A long, straight edge that runs into a clipped, angled point gives the kiritsuke its unmistakable outline, and on the Hatsukokoro Shinkiro Kiritsuke 240mm that profile is framed by a dark kurouchi finish with a flowing Damascus pattern rising through it. Shinkiro means mirage in Japanese, a fitting name for the way the layered cladding seems to float out of the black forge scale. The result is a knife with real presence on the board and on the magnetic strip.
Each Shinkiro knife is hand forged by blacksmith Nihei Takahiro in Fukushima, Japan, who specializes in Aogami Super with soft iron cladding. Aogami Super is hardened here to 62 to 63 HRC, so it takes a very fine edge and holds it through long prep sessions. At 240mm this kiritsuke has the reach of a full size gyuto for slicing proteins and large produce, while the angled tip handles scoring, trimming, and fine work. The even 50/50 double bevel keeps it easy to sharpen, and an octagonal ebony handle completes the knife.
Care Instructions: Aogami Super is a reactive carbon steel, and the soft iron cladding is also reactive, so both the edge and the cladding will patina naturally with use. The kurouchi finish gives the cladding some initial protection, and the patina that develops adds more over time. Wipe and dry the blade immediately after every use, and do not leave acidic foods on the blade. Hand wash only; never put the knife in the dishwasher. Apply camellia oil for long term storage. Sharpen on quality water stones; at 62 to 63 HRC, Aogami Super rewards good technique and responds well to stropping between sessions.
Each knife is made by hand so measurements may vary.
Each Shinkiro knife is hand forged by blacksmith Nihei Takahiro in Fukushima, Japan, who specializes in Aogami Super with soft iron cladding. Aogami Super is hardened here to 62 to 63 HRC, so it takes a very fine edge and holds it through long prep sessions. At 240mm this kiritsuke has the reach of a full size gyuto for slicing proteins and large produce, while the angled tip handles scoring, trimming, and fine work. The even 50/50 double bevel keeps it easy to sharpen, and an octagonal ebony handle completes the knife.
Care Instructions: Aogami Super is a reactive carbon steel, and the soft iron cladding is also reactive, so both the edge and the cladding will patina naturally with use. The kurouchi finish gives the cladding some initial protection, and the patina that develops adds more over time. Wipe and dry the blade immediately after every use, and do not leave acidic foods on the blade. Hand wash only; never put the knife in the dishwasher. Apply camellia oil for long term storage. Sharpen on quality water stones; at 62 to 63 HRC, Aogami Super rewards good technique and responds well to stropping between sessions.
Each knife is made by hand so measurements may vary.
- 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
- Profile: Kiritsuke Gyuto
- Edge Grind: Even (50/50), Double Bevel
- Handle: Octagonal Ebony
