Hatsukokoro Mercury Bunka 180mm – SG2 Kurozome Damascus

⭐ Chosen by Sharp Knives Malta

Selected for cooks who demand elite Japanese steel, exceptional precision, and craftsmanship that performs as beautifully as it looks.

Compact Size. Professional Performance.

The Hatsukokoro Mercury Bunka brings together premium materials, refined Japanese craftsmanship, and laser-like cutting performance in a compact, highly versatile knife.

Handcrafted in Japan, it pairs SG2 (R2) powder steel with a striking Kurozome Damascus finish, creating a knife that excels in both performance and aesthetics.

Compact enough for outstanding control, yet capable of tackling almost every everyday kitchen task, this is a knife that quickly earns a permanent place on the cutting board.

Who This Knife Is For

Perfect for:

• Serious home cooks
• Professional chefs
• Enthusiasts upgrading to premium Japanese steel
• Cooks who prefer compact, highly manoeuvrable knives
• Buyers looking for a gift-ready knife with exceptional craftsmanship

Why You'll Love It

SG2 Powder Steel – Premium Cutting Performance

At the heart of the blade is SG2 (R2) powder metallurgy steel, hardened to approximately 62–64 HRC.

One of the finest stainless steels used in Japanese kitchen knives, SG2 offers:

• exceptional sharpness
• outstanding edge retention
• excellent wear resistance
• superb corrosion resistance
• remarkably fine cutting feel

Its ultra-fine grain structure allows the blade to take an incredibly refined edge while holding that sharpness significantly longer than most conventional stainless steels.

Kurozome Damascus Finish

The blade features a dramatic black-etched Damascus finish, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern performance.

The layered construction:

• strengthens the blade
• protects the cutting core
• improves durability
• creates a distinctive pattern unique to every knife

The deep contrast between the dark finish and flowing Damascus lines gives the Mercury series its unmistakable identity.

Bunka Profile

The Bunka is one of Japan's most versatile knife designs.

Its distinctive reverse tanto tip excels at:

• precision work
• fine vegetable preparation
• slicing meat
• preparing fish
• everyday kitchen tasks

The compact profile provides outstanding control while remaining capable enough to serve as a primary kitchen knife.

Laser-Thin Blade Geometry

The Mercury is ground exceptionally thin behind the edge using a refined convex (Hamaguri) grind.

This geometry delivers:

• effortless cutting
• minimal resistance
• clean ingredient separation
• excellent food release
• outstanding cutting efficiency

It's this blade geometry—combined with SG2 steel—that creates the smooth, effortless cutting experience premium Japanese knives are known for.

Olivewood Wa Handle

The traditional octagonal olivewood handle provides:

• lightweight balance
• comfortable grip
• excellent blade control
• beautiful natural grain unique to every knife

Its warm golden tones create a striking contrast against the dark Damascus blade.

Crafted in Japan

Hatsukokoro has earned a reputation for producing knives that combine exceptional blacksmithing with refined finishing.

The Mercury series showcases that philosophy perfectly, blending advanced metallurgy with traditional Japanese craftsmanship in a knife built for serious everyday use.

Key Features

• Handcrafted in Japan
• SG2 (R2) powder steel core
• Approximately 62–64 HRC hardness
• Kurozome stainless Damascus cladding
• Convex (Hamaguri) grind
• Traditional Bunka profile
• Octagonal olivewood Wa handle
• Double bevel edge

Specifications

Brand: Hatsukokoro

Series: Mercury

Knife Type: Bunka

Blade Length: 180 mm (Approx. 175 mm Cutting Edge)

Core Steel: SG2 (R2) Powder Steel

Hardness: Approximately 62–64 HRC

Construction: Stainless Damascus

Finish: Kurozome Damascus

Grind: Convex (Hamaguri)

Handle: Octagonal Olivewood

Edge: Double Bevel

Origin: Japan

Complete Your Setup

Pair it with:

• End-Grain Cutting Board
• Leather Strop
• Japanese Whetstone (1000 / 3000 grit)
• Magnetic Knife Holder

Why We Like This Knife

At Sharp Knives Malta, we look for knives that combine exceptional steel with exceptional geometry. The Hatsukokoro Mercury Bunka does exactly that. Its SG2 core, laser-thin grind, and beautifully executed Damascus finish create a knife that feels remarkably precise while remaining practical enough for everyday cooking.

Final Word

Some knives impress with their appearance.

Others impress every time they touch the board.

The Hatsukokoro Mercury Bunka delivers both—combining elite SG2 steel, refined Japanese craftsmanship, and effortless cutting performance in one beautifully balanced knife.

Compact. Precise. Built without compromise.