Overview

The Hatsukokoro Shinkiro Aogami Super Kurouchi Damascus Kiritsuke Gyuto 240mm is a one-of-one Japanese chef knife forged by Takahiro Nihei in Fukushima, Japan. Its Aogami Super carbon-steel core is wrapped in reactive soft-iron Damascus cladding and finished with a dark kurouchi surface, pairing long edge life with the bold, layered character that defines the Shinkiro series.

Each knife in this listing is fitted with a handcrafted custom Prisma Knife wa handle. The two handle configurations are individual pieces, not repeatable production variants. Select the exact knife you want from the handle-variant menu.

Exact Knife Guarantee

What you see is what you get. The product photos show the two exact knives available for purchase. Photos assigned to each handle variant correspond to the knife that will ship. Each variant is stocked at one unit; once that knife sells, that exact blade-and-handle combination is gone.

Cutting Performance

The 240mm kiritsuke-gyuto profile gives you the reach of a full-size chef knife with a precise K-tip for fine detail work. It is well suited to push cutting vegetables, slicing proteins, portioning larger ingredients, and efficient all-purpose prep. The hand-forged Shinkiro construction has a substantial feel at the spine while tapering toward a keen cutting edge.

Aogami Super is prized for excellent edge retention and responsive sharpening. The core and soft-iron cladding are reactive, so they will develop a natural patina and can rust if left wet. This is a high-performance carbon-steel knife for cooks who are comfortable with simple, immediate care.

Common Questions

Q: Will I receive the exact Hatsukokoro Shinkiro shown in the photos?

A: Yes. Choose Prisma Handle 01 or Prisma Handle 02, and Tokushu Knife will ship the exact one-of-one knife pictured for that variant.

Q: Is this 240mm kiritsuke gyuto suitable for home cooks?

A: Yes. It is an excellent choice for an experienced home cook or professional who wants a long, versatile Japanese chef knife and is willing to care for reactive carbon steel. Use a controlled cutting technique and a knife-friendly surface such as a Hasegawa Pro cutting board.

Q: How should I care for Aogami Super and iron Damascus?

A: Hand wash the knife, dry it immediately, and never put it in a dishwasher. Avoid bones, frozen food, hard pits, and twisting cuts. For longer storage or humid conditions, apply a light coat of 100% pure Tsubaki camellia oil.

Q: How do I maintain the edge?

A: Use light touch-ups on a fine whetstone and maintain the apex between sharpenings with the Tokushu Knife Premium XL Buffalo Leather Strop. Do not use pull-through sharpeners.

Specifications

Brand: Hatsukokoro

Blacksmith: Takahiro Nihei

Series: Shinkiro

Knife Type: Kiritsuke Gyuto / K-tip Gyuto

Blade Length: 240mm nominal

Core Steel: Aogami Super (Blue Super) carbon steel

Cladding Type: Reactive soft-iron Damascus

Finish: Kurouchi Damascus

Construction: Hand-forged san mai

Edge: Double bevel, approximately 50/50

Hardness: Approximately 63-64 HRC

Handle: Custom Prisma Knife wa handle; exact one-of-one design varies by selected variant

Origin: Fukushima, Japan

Care: Reactive carbon steel; hand wash and dry immediately