Hatsukokoro is one of the most versatile knife brands operating out of Tosa, Japan today, collaborating with a wide network of skilled blacksmiths to produce knives that span every price point and style. The Kokugei line - kokugei means black whale, a nod to the kurouchi finish - represents their most traditional approach: san mai construction, hammer-forged Blue #1 carbon steel core, soft iron cladding, and a wenge octagonal handle with buffalo horn ferrule. Honest, no-frills Japanese carbon steel built for performance.
The petty knife is Japan precision utility knife - equally at home on the cutting board and in hand. At 120mm this is the compact end of the petty range, making it a natural partner to a gyuto or santoku for detail work like trimming, peeling, and breaking down herbs. Blue #1 carbon steel is one of the finest knife steels made, combining excellent edge retention with a hardness of 62-63 HRC. The kurouchi finish gives the blade a rugged, workmanlike character that develops a natural patina with use.
Care Instructions: Blue #1 is a reactive carbon steel that will patina naturally with use. Wipe and dry the blade immediately after each use - do not leave moisture or acidic foods on the edge. Hand wash only, never dishwasher. Apply a light coat of camellia oil before storage. A well-maintained Blue #1 edge rewards good sharpening technique and stropping with exceptional sharpness and retention.
The petty knife is Japan precision utility knife - equally at home on the cutting board and in hand. At 120mm this is the compact end of the petty range, making it a natural partner to a gyuto or santoku for detail work like trimming, peeling, and breaking down herbs. Blue #1 carbon steel is one of the finest knife steels made, combining excellent edge retention with a hardness of 62-63 HRC. The kurouchi finish gives the blade a rugged, workmanlike character that develops a natural patina with use.
Care Instructions: Blue #1 is a reactive carbon steel that will patina naturally with use. Wipe and dry the blade immediately after each use - do not leave moisture or acidic foods on the edge. Hand wash only, never dishwasher. Apply a light coat of camellia oil before storage. A well-maintained Blue #1 edge rewards good sharpening technique and stropping with exceptional sharpness and retention.
- Brand: Hatsukokoro
- Line: Kokugei
- Location: Tosa, Japan
- Construction: San Mai, Hammer Forged
- Edge Steel: Blue #1 Carbon Steel
- Cladding: Iron
- Finish: Kurouchi (Black Forge Finish)
- HRC: 62-63
- Edge Grind: Even
- Handle: Wenge Octagonal
- Ferrule: Buffalo Horn
- Weight: 2.8 oz (78g)
- Blade Length: 124mm
- Total Length: 253mm
- Spine Thickness at Base: 3mm
- Blade Height: 38mm
