165mm Hatsukokoro Kurogane Aogami Bunka Wa Handle
165mm Hatsukokoro Kurogane Aogami Bunka Wa Handle
H & K’s house brand is called
Hatsukokoro. The brand is supplied by a handful of manufacturers from different notable knifemaking regions such as Seki, Tosa and Sanjo.
Location: Tosa, Japan
Line: Kurogane
Construction:
San mai
Edge Steel: Aogami #2 (Blue #2) HRC ~62
Cladding: Iron
Finish: Kurouchi
Edge Grind: 50/50 (Double Bevel)
Handle: Octagonal wenge with buffalo horn ferrule.
Weight: ~152g
Blade Length: ~165mm
Overall Length: ~311mm
Thickness at Heel: ~2.9mm
Blade Height: ~46.5mm
The best sharpening tools for Japanese knives are leather strops and fine whetstones.
Japanese chef knives are brittle and are designed for cutting soft tissue foods. High Carbon steel chef knives can rust if not kept dry.
***A Note On 2025 Tarriffs for U.S. and International Customers***
***A Note On 2025 Tarriffs for U.S. and International Customers***
Beginning April 5, 2025, Japanese imports entering the U.S. will be subject to a 10% tariff, increasing prices for domestic customers of District Cutlery.
International customers may face additional customs charges, including local VAT and duties with applicable fees, potentially remitted to regulatory authorities on their behalf to ensure compliance. These tariffs may effect costs until further notice.
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This is not a knock on District Cutlery at all; this knife is just not that great. Despite the regrind that was performed, it still wedges through hard veg. It is also incredibly reactive. The finish is uneven and more pitted than was visible online. The choil area has a weird grind mark on it. I was able to smooth it out with sandpaper, but the fit and finish is just not good at all. If you have ever used or heard of the Doa Vua "Spring Steel" line, this is exactly what these are like. The blade was also not super straight. I was able to fix it, kind of, but not really. This knife just sucks. I would not recommend this maker and will not purchase another one of his knives. This is not a knock at all at District Cutlery I have purchased from them since this purchase and will purchase from them again but this knife does suck in my opinion.
Looks beautiful! I saw someone else who was thinking of getting the same knife but not thinned and sharpened at District Cutlery. Not only was it more expensive, it didn't have the added value that Ryan Swanson and his crew give the knives when they "tune them up".
High-performance kitchen cutlery delivers its best results only when properly maintained. Check out our knife sharpening services for home cooks and professionals alike or our strops and stones section for all of your at home sharpening tools.