Ko bocho is a general term for a small kitchen knife in Japanese, and this compact 120mm version from Kaki-san at Yamashin is one of the more useful small knives we carry. At 123mm blade length and 40mm tall it has real blade height relative to its length, which gives it good knuckle clearance and board contact that a thinner petty profile would not.
Hammer forged in a san mai construction with a Blue #2 carbon steel core and reactive soft iron cladding finished in kurouchi, this little knife excels at quick tasks, smaller produce, and any prep work where a longer knife would feel like overkill. The even edge grind suits right and left handed cooks.
What Customers Are Saying: Two reviewers give this high marks. One calls it a knife they reach for frequently, praising the blade height for finger clearance and the length for miscellaneous tasks. They note a usable out-of-the-box edge that sharpens easily and holds well. Fit and finish are described as on point with a tight ferrule seal. The other reviewer describes it as a truly versatile utility knife capable of doing all the work even when in a hurry.
Care Instructions: Blue #2 carbon steel is reactive, so the entire blade - both the core edge and the soft iron cladding - will develop a natural patina with use. Wipe and dry the blade immediately after use, avoid leaving acidic foods against the blade, and apply a light coat of camellia oil for longer term storage. Hand wash only.
Hammer forged in a san mai construction with a Blue #2 carbon steel core and reactive soft iron cladding finished in kurouchi, this little knife excels at quick tasks, smaller produce, and any prep work where a longer knife would feel like overkill. The even edge grind suits right and left handed cooks.
What Customers Are Saying: Two reviewers give this high marks. One calls it a knife they reach for frequently, praising the blade height for finger clearance and the length for miscellaneous tasks. They note a usable out-of-the-box edge that sharpens easily and holds well. Fit and finish are described as on point with a tight ferrule seal. The other reviewer describes it as a truly versatile utility knife capable of doing all the work even when in a hurry.
Care Instructions: Blue #2 carbon steel is reactive, so the entire blade - both the core edge and the soft iron cladding - will develop a natural patina with use. Wipe and dry the blade immediately after use, avoid leaving acidic foods against the blade, and apply a light coat of camellia oil for longer term storage. Hand wash only.
- Blacksmith: Kaki-san
- Location: Tosa, Japan
- Edge Steel: Blue #2 Carbon Steel
- Edge Grind: Even
- Cladding: Soft Iron (Reactive)
- Weight: 2.8 oz (80 g)
- Blade Length: 123 mm
- Total Length: 245 mm
- Spine Thickness at Heel: 3 mm
- Blade Height: 40 mm
Reviews
2 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) Love this knife!Posted By: StiffArm
32 people found this review helpful
I really enjoy this little knife and reach for it frequently. The blade height gives great finger finger clearance and the length works for a lot of miscellaneous tasks. Very usable edge out of the box but easy to sharpen and doesn't dull quickly. Fit and finish are on point with a tight seal on ferrule. Truly a utility knife but also capable of doing all the work if you're in a hurry or working with smaller leftovers.
32 people found this review helpful
I really enjoy this little knife and reach for it frequently. The blade height gives great finger finger clearance and the length works for a lot of miscellaneous tasks. Very usable edge out of the box but easy to sharpen and doesn't dull quickly. Fit and finish are on point with a tight seal on ferrule. Truly a utility knife but also capable of doing all the work if you're in a hurry or working with smaller leftovers.
Great customer service and excellent products! 
