Shinka AO2 Kurouchi Custom Hakata 180mm

The Shinka series — shaped by tradition, refined through generations, and brought forward with purpose. Forged in Japan from Aogami Blue #2 carbon steel, it delivers the kind of edge that feels immediate and alive on the board. At 61 HRC (+/-1), it strikes an ideal balance between edge retention and ease of sharpening, giving you a knife that performs while keeping that forged, rustic character front and center. The dark kurouchi finish keeps things raw and honest, a visible reminder of the forging process on every blade. It’s the kind of knife made for those who want that true, brutally handmade Japanese look and feel — without stepping into overly inflated price points.

Each knife is completely hand-forged for our shop in Tosa by a fourth-generation workshop with roots going back to 1920. What started with agricultural tools has evolved into a focused pursuit of kitchen knives, where geometry, taper, and balance are dialed in with intent. The result is a blade that moves cleanly through food, with a grind that supports both precision and everyday versatility. It’s not about overengineering — it’s about getting the fundamentals right.

This particular piece was assembled at Kakushin onto a stunning and completely unique red micarta and resin handle featuring a translucent tip that shifts beautifully under light. The contrast between the rugged kurouchi blade and the vibrant modern handle gives the knife an entirely different personality — blending raw forged tradition with a more artistic, collectible presence.