Hatsukokoro "Hayabusa" VG5 3-Layer 150mm Petty

The VG5 steel used is a significant upgrade from previous VG steel, as the addition of vanadium (V) has resulted in finer carbides. This creates an ideal balance of hardness, abrasion resistance, and corrosion resistance. The Hayabusa ("Falcon") VG5 series is a highly recommended option for new Japanese knife enthusiasts looking for a high toughness and low maintenance cutlery.

Spec:

• Origin (Made in): Seki, Gifu Prefecture, Japan
  Brand: Hatsukokoro
  
• Knife Type: Petty
  
• Blade
  • Construction: San Mai
  • Grind: Double-edged Blade (50/50 Grind)
  • Hagane (Core Steel): VG5
  • Jigane (Cladding): Stainless Steel
    
  • Hardness: 59HRC
    
  • Hand-forged, hand-ground, hand-sharpened
• Blade Length (heel-to-tip): 150mm (5.9")
• Blade Height (at heel): 29mm 
• Spine Thickness
  • Above heel: 1.7mm 
  • Middle: 1.1mm 
    
• Handle
  • Shape: Hachikaku (Octagonal)
    
  • Material: Wenge
  • Kuchiwa / Tsukajiri: Black Buffalo Horn
  • Length: 115mm 
• Overall Length: 274mm 
• Weight: 61g (2.15oz) 
• Stamped Mark (Front): In Japanese Kanji "Trademark Hatsukokoro VG-5" (登録 初心 VG-5)

Care:

ZDP-189 is a super steel from Hitachi, with extremely high carbon and chromium content. The steel can achieve superbly high hardness, enabling some artisans to harden the knife to up to 67HRC. ZDP-189 knives are pricier compared with knives of same style and finish but with a lesser steel. These knives could retain sharpness much longer, but require more experience when it comes to sharpening. Burrfection Store does not recommend sharpening beginners to buy this knife as their first knife.

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.