Hatsukokoro is a Japanese knife brand focused on producing clean, well-executed knives across a range of steels and formats - the kind of maker whose work rewards closer attention than the price might initially suggest. The Ginrei line is their Silver 3 stainless offering: a semi-stainless steel with good corrosion resistance, a fine grain structure, and sharpening characteristics that fall between the ease of standard stainless and the edge refinement of carbon steel. It is a practical choice for cooks who want genuine Japanese knife performance without the reactive steel commitment, and Hatsukokoro builds it with san mai construction, a nashiji (pear skin) cladding finish, and an etched blade engraving that gives the knife a finished, considered appearance at an accessible price.
The kiri-petty format is a compact knife with a squared tip rather than the pointed profile of a standard petty - a geometry that makes it particularly useful for in-hand work where the rounded tip is safer and more controlled, and for detail cuts at the board where the flat tip can be used as a precise stopping point. At 115mm and 72g with a 2mm spine, this is an extremely light and compact knife - the kind of tool that disappears in the hand for small prep tasks and stays out of the way when the work is done. Silver 3 (Ginsan) is a reliable everyday stainless steel that sharpens readily on quality water stones and holds a good working edge without the attentive drying that carbon steel requires. The octagonal ebony handle is well-fitted and comfortable for both in-hand and board work, with a refined look that suits the quiet elegance of the nashiji cladding finish.
Care Instructions: Silver 3 is low maintenance stainless steel. Hand wash and dry after use - no dishwasher. Avoid bones, frozen foods, and twisting cuts. Use wood or rubber cutting boards. Sharpen on quality water stones when the edge needs attention.
The kiri-petty format is a compact knife with a squared tip rather than the pointed profile of a standard petty - a geometry that makes it particularly useful for in-hand work where the rounded tip is safer and more controlled, and for detail cuts at the board where the flat tip can be used as a precise stopping point. At 115mm and 72g with a 2mm spine, this is an extremely light and compact knife - the kind of tool that disappears in the hand for small prep tasks and stays out of the way when the work is done. Silver 3 (Ginsan) is a reliable everyday stainless steel that sharpens readily on quality water stones and holds a good working edge without the attentive drying that carbon steel requires. The octagonal ebony handle is well-fitted and comfortable for both in-hand and board work, with a refined look that suits the quiet elegance of the nashiji cladding finish.
Care Instructions: Silver 3 is low maintenance stainless steel. Hand wash and dry after use - no dishwasher. Avoid bones, frozen foods, and twisting cuts. Use wood or rubber cutting boards. Sharpen on quality water stones when the edge needs attention.
- Maker: Hatsukokoro
- Line: Ginrei
- Location: Japan
- Construction: San Mai
- Edge Steel: Silver 3 Stainless (Ginsan)
- Finish: Nashiji (Pear Skin)
- Engraving: Etched
- Edge Grind: Even (50/50)
- Handle: Octagonal Ebony
- Weight: 2.5 oz (72g)
- Blade Length: 115mm
- Total Length: 242mm
- Spine Thickness at Base: 2mm
- Blade Height: 30mm
