Hatsukokoro Kumokage Aogami Kurouchi Damascus 5.9" Petty

After being drawn to the rugged look of Aogami Japanese blue carbon steel with the traditional Kurouchi blacksmith-style blade finish on some Japanese kitchen knives, I soon discovered the Hatsukokoro maker's interpretations of this knife style in Cutlery & More's online catalog inventory and initially ordered a couple of the smaller knives in the Kurogane (4.7" double-bevel Ko-Nakiri) and Kurokaze (5.9" double-bevel Deba) lines to see how I liked the feel and cutting performance.

Appreciating their heft and quality, I immediately began seeking out other types of Japanese kitchen blades by Hatsukokoro in the same blade materials and finish for my new "ko-kollektion" of Japanese knives. Enter the Kumokage Damsscus line, which was the next logical progression, representing a discernible upgrade in terms of quality of materials and construction but with that same rugged look. One can clearly see the handmade quality in the multi-layered folds of laminated steel in the blade construction that result in noticeably decreased weight and increased dexterity in handling compared to their less expensive but still very worthy counterparts.

I highly recommend Hatsukokoro knives for anyone interested in an affordable introduction to the world of traditional Japanese kitchen cutlery.

Slicing thru the souls of strawberries in a fashion fit for a demigod. This blade has been made to honor the gods of strawberries and will sacrifice an infinite number of strawberries foe their pleasures. If ever tasked with making smoothies for the gods this would be the weapon of destruction of my choosing. If ever a witch were to curse my bloodline and a catastrophe were to occur where I lost all of my knives this would be without hesitation the first to be replaced.

Fit and finish are top notch. Highly recommend. Would buy again.