Yoshihiro Kurouchi Black-Forged Blue Steel Stainless Clad Kiritsuke Chef Knife Ebony wood Handle
SKU:
Stainless-Clad Care
This knife is made with stainless cladding over a high-carbon core. The cladding resists rust, but the exposed core at the edge can still discolor or rust if not kept dry and properly maintained.
- 63-64 HRC
- Yes, except along the knife's edge
- Optional Magnolia Saya Cover
Blade Hardness
HRC (Rockwell Hardness) measures how hard the blade's steel is. Kitchen knife steel typically falls in the high-50s to mid-60s on this scale. Harder steel is built to hold a fine edge over long use, while softer steel favors flexibility and easy resharpening. The right HRC depends on the steel and design, not a single higher-is-better number.
Stain Resistant
This knife's cladding resists stains, though the exposed high-carbon edge can still discolor or rust without regular care.
Saya Cover
This knife does not automatically come with a saya cover included. Adding one with your order lets us shape it to this exact blade, a fit no aftermarket cover can match. A saya purchased separately later is cut to standard dimensions rather than this specific blade, so the fit is left to chance.
Full Specifications
Blade
- Knife Type
- Kiritsuke (Sword-Tip Knife)
- Primary Use
- All-purpose / General kitchen prep
- Blade Metal
- Blue Steel #2
- Grade
- Kurouchi
- Construction
- Clad (San Mai)
- Blade Hardness
- 63-64 HRC
- Blade Edge Type
- Double Bevel
- Blade Finish
- Kurouchi
- Stain Resistant
- Yes, except along the knife's edge
Handle
- Handle Material
- Ebony
- Handle Shape
- Octagonal
- Bolster Material
- Water Buffalo Horn (Color Varies)
- Tang Type
- Partial Tang
Product Details
Traditionally, Kurouchi knives are crafted from highly reactive carbon steel, but this knife is unique as it features a Kurouchi finish on stainless cladding—an innovation in modern metallurgy that is both rare and challenging to forge. Our Stainless 'Kurouchi' Cladding merges traditional Japanese forging techniques with advanced stainless steel technology to produce an exceptional blade. This design offers the rustic aesthetics of a Kurouchi finish while significantly reducing the maintenance typically associated with high-carbon steel.
Kurouchi, meaning "Black-Forged," refers to the blade's unpolished, rustic appearance. Our Yoshihiro Kurouchi Stainless Clad Knives are forged with two layers of full Kurouchi stainless steel, providing enhanced durability and protection without compromising the sharpness of the edge.
With a Rockwell hardness of 63-64, the inner core of Blue Steel #2 is celebrated for its high edge retention, allowing for an extremely sharp edge that remains intact over extended periods. The Kurouchi Stainless Cladding increases the blade's resistance to moisture exposure while maintaining superior sharpness and edge retention.
This knife is complemented by a handcrafted octagonal Ebony wood handle, offering comfort for both left- and right-handed users. Paired with a Magnolia wood saya cover for safe storage, this knife elevates even the simplest tasks—from chopping fresh produce to carving roast chicken—into a refined experience, blending beauty with functionality.
Recommended to purchase with Custom-Cut Saya Knife Cover Sheath
Care & Origin
- Country of Origin
- Japan
- Care Instructions
- Hand wash only.
Dry immediately.
Avoid the dishwasher. - Sharpening Method
- Sharpen by hand using whetstones. Do not use honing rods.