Blue #1 carbon steel is one of the most respected knife steels in Japan - a tungsten and chromium-enriched high-carbon alloy that takes a keen edge and holds it with authority. Hatsukokoro builds their Kokugei line around it, pairing the steel with a traditional soft iron cladding, kurouchi finish, and hammer-forged san mai construction to create knives with a distinctly Japanese character. Made in Tosa, Japan, the Kokugei - black whale - is a straightforward, honest line that lets the steel and craft do the talking.
The Japanese santoku knife is Japan all-purpose kitchen knife, and the Kokugei santoku at 165mm is a compact, nimble cutter well suited to home cooks and professionals alike. Flatter than a gyuto and easier to control for quick chopping and push-cutting, the santoku kitchen knife format shines on vegetables, proteins, and everyday prep. At 62-63 HRC, this carbon steel santoku knife holds its edge longer than most stainless options and sharpens to a level that stainless simply cannot match.
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 Japanese santoku knife is Japan all-purpose kitchen knife, and the Kokugei santoku at 165mm is a compact, nimble cutter well suited to home cooks and professionals alike. Flatter than a gyuto and easier to control for quick chopping and push-cutting, the santoku kitchen knife format shines on vegetables, proteins, and everyday prep. At 62-63 HRC, this carbon steel santoku knife holds its edge longer than most stainless options and sharpens to a level that stainless simply cannot match.
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: 4.9 oz (138g)
- Blade Length: 169mm
- Total Length: 312mm
- Spine Thickness at Base: 4mm
- Blade Height: 46mm
