Hatsukokoro Inazuma Santoku (2025)

First Impressions

It's hard to avoid hyperbole when talking about high quality products like handmade Japanese knives because so many of them are exceptional pieces of craft and the skill required is so high.

You're going to have to indulge our excitement about this range though!

Quite simply,the sharpness out of the box is sensational and boast some of the best scores we've ever tested across any knife range.

Beauty

Not only are the knives exceptional in terms of raw performance, the style and finish is dark, moody and you can see why the range is named Inazuma (lightning) if you invoke images of a dark stormy sky the flash of light that reflects off the polished Super Blue core steel is beautiful.

In Hand

We paired this range with a classic octagonal walnut and black buffalo handle which is light and comfortable in the hand.

Across the range the Inazuma knives are as well balanced and light as you'd expect from the Master blacksmith who created them.

Durability

Super Blue steel is a popular choice among blacksmiths and knife owners for its durability and relative ease of maintenance and you should expect this knife to last a long time with careful use and maintenance.

Ease of Care

This is a fully reactive knife as the core of super blue steel is clad with a reactive soft iron so you can expect a patina to quicklydevelop across the entire blade as you use it.

We recommend caring for it following the our normal care instructions and storing it on a magnetic rack when not in use.

It would also be worth applying drop or two ofcamellia oilfrom time to time to help care for and protect it as the patina develops.

Our Verdict

Outstanding value for money. This is an exceptional knife in all respects and one of the highest performing knife collection we've seen so if you're looking for outright performance and sharpness paired with a stunning design then we'd say you've hit a sweet spot here.

The price is doubly impressive because this collection comes from a true master blacksmith but due to branding and other agreements between the blacksmith and their other partnerswe are not able to name him.

So while there's a mystery element here we're absolutely delighted to stock his knives and the more eagle eyed knife collector out there might recognise the style and design of this knife and for those who do, you'll see what a bargain this exceptional collection is.

Product Quick View

Want to see a little more of the knife? Check out what the knife looks like in hand and up close.

Product details

• Blade Length: 175mm (Measurement of the cutting edge)
• Total Length: 316mm (Blade tip to handle end)
• Blade Height: 49.4mm (Heel to spine)
• Blade Thickness: 2.2mm (Spine width above the heel)
• Total Weight: 130 grams
• Core Steel: Super Blue Steel

• Care Tip – Reactive Carbon Steel

  The core (and on some ranges, the cladding steel too) of this knife is made using a carbon steel which can react with moisture and acids in your food and so is not stainless or rust-proof.

  Read our carbon steel care guide

  View all carbon steel knives

  View all non-reactive knives

  RECOMMENDED Carbon steel care kit

• Cladding Steel: Soft Iron
• Hardness: 62-63 (HRC)
• Handle Style: Japanese
• Handle Material: Walnut with black buffalo bolster
• Left or Right handed: Either (Double Bevel)

Product SKU: 9302

Our aim is to measure and photograph our products as accurately as possible but due to many items being handmade, finished or using natural materials, there can be minor variance in measurements and things such as blade or wood finishes can vary. We will always endeavour to provide the most accurate measurements, photos and descriptions of our products.

Some measurements such as HRC are provided by manufacturers and should therefore be used as a guide.

Meet the maker

Master Blacksmith - Made for Hatsukokoro

One of Japan's leading master blacksmiths has created this range for Hatsukokoro and due to existing partnerships between the blacksmith and their other partners we're not able to name him but we are very happy to have this master's work available on our site.