Hatsukokoro / Nigara "Ryusui" Aogami #2 Nashiji Damascus Kiritsuke Gyuto

The Hatsukokoro Ryusui Kiritsuke Gyuto, crafted by the renowned Nigara of Aomori, Japan, blends art and precision. Its Aogami #2 steel core offers remarkable sharpness and edge retention, while the unique Nashiji Damascus finish mimics flowing water ("Ryusui"). The thick spine at the heel, tapered for strength, enhances cutting accuracy. A mineral-like cladding, with dark and light spots, creates a stunning stream-like effect, embodying the knife’s name. This hand-forged masterpiece is a must-have for chefs and enthusiasts who value fine craftsmanship.

Spec:

• Origin (Made in): Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture, Japan
• Brand: Nigara Hamono
• Knife Type: Kiritsuke Gyuto
  
• Blade
  • Construction: San Mai
  • Grind: Double-edged Blade (50/50 Grind)
  • Hagane (Core Steel): Aogami #2 
  • Jigane (Cladding): Soft Iron
    
  • Hardness: 62 HRC
  • Hand-forged, hand-grinded, hand-sharpened
• Blade Finishes:
  • Nashiji
  • Damascus
• Blade Length (heel-to-tip): 195mm (7.7") / 225mm (8.9")
• Blade Height (at heel): 48mm / 50mm
• Spine Thickness
  • Above heel: 4.8mm / 4.5mm
  • Middle: 2.5mm / 2.5mm
• Handle
  • Shape: Hachikaku (Octagonal)
  • Material: Wenge
  • Kuchiwa: Black Buffalo Horn
    
  • Length: 134mm / 139mm
• Overall Length: 345mm / 375mm
• Weight: 179g (6.31oz) / 207g (7.30z)
• Hand Chiseled Mark: In Japanese Kanji "Trademark Hatsukokoro" (登録 初心)

About Nigara Hamono 二唐刃物

With 350 years of history, starting from making swords for Tsugaru clan in the early Edo period, Nigara Hamono has passed down knowhow and skills for eight generations. Its 5th generation blacksmith Kunitoshi Nigara was a legendary sword maker, earning a long list of accolades, honorary titles and knighthood. The current (8th) generation blacksmith — Tsuyoshi Yoshizawa is supported by his father Toshiju Yoshizawa who has keen interests in art and music. Nigara’s famous Anmon design is the result of Toshiju’s love for Andy Warhol’s artworks. The family business’ expansion into construction steelworks has given Nigara unmatched access to in-house knowhow when it comes to advanced finishing. All these set Nigara apart as one of the most special knife makers in Japan.

Care:

Aogami #2 (Blue #2) steel is a premium Japanese high carbon steel for knife making. It is not stainless, therefore you must wipe your knife dry after each use, in particular the core steel not covered by the stainless cladding. Patina will develop over time, which will appear as “discoloration” on the cutting edge, but that is the nature of carbon steel - not a defect. The stainless cladding covers a large part of the blade, making maintenance easier but still preserving the cutting and sharpening pleasure of the Aogami Super core. Avoid cutting into bones, frozen foods, hard fruit pits.

Cutting Surface:

Recommended cutting surface: wood, rubberized boards and high-end composites, and quality plastics such as polyethene make acceptable cutting surfaces, and will help protect and prolong knife’s edge. AVOID glass, metal, countertops, and other rigid, non-forgiving surfaces.

Sharpening:

We recommend sharpening all quality Japanese knives on whetstones, as we believe they yield the best results for your knives.