Hatsukokuro Kurogane 120mm Ko-Bunka Iron Clad Aogami 2 Kurouchi Mono Ebony Handle

Made for Hatsukokuro in the Tosa region of Shikoku Island in Japan with an iron clad aogami 2 carbon steel core with a mono octagonal ebony handle. These have the black kurouchi finish from the forge left on and are ground with a somewhat basic convex grind on the kireba bevels. 

Reasonably priced Tosa knives like these are characterized by good forging on good steel with minimal finish grinding keeping them affordable, in the rural market the handles are typically the least expensive plastic ferruled magnolia wood options, but we thought they deserved an upgrade on the handle. The convex bevel will have good food release and a little extra toughness being a hair thicker than a flat ground kireba but will need thinning after a dozen or so sharpenings to keep them moving through food smoothly. 

Please note, because of the affordable rustic nature of these knives finish, irregularities and minor imperfections are to be expected; slight irregular grinds, a tiny wavyness in the edge or stray scratches on face of blade. 

Hand forged knives from the Tosa area of Shikoku Island, Japan’s least populated island with a long history of smithing. Shikoku’s thick forests, agriculture and fisheries have led to a local style of smithing that is characterized by rustic free forged knives and tools. Many Tosa knives are ryoba style; forged and ground symmetrically and are suitable for both right and left hand users.

This is a reactive carbon steel. It should be mentioned that extra care is required, as the knife is not stainless and should be dried immediately after use. It will develop a dark patina with usage, but any orange rust should be removed with a light abrasive.