{"product_id":"hatsukokoro-blue-2-kurouchi-gyuto-220mm","title":"Hatsukokoro Blue #2 Kurouchi Gyuto 220mm","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOverview\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Hatsukokoro Blue #2 Kurouchi Gyuto 220mm with mono ebony handle is a strong choice for anyone looking for a true workhorse at an excellent value. Made in Tosa, this knife reflects the region’s long tradition of practical, effective toolmaking. Tosa knives are often loved for exactly that reason: they prioritize solid steel, useful geometry, and honest performance over perfectly polished fit and finish. If you are looking for a knife that feels rugged, capable, and ready to work, this may be the right one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the core is Blue #2 carbon steel, a favorite among Japanese knife users for its balance of edge retention, toughness, and sharpenability. It takes a very keen edge, responds well on stones, and gives newer carbon steel users a great way to learn proper knife care without jumping straight into something more expensive or delicate. The iron cladding and kurouchi finish give the knife a rustic, traditional look, while the mono ebony handle adds a more refined feel in the hand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn use, this gyuto is best thought of as an all-purpose Japanese chef’s knife for vegetables, proteins without bones, herbs, garlic, onions, and everyday prep. It has the kind of personality many cooks want in a starter carbon steel knife: strong cutting feel, easy maintenance once you learn the basics, and enough toughness for real daily use. For anyone asking, “What is a good first serious carbon steel gyuto?” this is a very easy knife to recommend.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause this is a reactive carbon steel knife, it should be hand washed, dried promptly, and never left wet. Over time it will build a natural patina, which many users enjoy. To help protect the edge, use it on a knife-friendly surface like a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tokushuknife.com\/collections\/hasegawa-cutting-board\"\u003eHasegawa Pro Cutting Board\u003c\/a\u003e. For routine edge upkeep, a few light passes on our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tokushuknife.com\/products\/leather-strop-tokushu-knife-premium-xl-buffalo-strop\"\u003eTokushu Knife Premium XL Buffalo Strop\u003c\/a\u003e can help extend time between full sharpenings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ:\u003c\/strong\u003e Is this a good starter carbon steel knife?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes. Blue #2 is one of the best places to start if you want to learn carbon steel. It gets very sharp, holds an edge well, and is easier to sharpen than many harder or more wear-resistant steels. This knife also gives you the classic feel of a hand-forged Tosa workhorse without demanding a huge budget.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ:\u003c\/strong\u003e What does “workhorse” mean with a knife like this?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA:\u003c\/strong\u003e It means the knife is built with practical performance in mind. Rather than chasing ultra-thin, delicate geometry or immaculate cosmetic finish, this style focuses on dependable cutting, toughness, good steel, and everyday usefulness. It is the kind of knife many cooks reach for when they want something honest and capable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ:\u003c\/strong\u003e How do I care for Blue #2 carbon steel?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA:\u003c\/strong\u003e Wash by hand, dry it right away, and do not leave it sitting with moisture or acidic food residue on the blade. A patina is normal and usually beneficial, but orange rust should be removed. If you want professional maintenance later, our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tokushuknife.com\/products\/knife-sharpening-service\"\u003eknife sharpening service\u003c\/a\u003e is available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBrand:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hatsukokoro\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeries:\u003c\/strong\u003e Blue #2 Kurouchi \/ Kurogane\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eKnife Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gyuto\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCore Steel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Blue #2 (Aogami #2) carbon steel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCladding Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Soft iron cladding\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eConstruction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hand-forged san mai\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kurouchi\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBlade Length:\u003c\/strong\u003e 220 mm listed length\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eActual Edge Length:\u003c\/strong\u003e Specs not found\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOverall Length:\u003c\/strong\u003e Specs not found\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBlade Height at Heel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Specs not found\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpine Thickness (Heel):\u003c\/strong\u003e Specs not found\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpine Thickness (Mid):\u003c\/strong\u003e Specs not found\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Specs not found\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHandle Material:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mono ebony wa handle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHandle Shape:\u003c\/strong\u003e Octagonal\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardness (HRC):\u003c\/strong\u003e 61-62 (series-based reference)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEdge Grind:\u003c\/strong\u003e Even 50\/50\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tosa, Japan\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Tokushu Knife","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51246746108128,"sku":null,"price":149.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0602\/6720\/0736\/files\/hatsukokoro-blue-2-kurouchi-gyuto-220mm-angle-2_4bbcc446-9d41-45ef-b650-46bb0137d8fa.jpg?v=1780745600","url":"https:\/\/tokushuknife.com\/products\/hatsukokoro-blue-2-kurouchi-gyuto-220mm","provider":"Tokushu Knife","version":"1.0","type":"link"}