Hatsukokoro Ryusui AO2 Damascus Epoxy Kiritsuke 240mm

Few makers have a visual identity as recognizable as Nigara Hamono. Forged in Aomori, Japan, their knives are known for mixing traditional craftsmanship with bold finishing work, clean geometry, and details that immediately stand out.

For this 240mm Kiritsuke, we managed to get a very limited quantity pre-assembled with stabilized wood and epoxy handles — and at a price that makes this batch seriously hard to ignore.

The blade carries that unmistakable Nigara look. The blasted Nashiji finish gives the surface a soft, textured feel, while the Damascus pattern underneath adds depth and movement from heel to tip. It has that refined, handcrafted look without being too loud — the kind of finish that keeps revealing small details the more you use it.

The 240mm Kiritsuke profile gives the knife a longer, more commanding presence on the board. You get excellent length for slicing proteins, portioning larger ingredients, and working through prep with smooth, clean strokes. The flatter edge also makes it very effective for push-cutting vegetables, while the pointed kiritsuke-style tip adds precision for detail work.

In terms of feel, this is not an ultra-light laser. The spine keeps a solid forged thickness through much of the blade before tapering toward the front, giving it a confident forward balance. That little bit of extra presence helps the knife move naturally through food, letting the blade’s momentum do some of the work while still staying controlled in hand.

Paired with stabilized wood and epoxy handles, each piece has its own unique character. No two handles are exactly the same, which makes this limited batch feel even more special.