Hatsukokoro Kurogane Blue #2 Kurouchi Santoku 165mm with Mono Ebony Handle
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Overview
The Hatsukokoro Kurogane Blue #2 Santoku is a compact, fully reactive Japanese workhorse made for everyday vegetable, meat and fish preparation. Its broad blade, practical 170mm cutting edge and gently curved profile give it the versatility to slice, push-cut and perform controlled rocking cuts without requiring the length of a full-sized gyuto.
Hand-forged in the Tosa region of Japan for Hatsukokoro, the Kurogane combines an Aogami Blue #2 carbon-steel core with soft iron cladding and a traditional kurouchi finish. This version is fitted with a dense octagonal mono ebony handle that adds a restrained, premium counterpoint to the rustic blade.
A durable carbon-steel workhorse
The Kurogane is deliberately more substantial than a laser. Its sturdy spine, modest distal taper and slightly convex grind provide reassuring feedback on the board and encourage ingredients to release from the blade face. It is particularly well suited to general prep, root vegetables and ingredients with firm skins.
The trade-off is important to understand: this is not intended to fall through tall, dense produce like an ultra-thin knife. It favours durability, food release and an approachable price over highly refined fit and finish. Small variations, hammer marks and minor irregularities are normal characteristics of this rustic Tosa-made series.
Blue #2 carbon steel
Aogami Blue #2 is valued for its balance of edge retention, toughness and predictable sharpening. Hardened to approximately 62–63 HRC, it can take a keen working edge and hold it well through regular kitchen preparation.
The core steel and soft iron cladding are both reactive. The dark kurouchi finish reduces the amount of exposed iron on the upper blade but does not make the knife stainless. A grey or blue patina is normal; orange rust should be removed promptly.
Specifications
| Brand | Hatsukokoro |
|---|---|
| Series | Kurogane |
| Knife type | Santoku / all-purpose kitchen knife |
| Place of manufacture | Tosa, Japan |
| Construction | Hand-forged san-mai |
| Core steel | Aogami Blue #2 carbon steel |
| Cladding | Soft iron |
| Finish | Kurouchi with polished bevel |
| Listed blade length | 165mm |
| Cutting edge | Approximately 170mm |
| Overall length | Approximately 315mm |
| Blade height | Approximately 49–50mm at the heel |
| Spine thickness | Approximately 2.9mm at heel; 1.8mm mid-blade; 1.5mm near tip |
| Weight | Approximately 155g |
| Hardness | Approximately 62–63 HRC |
| Grind | Double bevel, slightly convex |
| Handle | Octagonal mono ebony wa handle |
| Hand orientation | Ambidextrous |
| Steel care | Fully reactive carbon-steel construction |
Measurements can vary slightly because these knives are forged and finished by hand.
Who this knife suits
- Home cooks and professionals wanting a compact everyday carbon-steel knife
- Cooks who value edge retention, easy sharpening and practical food release
- Anyone comfortable maintaining reactive carbon steel
- Those who appreciate rustic Japanese craftsmanship over cosmetic perfection
Care and use
- Hand-wash only and dry immediately after use.
- Do not leave the knife wet or resting against acidic food.
- Apply food-safe knife oil before extended storage.
- Do not cut bones, frozen food or hard shells.
- Avoid twisting or lateral pressure through the edge.
- Use a wooden or quality synthetic cutting board.
Common questions
Is this santoku stainless?
No. Both the Blue #2 core and soft iron cladding are reactive and will develop a natural patina.
Is it suitable for left-handed users?
Yes. The blade has a double-bevel grind and is suitable for either hand.
Is this a thin laser-style knife?
No. The Kurogane has a more substantial workhorse grind designed to balance cutting performance, food release and durability.
Tokushu's Guarantee
We take full responsibility for ensuring your knife arrives safely and in perfect condition. If you experience any shipping delays, damage, or other issues, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Contact us, and we’ll handle everything until your knife is in your hands.
Insured and Protected
We provide shipping insurance on every order for your peace of mind. If your package is lost or not delivered, we handle the claim process to secure a refund or replacement for you.
For assistance, contact us at anthony@tokushuknife.eu.
Shipping information
Orders are dispatched from our workshop in Malta. Delivery times vary by destination and are in addition to our standard processing period of up to two business days.
Orders delivered within the European Union are shipped from within the EU, so no import duties are normally due upon delivery. For destinations outside the EU, customs duties, taxes, and import charges depend on the destination and shipping service selected. Where a duties-paid service is available, this will be shown at checkout.
We handle shipping issues, including lost packages and claims. For assistance, contact us at anthony@tokushuknife.eu.
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Cut Above the Rest
Built to Last
The high-grade steel we use is carefully selected and forged using techniques that have been proven over centuries. These knives aren’t just sharp – they’re built to stay that way through years of daily use. Plus, they develop a beautiful patina over time that tells the story of your cooking journey.
Need help?
Frequently Asked Questions
Order
We take full responsibility for ensuring your knife arrives safely and in perfect condition. If you experience any shipping delays, damage, or other issues, don’t worry - we’ve got you covered. Contact us, and we’ll handle everything until your knife is in your hands.
We provide shipping insurance on every order for your peace of mind. If your package is lost or not delivered, we handle the claim process and work with you to arrange an appropriate refund or replacement.
For assistance, contact us at anthony@tokushuknife.eu
Orders are dispatched from our workshop in Malta. Delivery times and shipping charges vary by destination and are shown at checkout. Estimated transit times are in addition to our standard processing period of up to two business days.
Orders delivered within the European Union are shipped from within the EU, so no import duties are normally due upon delivery. For destinations outside the EU, applicable taxes, customs duties and import charges depend on the destination and the shipping service selected. Where a duties-paid service is available, this will be indicated at checkout.
We provide shipping insurance on every order and manage claims for lost or undelivered packages. For assistance, contact us at anthony@tokushuknife.eu.
