{"product_id":"hatsukokoro-kurogane-blue-2-santoku-165mm-ebony","title":"Hatsukokoro Kurogane Blue #2 Kurouchi Santoku 165mm with Mono Ebony Handle","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOverview\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHand-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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eA durable carbon-steel workhorse\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBlue #2 carbon steel\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAogami 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ctable\u003e\n  \u003ctbody\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eBrand\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHatsukokoro\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eSeries\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eKurogane\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eKnife type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSantoku \/ all-purpose kitchen knife\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003ePlace of manufacture\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTosa, Japan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eConstruction\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHand-forged san-mai\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eCore steel\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAogami Blue #2 carbon steel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eCladding\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSoft iron\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eFinish\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eKurouchi with polished bevel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eListed blade length\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e165mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eCutting edge\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApproximately 170mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eOverall length\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApproximately 315mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eBlade height\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApproximately 49–50mm at the heel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eSpine thickness\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApproximately 2.9mm at heel; 1.8mm mid-blade; 1.5mm near tip\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eWeight\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApproximately 155g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eHardness\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApproximately 62–63 HRC\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eGrind\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDouble bevel, slightly convex\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eHandle\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOctagonal mono ebony wa handle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eHand orientation\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAmbidextrous\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eSteel care\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFully reactive carbon-steel construction\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003csmall\u003eMeasurements can vary slightly because these knives are forged and finished by hand.\u003c\/small\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWho this knife suits\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eHome cooks and professionals wanting a compact everyday carbon-steel knife\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCooks who value edge retention, easy sharpening and practical food release\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eAnyone comfortable maintaining reactive carbon steel\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eThose who appreciate rustic Japanese craftsmanship over cosmetic perfection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCare and use\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eHand-wash only and dry immediately after use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eDo not leave the knife wet or resting against acidic food.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eApply food-safe knife oil before extended storage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eDo not cut bones, frozen food or hard shells.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eAvoid twisting or lateral pressure through the edge.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eUse a wooden or quality synthetic cutting board.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this santoku stainless?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo. Both the Blue #2 core and soft iron cladding are reactive and will develop a natural patina.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it suitable for left-handed users?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. The blade has a double-bevel grind and is suitable for either hand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this a thin laser-style knife?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo. The Kurogane has a more substantial workhorse grind designed to balance cutting performance, food release and durability.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hatsukokoro","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49839673344257,"sku":"HAT-KRG-B2-SAN165-EB","price":119.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0793\/7687\/5777\/files\/hatsukokoro-kurogane-blue-2-santoku-165mm-ebony-handle-hero.jpg?v=1784111809","url":"https:\/\/tokushuknife.eu\/products\/hatsukokoro-kurogane-blue-2-santoku-165mm-ebony","provider":"Tokushu Knife Malta","version":"1.0","type":"link"}