Hatsukokoro

Hatsukokoro represents a distinctive approach to Japanese knife making, operating from Amagasaki in Hyogo Prefecture. Rather than functioning as a traditional single-blacksmith workshop, Hatsukokoro serves as a collaborative brand that partners with some of Japan's most respected master blacksmiths, including Satoshi Nakagawa, Yu Kurosaki, and Shiro Kamo. This model allows the brand to offer diverse styles and techniques while maintaining consistently high standards across their collections.

The brand's product range showcases exceptional versatility in both aesthetics and performance. Hatsukokoro produces knives with high-performance steels including Aogami Super (Blue Super), HAP-40, and SLD, each selected for specific cutting characteristics and edge retention properties. Their catalog spans from rustic kurouchi (blacksmith) finishes that preserve the forged texture of the blade, to elaborately polished Damascus pattern blades that display intricate layered steel work.

What sets Hatsukokoro apart is their commitment to accessibility across different price points. The brand offers entry-level collections alongside premium artisan pieces, making Japanese craftsmanship available to both beginning enthusiasts and experienced collectors. This range extends to their handle materials as well, where traditional wood options sit alongside more exotic choices like deer antler and stabilized birch.

The brand's specialization in carbon steel knives appeals to cooks who prioritize cutting performance and are willing to maintain reactive blades. Their Damascus and kurouchi finishes not only provide visual distinction but also offer varying levels of corrosion resistance and patina development. Hatsukokoro's diverse offerings include essential kitchen profiles like gyuto, santoku, and nakiri, each crafted to meet the demands of serious home cooks and professional chefs who value the precision and edge quality that Japanese knife making traditions deliver.