Hatsukokoro Hinotori V-Toku2 Rainbow Damascus Gyuto 210mm

Overview

The Hatsukokoro Hinotori V-Toku2 Rainbow Damascus Gyuto 210mm pairs high-performance carbon steel with one of the most dramatic finishes in Japanese cutlery. Its V-Toku2 core takes a keen edge and offers excellent wear resistance, while the etched rainbow Damascus cladding reveals flowing copper, brass, and stainless layers across the blade.

The versatile 210mm gyuto profile is designed for everyday vegetable preparation, herbs, fruit, fish, poultry, and boneless meats. Thin cutting geometry and a fine tip support precise slicing and detail work, while the gently curved edge accommodates push cutting and controlled rocking.

Choose Your Handle Configuration

Cypress & Horn Handle: A complete, ready-to-use knife fitted with a lightweight octagonal cypress wa handle and natural horn ferrule.

Blade Only: Supplied without a handle for collectors, custom builders, or customers who want to select their own wa handle. Professional fitting may be required. The blade-only photos show the configuration you will receive.

Steel and Cutting Performance

V-Toku2 is a reactive high-carbon steel from Takefu Special Steel that is often compared with Aogami #2. Added vanadium and tungsten contribute to edge retention and wear resistance, while the steel remains responsive on sharpening stones. The exposed core will naturally develop a patina with use; this is normal and gives every knife its own character.

Common Questions

Q: Is this a good all-purpose Japanese chef knife?

A: Yes. A 210mm gyuto is one of the most versatile knife sizes for home and professional kitchens and can handle nearly all routine produce and boneless protein preparation.

Q: What does blade only mean?

A: The blade-only variant arrives without a handle installed. It is intended for custom wa-handle installation, and professional fitting may be required.

Q: Is the entire blade reactive?

A: The V-Toku2 cutting core is reactive carbon steel and will form a patina. The rainbow Damascus cladding is more corrosion resistant, but the knife should still be washed by hand and dried immediately after use.

Care and Maintenance

Hand wash only, dry immediately, and never place this knife in a dishwasher. For extended storage, apply a thin coat of pure Japanese tsubaki oil to the dry blade. A Hasegawa Pro cutting board helps protect the fine edge, while gentle maintenance on the Tokushu Knife Premium XL leather strop can extend the time between sharpenings.

Specifications

• Brand: Hatsukokoro
• Series: Hinotori
• Knife Type: Gyuto
• Core Steel: V-Toku2 carbon steel
• Cladding: Etched rainbow Damascus with copper, brass, and stainless layers
• Blade Length: 210mm
• Overall Length: 360mm for the Cypress & Horn Handle configuration
• Blade Height: 45mm at the heel
• Spine Thickness: 1.85mm
• Handle Options: Octagonal cypress with natural horn ferrule, or blade only without a handle
• Edge: Double bevel, suitable for right- or left-handed use
• Hardness: 63 HRC
• Origin: Japan

Measurements, horn color, and Damascus pattern can vary slightly because each knife is individually finished.