The Shikkoku(漆黒, Pitch Black) belongs to a family of Kurouchi carbon knives produce in Tosa. You may find it very similar to other lines designed by Hatsukokoro like the Sumi, Kurogane, Kokugei or Kurokumo. This Shikkoku too, is a budget friendly carbon knife that is raw and rustic in style.
According to Hatsukokoro, they are forged by different blacksmiths in Tosa, and the different line are used to differentiate the origin of these blades. However, there are many characteristics that indicate their common production region. The Shikkoku have a tapered Machi, rough polished corners at spine and choil, as well as a convex bevel that starts quite low on the blade. It is almost identical to the Kurogane, but the Kurouchi finish is as the name suggested, comes in pitch black, where as Kurogane's finish is a bit brown in colour. The thickness at spine of Shikkoku is a bit thinner too.
Cutting performance is too similar to other knives from this big family, really good food penetration thanks to the keen edge produced on a carbon steel core and thin grind right behind the edge. The food release is also grate due to the strong convex but that thickness does require you to put a bit more effort when pushing through a denser food.
The purchasing suggesting is interchangeable between these Tosa carbon blades. They are a good knife for you to experience a carbon knife as they are very budget friendly and perform decently well, and they could be interesting gifts that have a strong hand-made "flavour".
By
Hatsukokoro
