Hatsukokoro by Nakagawa Ginsan Single Bevel Kasumi

This Ginsan line forged by Satoshi Nakagawa is another commissioned line by Hatsukokoro, having the Hira(平, the flat zone above the bevel) finished in a fine Migaki finish. It is slightly cheaper than its twin sister line with a mirror polish, but they are equally easy to look after with the stainless core and cladding.

The entire blade is finished reasonably well, weather it's the Hira, the bevel or the backside of the blade, the polishing remains consistent and refined. Rounded choil and spine are there as expected and the only thing I can really say about the finish is the Kissaki of Sakimaru is not sharply defined. Oveall, quite a well done knife at this price.

The use of Ginsan steel makes the Knife even more versatile. While having a slightly better performance than VG10, the less alloy content in it will makes sharpening a whole lot easier, which is a huge plus for single bevel knife in professional setting. Meanwhile, being resistant to rust will save a lot of effort as there is no need to constantly wipe the blade while cutting, that's why I would also recommend this line to sushi students and homecook who have a bit more budget.

Satoshi Nakagawa, the maker who forged this line was the student under the legend bladesmith Kenichi Shiraki for over 20 years, he is very familiar with the behavior of steels especially the Hitachi Metal Paper Steels. This experience have guaranteed the great heat treatment on his knives so if you are looking for a stainless single bevel knife, this line will the more premium offering in terms of the quality.