, and chopping, making it a versatile tool in the kitchen. The birch handle, ergonomically designed, provides a comfortable and secure grip, ensuring precise control during use. Each Hatsukokoro knife reflects a dedication to meticulous craftsmanship and quality, making it a prized possession for any culinary enthusiast.

    Enhance your culinary experience with the Hatsukokoro x Nigara Yorokobi SLD Copper Damascus Bunka, a Japanese kitchen knife perfect for both professional chefs and home cooks. Available at Knives and Stones, Sydney.

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