Komorebi is a Japanese word with no direct English equivalent - it describes the interplay of light filtering through leaves, the dappled quality of sunlight coming through a forest canopy. Hatsukokoro named this line for that quality because the natural stone finishing process produces a blade surface that behaves exactly that way: the layered Damascus cladding and the natural stone polish create a pattern of light and shadow across the steel that shifts as the blade moves. This is among the most visually distinctive finishes in the Hatsukokoro catalog, and it is achieved through a process that cannot be replicated by mechanical polishing.
The Komorebi is hammer forged in Tosa, Japan - a region with centuries of working knife production - with a Blue #1 (Aogami #1) carbon steel core at 62+ HRC. Blue #1 is the highest carbon content in the Aogami series, with chromium and tungsten additions that give it excellent wear resistance and the ability to hold a very fine edge through sustained use. The soft iron Damascus cladding is reactive and will develop a rich patina with kitchen use. At 187mm blade length and 50mm height this santoku is substantial - enough height for excellent knuckle clearance, enough length for confident all-purpose prep work. The octagonal ebony handle with buffalo horn ferrule is a premium pairing for a premium knife.
Care Instructions: Blue #1 is a reactive carbon steel and the soft iron Damascus cladding is also reactive - both will patina naturally with use. Wipe and dry the blade thoroughly after every use. Avoid leaving acidic foods on the blade. Hand wash only, never dishwasher. Apply camellia oil for long-term storage. The patina that develops on the Damascus cladding is a natural and desirable part of owning this knife. Sharpen on quality water stones.
Each knife is made by hand so measurements may vary.
The Komorebi is hammer forged in Tosa, Japan - a region with centuries of working knife production - with a Blue #1 (Aogami #1) carbon steel core at 62+ HRC. Blue #1 is the highest carbon content in the Aogami series, with chromium and tungsten additions that give it excellent wear resistance and the ability to hold a very fine edge through sustained use. The soft iron Damascus cladding is reactive and will develop a rich patina with kitchen use. At 187mm blade length and 50mm height this santoku is substantial - enough height for excellent knuckle clearance, enough length for confident all-purpose prep work. The octagonal ebony handle with buffalo horn ferrule is a premium pairing for a premium knife.
Care Instructions: Blue #1 is a reactive carbon steel and the soft iron Damascus cladding is also reactive - both will patina naturally with use. Wipe and dry the blade thoroughly after every use. Avoid leaving acidic foods on the blade. Hand wash only, never dishwasher. Apply camellia oil for long-term storage. The patina that develops on the Damascus cladding is a natural and desirable part of owning this knife. Sharpen on quality water stones.
Each knife is made by hand so measurements may vary.
- Brand: Hatsukokoro
- Line: Komorebi
- Location: Tosa, Japan
- Construction: San Mai, Hammer Forged
- Edge Steel: Blue #1 (Aogami #1) Carbon Steel
- Cladding: Soft Iron Damascus
- HRC: 62+
- Finish: Damascus, Natural Stone Finish
- Edge Grind: Even
- Handle: Octagonal Ebony
- Ferrule: Buffalo Horn
- Weight: 6.4 oz (182g)
- Blade Length: 187mm
- Total Length: 338mm
- Spine Thickness at Heel: 3mm
- Blade Height: 50mm
