Overview

The Hatsukokoro Kurogane Blue #2 Kurouchi Nakiri 120mm is a compact Japanese vegetable knife for small ingredients and everyday prep. Its short, broad blade gives you a straight working edge for scallions, shallots, garlic, herbs and smaller vegetables. Choose the traditional mono ebony wa handle or the custom Prisma handle from the available options.

Made in Tosa, Japan, the Kurogane combines a Blue #2 carbon steel core with soft iron cladding and a rustic kurouchi finish. The steel rewards careful maintenance with a keen edge and responds well to whetstone sharpening. Forge marks and variations in the dark finish are part of this handmade knife's character. The 120mm size is easy to place on the board and makes a useful companion to a full-size gyuto.

Common Questions

What is a 120mm nakiri best for? Use it for precise vegetable prep, trimming small ingredients and chopping herbs on a cutting board. Its compact length suits smaller prep spaces. Choose a longer knife for large cabbages, melons or ingredients that need more blade length.

Is this knife stainless? No. The Blue #2 core and soft iron cladding are reactive. A patina will develop with use, and the blade can rust if left wet. Wipe it during prep and wash and dry it promptly afterward.

What is the difference between the handle options? Both options use the Kurogane Blue #2 nakiri blade. Mono Ebony has an octagonal ebony wa handle; Prisma has a custom handle. Select an option to see its price and matching photos. Handle choice affects the knife's balance, overall length and weight.

Can I use it like a cleaver? Use controlled chopping and push cuts through vegetables. This is a vegetable knife, so avoid bones, frozen food and twisting or prying. A wood or soft synthetic board, such as a Hasegawa cutting board, supports the edge.

Specifications

Brand: Hatsukokoro

Series: Kurogane

Knife Type: Ko-nakiri / compact vegetable knife

Core Steel: Aogami #2 (Blue #2) carbon steel

Cladding: Soft iron

Construction: San mai

Finish: Kurouchi

Hardness (HRC): 62–63

Nominal Blade Length: 120 mm

Cutting Edge Length: 117 mm

Blade Height at Heel: 41.8 mm

Spine Thickness at Heel: 2.8 mm

Spine Thickness at Midpoint: 1.6 mm

Overall Length — Mono Ebony: 248 mm

Weight — Mono Ebony: 114 g

Handle Options: Octagonal mono ebony wa handle or custom Prisma handle

Edge: Double bevel; suitable for right- and left-handed use

Origin: Tosa, Japan

Dimensions and weight are reference measurements for the mono ebony model. Handmade blades and handles vary; the Prisma version has a different overall length and weight.

Care

Hand wash with mild soap and dry immediately. Never leave the knife soaking or put it in a dishwasher. For extended storage, apply a thin coat of tsubaki camellia oil to the clean, dry blade. Maintain the edge with whetstones and light touch-ups on a leather strop. Tokushu Knife's sharpening service is available if you would like the edge professionally finished before use.