Mirror polish on a kitchen knife is not purely decorative - it reveals the geometry of the grind with an honesty that satin or matte finishes conceal. On the Kurotori bunka, the mirror surface shows Hiroshi Kajihara grinding precision in full: a clean distal taper, consistent behind-edge thinness, and a finish that reflects light across the blade road in a way that photographs struggle to capture. Kajihara-san works in Shimanto, Kochi Prefecture - a region far from the major Japanese production centers - and produces knives with a level of hand finishing attention rarely seen at this price point. We are the first international dealer to carry Kurotori Hamono.
The bunka format suits this level of finish well. The reverse tanto tip handles precision work and detail cuts, the flat heel suits push-cutting, and the 165mm length keeps it agile through extended prep. Ginsan (Silver #3) stainless steel at 60-61 HRC delivers edge quality comparable to high-carbon steels - sharpening like carbon, resisting corrosion like stainless. The even 50/50 grind works equally well for right- and left-handed cooks. Custom maple burl octagonal handle - substantial, well-proportioned, and visually matched to the mirror blade finish.
Care Instructions: Ginsan (Silver #3) is a stainless steel - low maintenance and resistant to corrosion. Hand wash and dry after each use. Avoid the dishwasher, bones, and frozen foods. Sharpen on quality water stones. The mirror finish will show light scratches from normal use over time - this is normal and does not affect performance.
The bunka format suits this level of finish well. The reverse tanto tip handles precision work and detail cuts, the flat heel suits push-cutting, and the 165mm length keeps it agile through extended prep. Ginsan (Silver #3) stainless steel at 60-61 HRC delivers edge quality comparable to high-carbon steels - sharpening like carbon, resisting corrosion like stainless. The even 50/50 grind works equally well for right- and left-handed cooks. Custom maple burl octagonal handle - substantial, well-proportioned, and visually matched to the mirror blade finish.
Care Instructions: Ginsan (Silver #3) is a stainless steel - low maintenance and resistant to corrosion. Hand wash and dry after each use. Avoid the dishwasher, bones, and frozen foods. Sharpen on quality water stones. The mirror finish will show light scratches from normal use over time - this is normal and does not affect performance.
- Blacksmith: Hiroshi Kajihara
- Brand: Kurotori
- Location: Shimanto, Kochi, Japan
- Construction: San Mai, Hammer Forged
- Edge Steel: Ginsan (Silver #3) Stainless Steel
- Cladding: Stainless
- HRC: 60-61
- Finish: Mirror Polish
- Edge Grind: Even 50/50
- Handle: Custom Maple Burl Octagonal
- Weight: 5.4 oz (154g)
- Blade Length: 168mm
- Total Length: 302mm
- Spine Thickness at Heel: 3mm
- Blade Height: 47mm
