Hatsukokoro Hinotori V-Toku 2 Rainbow Damascus Santoku 180mm

The Hatsukokoro Hinotori Santoku pairs a keen V-Toku 2 carbon-steel core with dramatic multi-metal rainbow Damascus cladding. Its versatile 180mm profile is sized for everyday vegetable, boneless meat, and fish preparation, while the thin grind and approximately 45mm heel height give it an agile, controlled feel on the board.

The Hinotori name means “bird of fire,” an apt description for the copper, brass, nickel, and stainless layers that move through the cladding like embers. Every Damascus pattern and custom handle is unique, so small variations in color and figure are part of the knife’s character.

Updated finish: Current-production Hinotori blades no longer receive the previous extra-dark acid etch over the exposed core steel. Hatsukokoro made this change to produce a cleaner, more consistent finish from knife to knife. The lighter core transition shown in the current photos is intentional and does not change the steel, heat treatment, grind, or cutting performance.

Specifications

Brand: Hatsukokoro

Series: Hinotori

Knife type: Santoku

Blade length: 180mm

Overall length: 322mm

Heel height: 45mm

Spine thickness at heel: 2.0mm

Spine thickness at midpoint: 1.9mm

Spine thickness 1cm from tip: 1.0mm

Weight: 132g with a standard handle; Prisma variants will vary

Core steel: V-Toku 2 carbon steel

Cladding: Multi-metal rainbow Damascus with copper, brass, nickel, and stainless steel

Construction: San-mai

Hardness: 63

Edge: Double bevel, approximately 50/50

Finish: Updated lighter etched rainbow Damascus finish

Handle options: Ebony with black horn; Prisma Pink Hybrid; Prisma Rainbow

Origin: Hyogo, Japan

Handle Variants

Ebony & Black Horn: The understated standard model balances the colorful blade with a classic dark octagonal wa handle.

Prisma Pink Hybrid: A one-of-a-kind Prisma Knife custom handle combining warm natural wood, vivid pink resin, and decorative metallic accents.

Prisma Rainbow: A one-of-a-kind Prisma Knife custom handle with a pastel rainbow-stabilized wood appearance and contrasting spacer detail.

Care

V-Toku 2 is reactive carbon steel and can develop a patina or rust if left wet. Hand wash only, wipe the blade dry immediately after use, and apply a light coat of food-safe oil before extended storage. Do not use this knife on bones, frozen food, glass, stone, or ceramic cutting surfaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is V-Toku 2 stainless? No. V-Toku 2 is a high-carbon steel valued for its keen edge and sharpening response. The exposed core requires prompt drying and normal carbon-steel care.

What changed about the Hinotori finish? Current knives omit the former extra-dark acid etch on the core steel. The result is a lighter, more consistent transition while retaining the same rainbow Damascus construction and cutting performance.

What is a 180mm santoku best used for? It is an all-purpose Japanese kitchen knife designed for vegetables, boneless proteins, and fish. Its shorter length makes it easy to control in home and professional kitchens.

Will every knife look exactly like the photos? No. Damascus patterns, natural materials, and Prisma custom handles vary, making each finished knife visually unique.