Hatsukokoro Kaijin Blue 2 Ebony Kiritsuke 210mm

The Kaijin Series is Hatsukokoro’s take on the modern Japanese kitchen knife: clean lines, minimal design, and performance that punches well above its price tag. No flashy damascus, no exaggerated finishes — just a refined cutting tool built to work.

At its core is Aogami Blue #2 carbon steel clad in stainless steel, offering the best of both worlds. You get the exceptional edge retention, sharpness, and easy sharpening that Blue #2 is known for, while the stainless cladding greatly reduces maintenance and everyday worries. The polished Migaki finish keeps the overall look sleek, understated, and timeless.

With a spine measuring just 1.8 mm, this Kiritsuke feels remarkably nimble on the board. It glides effortlessly through vegetables, proteins, and herbs while maintaining enough stiffness and feedback to feel precise and controlled. The versatile Kiritsuke profile excels at push-cutting, slicing, and detailed tip work, making it a true all-around performer in the kitchen.

What sets this version apart is the mono ebony handle. Crafted from a single piece of ebony, it brings a more premium and sophisticated feel to the knife while maintaining the series' minimalist philosophy. Dense, smooth, and naturally elegant, ebony adds a subtle touch of luxury without distracting from the knife's clean aesthetic. The dark handle pairs beautifully with the polished blade, creating a modern and understated look that feels equally at home in a professional kitchen or a home setup.

For cooks looking for a knife that is thin, lightweight, refined, and exceptionally capable for the price, the Kaijin Kiritsuke with mono ebony handle delivers exactly that — a modern Japanese knife focused on performance, simplicity, and everyday enjoyment.