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. 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 - do not put it in the 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. 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 - do not put it in the 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 (72 g)
- Blade Length: 115 mm
- Total Length: 242 mm
- Spine Thickness at Base: 2 mm
- Blade Height: 30 mm
