Hatsukokoro Saihyo SG2 Kurozome Damascus

The Hatsukokoro Saihyo(細氷, fine ice) have just received an upgrade. Being a line that equipped with fine Damascus pattern and named after it, this brand new Kurozome etching finish greatly improves the look in my opinion.

The Original Saihyo was a equipped with the high wear resistant TAKEFU SG2 powder stainless steel, which makes it a competitive option that has both the performance and look. But speaking fairly, the high density Damascus pattern is not exactly unique on the market especially at this day and age where pre-laminated steel is common in the industry. Hatsukokoro's approach is to put a very dark etch on the existing blades, which greatly increases the contrast of the pattern. The darkened steel also received a very matt finish, which really allow the silver nickel steel to shine upon it. This kind of treatment is rather rare in the industry, and hardly seen on knives of this price point. As result, the new Kurozome Saihyo really stands out and now sits closer on the more "unique" side of the market, quite like the Nigara Anmon series.

Despite the matt finish and potential increase of stickiness, the cutting feel of the new Saihyo seems improved to me. The information we get from Hatsukokoro indicates a decrease in thickness which matches our measurement from the knives we got. That means, the upgrade to the knife not only improves the look, but the performance too.

A more complicated surface finishing process would surely increase the price, as the result, the Santoku of the new Saihyo matches the 210mm Gyuto of the old one. I would consider it's a worthy upgrade, as it does brings the Saihyo from a more generic line, to a product that has a rare look and solid performance.