Hatsukokoro | SKU: HS-SAIHY-SG2KDM-ST180BR

Hatsukokoro Saihyo SG2 Kurozome Black Damascus Santoku 180mm Birch

$429.95

Add a saya or K&S Knife Roll to receive $20 bundle discount!

	Hatsukokoro Saihyo SG2 Kurozome Damascus
	Santoku
	Double Bevel
Weight	160 g \| 5.6 oz
Edge Length	181 mm \| 7 1/8″
Heel Height	43 mm \| 1 11/16″
Width @ Heel	1.9 mm \| 5/64″
Width @ Mid	1.5 mm \| 1/16″
Width @ 1cm from Tip	0.4 mm \| 1/64″
Steel	SG2 / R2 \| Powdered \| Stainless
Blade Construction	Sanmai - Stainless Damascus Clad
Hardness (HRC)	62 - 64
Surface Finish	Etched
Handle	Octagonal Birch Burl with Spacer
Region	Hyogo
Best for	Enthusiasts Collectors

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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.

Pros	Cons
Great artistic Excellent performance Excellent fit and finish	Etched damascus can be hard to maintain High budget

Care Instruction

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Hatsukokoro

Rising star of the industry

Hatsukokoro as a brand works extensively with the Japanese kitchen knife industry. Through collaboration with makers and manufacturers across the Japan, they’ve designed and created a huge collection of different knives, covering every possible price range while having a great value in many of their product lines. Their capabilities to incorporate resources have built a strong relation with knife makers, and more and more are happy to send their knives down to Amagasaki and have them delivered across the world.

“The rapidly expanding new brand in the industry based in Amagasaki, offering great varieties by working close with different makers across entire Japan to the entire globe while innovating in product design and metal fabrication.”

Est. 2019 | 令和元年

Known for Unrivalled product availability, exceptional performance at a highly competitive price.

Website handk.co Instagram @handk_official Read more about Hatsukokoro

Profile

Santoku

The Santoku knife, embodying the meaning "three uses," is a cornerstone in Japanese kitchens, adept at slicing, dicing, and mincing. Esteemed for its versatility, it features a blade length typically between 15cm and 20cm (6 to 8 inches), catering to a wide array of culinary tasks. Distinguished by its less pointy tip compared to the Gyuto, the Santoku boasts a unique profile that contributes to its functionality and popularity. Its design is tailored to provide ease and efficiency in preparation, also because of its less aggressive prrofile, making it a preferred choice for home cooks.

Compare with

SG2 / R2

—

14.0% 10.5% 7.0% 3.5% 0

1.25%

14.0%

1.8%

2.3%

0.4%

0.5%

0.03%

C — Carbon Cr — Chromium V — Vanadium Mo — Molybdenum Mn — Manganese Si — Silicon P — Phosphorus S — Sulfur

Hardness 62–64 HRC

555759616365+

Steel

SG2 / R2

Manufacturer
- Takefu Special Steel, Japan
Nature Stainless
Hardness62–64 HRC

SG2, also known as Super Gold 2 or R2 steel, is a high-end powdered tool steel by Takefu Special Steel, known for its excellent edge retention, wear resistance, and ability to achieve a hardness of up to 64 HRC. Identical to Kobelco Steel's R2, it's prized in premium knife making for its fine edge sharpness and durability. The powdered nature ensures uniform carbide distribution, enhancing toughness and reducing chipping risks. SG2/R2 is ideal for those seeking top performance and longevity in their cutting tools.

Construction

Sanmai - Stainless Damascus Clad

Sanmai(Three-Piece) is a common construction for double bevel knives where two pieces of softer cladding steel are forgewelded to each side of a harder core steel. The harder but more brittle core steel will form the hard cutting edge after heat treating, and the softer cladding will support the core to increase the overall strength of the blade.

Damascus Sanmai utilize damascus steel as the cladding material for the Sanmai construction, which adds aesthetic feature to the blade. On the Kitchen knives with stainless core steel, the damascus cladding will be stainless, this means they will also protect the carbon/semi-stainless core from rusting/discolouration.

The soft cladding enables the thinning process to be a lot easier than a honyaki or monosteel construction. However, when the cladding is made of damascus, whether etched, polished or mirror polished, the thinning process will take a toll on the cladding, meaning the damascus won't look the same as when it was taken out of the box.

Finish

Etched

The etching process starts with the knife being thoroughly cleaned to remove any oils or residues. A protective mask may be applied to the areas not intended to be etched. The blade is then submerged in an acidic solution, such as ferric chloride, which reacts with the different layers of steel at varying rates. This creates a layer of dark oxide on the surface of the blade where the thickness of the oxide varies according to the reactiveness of the steel. After etching, the knife is neutralized in a baking soda solution, rinsed, and dried. The final step involves polishing the blade to highlight the etched design, enhancing both the knife's beauty and showcasing the craftsmanship of its maker.

Handle

Handle Specs

Profile Octagonal WA
Material
- Birch Burl Stabilized

The stabilized birch burl handle adorning the Hatsukokoro chef knife is a testament to both exquisite craftsmanship and natural beauty. Birch burl, prized for its intricate grain patterns and unique textures, undergoes a meticulous stabilization process to enhance its durability and stability, ensuring longevity and resilience against moisture and wear.

The handle's ergonomic design offers a comfortable and secure grip, allowing for extended periods of use without fatigue. Its smooth contours and balanced weight distribution contribute to precise control and effortless maneuverability during culinary tasks.

The natural variations in color and grain of the birch burl create a visually captivating aesthetic, making each handle distinctively unique. This harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetics not only elevates the chef knife's performance but also adds a touch of elegance to the kitchen, reflecting the unparalleled craftsmanship of Hatsukokoro knives.

Hatsukokoro Saihyo SG2 Kurozome Black Damascus Santoku 180mm Birch