Hatsukokoro Ginga ATS-34 Nickle Damascus Gyuto 210mm

Overview

The Hatsukokoro Ginga ATS-34 Nickel Damascus Gyuto 210mm with Sanjo walnut handle and maple stripe is a strong choice for cooks who want refined fit and finish, stainless convenience, and a distinctly premium cutting feel. The Ginga line has earned attention for its beautiful mirror nickel damascus finish, and polished details around the choil and spine. At the core is ATS-34, a high-performance stainless steel known for fine edge stability, good wear resistance, and easier day-to-day care than carbon steel.

This 210mm gyuto is built to be a true all-purpose chef knife. It has enough length for onions, cabbage, proteins, and herbs, but still feels agile and controllable on the board. The thin, tapered geometry helps it move cleanly through food, while the extra visual appeal of the nickel damascus makes it feel special every time it comes out of the saya or knife roll. Paired here with a Sanjo walnut handle accented by a maple stripe, this version adds warmth and character to an already striking blade.

For many buyers, this is the kind of knife that answers a very practical question: “Can I get high-end Japanese performance in a stainless package that still feels beautiful and special?” In this case, yes. That is exactly where the Ginga series fits. It gives you premium aesthetics, excellent cutting ability, and lower-maintenance steel in one polished package.

Common Questions

Q: Is ATS-34 a good steel for a Japanese gyuto?

A: Yes. ATS-34 is a premium stainless steel that offers a very nice balance of edge retention, toughness for a fine kitchen grind, and corrosion resistance. It is a smart option for someone who wants a high-performance Japanese chef knife without the extra reactivity of carbon steel.

Q: Who is this knife best for?

A: This knife works well for both serious home cooks and professionals who want a 210mm gyuto with a thin, refined feel. It is especially appealing if you want a knife that looks high-end, performs cleanly on vegetables and proteins, and does not demand the same maintenance routine as a fully reactive blade.

Q: How should I care for this knife?

A: Hand wash only, dry it after use, and avoid bones, frozen foods, and very hard surfaces like glass or stone. A knife-friendly board such as a Hasegawa Pro Cutting Board will help preserve the edge. For routine upkeep, a few light passes on our Tokushu leather strop can keep the edge feeling fresh between sharpenings, and our knife sharpening service is available when it is time for more complete maintenance.

Specifications

• Brand: Hatsukokoro
• Series: Ginga
• Blacksmith: Yoshihiro Yauji
• Knife Type: Gyuto
• Core Steel: ATS-34
• Cladding Type: Stainless San Mai with Nickel Damascus finish
• Blade Length: 210mm
• Overall Length: 352mm
• Blade Height at Heel: 51mm
• Spine Thickness (Heel): 3.1mm
• Spine Thickness (Mid): 2.2mm
• Weight: 181g
• Handle Material: Sanjo walnut handle with maple stripe
• Handle Length: 128mm
• Hardness (HRC): 64
• Grind: Double bevel 50/50
• Finish: Mirror Nickel Damascus
• Origin: Japan