Hatsukokoro Kumokage Blue #2 Kurouchi Damascus Gyuto 210mm

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The Kumokage (雲影 - "Cloud Shadow") collection by Hatsukokoro is produced by Muneishi Hamono in Tosa. Like most Tosa knives, the Kumokage is rugged, rustic and bold with the signature bluish grey kurouchi finish you'll see on many knives from that region. However, unlike many Tosa blades, the Kumokage is somewhat refined. Its spine and choil are chamfered for comfort, its primary bevel is ground with precision to a workhorse grind which is then etched to reveal its damascus pattern. 

This almost feels like a knife of two halves - one that feels civilised and refined where the blade bevels the knife, while the unsharpened kurouchi area feels rough and rustic. The contrast is quite unique, however, do note this means the blade does retain some dings and scratches from the forging process. In terms of steel, the Kumokage features a Blue #2 carbon steel core which has excellent edge retention and sharpenability. From our experience, heat treatment from Tosa knives are pretty much spot on and this knife will take an incredibly sharp edge and hold it there for quite some time.

In terms of maintenance, this blade is iron clad with a carbon steel core, so pretty much the entire blade is prone to rusting. Take care to keep the knife dry and oil it if storing for extended periods. Since the knife has a kurouchi layer and is also etched, rusting should be reduced, but do make sure to keep up with maintenance either way.