Hatsukokoro Shinkiro kurouchi damascus AS bunka 170mm - unstamped

Hand-forged by Takahiro Nihei in Fukushima, Japan, this bunka is part of the Hatsukokoro Shinkiro series. It’s an unstamped version made available by request for those who prefer a sterile blade. With clear Sanjo influence, it’s hefty and feels authoritative in hand, and cuts well. Hand-forged in Fukushima, Japan by Takahiro Nihei Aogami Super carbon steel core with damascus iron cladding Cutting edge length of 169mm Spine tapers from 4.3mm to 0.9mm Octagonal mono ebony handle Ambidextrous design Takahiro Nihei is a blacksmith based in Iitate, Fukushima, and the fourth generation of Yasuragi Kobo. He trained under Kazuomi Yamamoto at Yoshikane Hamono in Sanjo from 2011 and opened his own workshop in 2019. He handles all work himself from forging to final sharpening. Nihei-san is currently working toward his swordsmith certification alongside his knife work. Details Brand: Hatsukokoro Series: Shinkiro Blacksmith: Takahiro Nihei Origin: Fukushima, Japan Knife Type: Bunka Finish: Kurouchi damascus Core Steel: Aogami Super (Blue Super) Steel Type: Carbon Cladding: Iron clad Blade & Handle Specs Overall Length: 312mm Blade Length (Heel to Tip): 169mm Blade Height at Heel: 51.9mm Spine Thickness: At the handle: 4.3mm At the heel: 3.3mm Midway: 2.2mm 1cm from the tip: 0.9mm Weight: 186g Edge/Bevel: 50:50 Handle: Octagonal walnut with buffalo horn ferrule Hand Orientation: Ambidextrous Saya/Sheath: Not included Notes: Each knife is hand-forged, so no two are exactly alike. The photo shows a randomly selected piece from our stock. If you'd like to see the exact knife you'll receive, email us at info@zahocho.com. Kurouchi finish forms naturally during forging. Fading, patchy spots, or light scratching are normal and not defects. If a uniform finish matters to you, other finishes may suit you better. Minor variations in finish, surface marks, and measurements are normal in handcrafted Japanese knives. Handle is fitted by the maker and shipped as-is. We don't offer handle swaps.