Shinkiro means mirage in Japanese - and the combination of kurouchi forge finish and flowing Damascus cladding on the blade road earns that name with a visual effect that shifts and changes as the knife moves in the light. Nihei Takahiro forges this line in Fukushima, Japan, using Aogami Super carbon steel at 62-63 HRC with soft iron cladding - a fully reactive construction where both the edge and the cladding will develop a rich patina with use. Hatsukokoro works with specialist blacksmiths across Japan, and Nihei Takahiro brings a distinct regional character to this line that sets it apart from Sakai or Echizen production.
The petty at 150mm sits at the longer end of the petty range - long enough for comfortable board work through proteins, citrus, and herbs, compact enough for in-hand trimming and detail tasks where a gyuto is excessive. At 3.6 oz and 34mm blade height this is a light, nimble knife with a pointed profile suited to fine cuts as well as general utility work. The soft iron cladding with kurouchi finish will develop a mottled, iron-rich patina over time - a natural characteristic of this traditional construction that many cooks find adds to the character. The Damascus pattern on the blade road provides visual contrast against the dark forge finish. Wenge octagonal handle with buffalo horn ferrule - well-finished and lightweight in hand. Even 50/50 double-bevel grind works equally well for right- and left-handed cooks.
Care Instructions: Aogami Super is a reactive carbon steel and the soft iron cladding is also reactive - both the edge and the cladding will patina naturally with use. The kurouchi finish on the cladding provides initial protection and the patina that develops adds further protection over time. Wipe and dry the blade immediately after every use. Avoid leaving acidic foods on the blade. Hand wash only, never dishwasher. Apply camellia oil for long-term storage. Sharpen on quality water stones - Aogami Super at 62-63 HRC rewards good sharpening technique and responds beautifully to stropping between sessions.
The petty at 150mm sits at the longer end of the petty range - long enough for comfortable board work through proteins, citrus, and herbs, compact enough for in-hand trimming and detail tasks where a gyuto is excessive. At 3.6 oz and 34mm blade height this is a light, nimble knife with a pointed profile suited to fine cuts as well as general utility work. The soft iron cladding with kurouchi finish will develop a mottled, iron-rich patina over time - a natural characteristic of this traditional construction that many cooks find adds to the character. The Damascus pattern on the blade road provides visual contrast against the dark forge finish. Wenge octagonal handle with buffalo horn ferrule - well-finished and lightweight in hand. Even 50/50 double-bevel grind works equally well for right- and left-handed cooks.
Care Instructions: Aogami Super is a reactive carbon steel and the soft iron cladding is also reactive - both the edge and the cladding will patina naturally with use. The kurouchi finish on the cladding provides initial protection and the patina that develops adds further protection over time. Wipe and dry the blade immediately after every use. Avoid leaving acidic foods on the blade. Hand wash only, never dishwasher. Apply camellia oil for long-term storage. Sharpen on quality water stones - Aogami Super at 62-63 HRC rewards good sharpening technique and responds beautifully to stropping between sessions.
- Brand: Hatsukokoro
- Line: Shinkiro Aogami Super Damascus
- Blacksmith: Nihei Takahiro
- Location: Fukushima, Japan
- Construction: San Mai, Hammer Forged
- Edge Steel: Aogami Super (Super Blue) Carbon Steel
- Cladding: Soft Iron
- HRC: 62-63
- Finish: Kurouchi (Black Forge) with Damascus Cladding
- Edge Grind: Even 50/50 Double Bevel
- Handle: Octagonal Wenge
- Ferrule: Buffalo Horn
- Weight: 3.6 oz (102g)
- Blade Length: 156mm
- Total Length: 284mm
- Spine Thickness at Heel: 3.5mm
- Blade Height: 34mm
