Hatsukokoro x Nigara Yorokobi SLD Copper Damascus Bunka 180mm Birch Handle

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Forged and sharpened by Nigara, the Yorokobi(よろこび) offers a unique copper damascus cladding with the much loved SLD steel. This combination is specially developed by Hatsukokoro, combining excellent artistic with the great performance.

Compared with its previous iteration, the Yorokobi(joy in Japanese) Kurouchi line doesn't fall short in its artistic appearance, in my opinion, Hatsukokoro's artistic approach on this line is more curated and thoughtful. Instead letting the copper damascus spread across the blade, the pattern is restricted in the area right above the cladding line, moving up along the bevel is another layer of iron cladding, then the bevel finishes off into the Kurouchi surface. The layering of different material and their contrast make creates waves of pattern, emerging from the Kurouchi finish, flow down the bevel into the cutting edge, there is almost a sense of motion in it. This setup is rather complex but doesn't look busy, demonstrate a high level of artistic skill.

Complementing this beautiful finish is the SLD core steel, with similar composition to the SKD steel but less chromium, this tool steel can be heat treated to 63-64 HRC and hold a thin edge for a extensive amount of time. However having only 8% chromium will make it a semi-stainless steel, but on this line the core steel have been put through a chemical etching, which gives it a dark colour and some resistance to rusting and discolouration.

This is a line made for those who fancy the passionate vibe that a copper damascus blade can give you, but don't want have that beauty shouting out loud. The dense orange pattern still emits a strong presence which is hard to miss, but it is well balanced and kept more subtle by the Kurouchi finish that takes up half of the blade. Remember that the copper and the core steel are both reactive to moisture and fingerprints, but if you keep them well looked after, knives from this Yorokobi like can keep bring you joy will its unique beauty.

Pros Cons
  • Great artistic
  • Highly collectable
  • Excellent fit and finish
  • Need extra care
  • Semi-stainless can rust

Detailed Specifications

Line Hatsukokoro Yorokobi SLD Copper Damascus Kurouchi
Profile Bunka
Bevel Type Double Bevel
Weight 179 g        6.31 oz
Edge Length 168 mm   .6.61 inch
Heel Height 51 mm     .2.01 inch
Width @ Spine 3.5 mm     0.14 inch
Width @ Mid 2.8 mm     0.11 inch
Width @ 1cm from Tip 0.6 mm     0.02 inch
Steel SLD | Stainless
Blade Construction Sanmai - Soft Iron Damascus Clad
Hardness (HRC) 62 - 64
Surface Finish Kurouchi
Handle Octagonal Birch Burl with Spacer
Region Hyogo
Best for
  • Enthusiasts
  • Collectors

Care Instruction
  1. Don't cut hard things! Japanese knives are brittle so bone hacking is a NO NO!
  2. Wash with neutral detergent after use, and wipe dry;
  3. Please don't wash knife with dishwasher, it will damage the wood handle;
  4. Be careful not to leave the knife close to a heat source for a long time;
  5. It is a lot more dangerous to cut with a blunt knife than a sharp knife!
  6. It is best to sharpen a Japanese knife regularly on a waterstone.

Most of our products are handmade in Japan, and sometimes the one that you receive maybe slightly different to the photo. This is very common and in no way it will affect the performance of the product.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do feel free to let us know.

AUTHENTIC JAPAN

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Kakumei and its sister shop Knives and Stones has been in the Japanese homeware industry for almost 10 years. We have suppliers all over Japan: from Nigara Hamono in Aomori to the Satsuma Kirko Kagoshima.

We work hard to bring you some of the most trendy

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