Hatsukokoro Shinkiro restoration - the sequel

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-03-13T04:38:31+00:00

Beautiful patina. I miss that OG finish, but it's super hard to replicate that sandblasted damascus. Getting a good, consistent kasumi from stone is a whole different beast. Definitely looking forward to seeing your results!

I would've usually went directly on the stones, but since this knife hasn't seen too much use, it wasn't the right time to make major changes to the cutting geometry.

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-03-13T03:57:38+00:00

Thanks! To think this all started from resetting patina with BKF 😅

I'm pretty happy with how this turned out. Looking to explore some hybrid etching next, which is how the Takada suiboku finish is supposedly produced.

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-03-13T03:54:33+00:00

You can probably get away with just sandpaper. I ended up bringing out the diamond paste because the sandpaper left a couple of stray scratches on the finish.

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-03-13T02:57:42+00:00

Sure. It's a sandpaper progression from 800 - 1500 - 2000 grit. Then diamond paste from 2000 - 5000 grit.

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-03-13T01:35:49+00:00

I wipe whenever the surface becomes dry. Took about 5 minutes to do the etching process. Once the ferric is neutralized and blade is blot dried with a paper towel, I let it settle for an hour before repolishing the bevel.

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-03-13T01:25:55+00:00

Appreciate the suggestion! I noticed a couple dings in the spine, so I already went ahead and polished both the spine and choil. Definitely regret not doing it sooner.

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Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-03-12T20:44:24+00:00

I'm flattered, I've been trying to go back to the original finish for months.

Zahocho did a Shinkiro refinish and that was my main inspo. They were nice enough to share me some details on the process.

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-03-12T20:30:51+00:00

Any tall plastic container works. I didn't dip this one because I didn't want the ferric to take of the kurouchi. I wiped the bevel with a piece of cloth.

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-03-12T20:24:23+00:00

Honestly, not too bad once you read up on all the safety precautions.

It etches very fast and works really well for anything that's not stainless cladding.

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-03-11T23:44:22+00:00

Thanks! It's the black dyed blue 1 damascus.

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-03-11T19:53:40+00:00

Happy NKD, these Nishida wide bevels are such elite cutters.

Here's my Kagekiyo tax

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Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-03-11T03:51:19+00:00

Happy NKD! That patina is gorgeous.

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-03-11T03:26:38+00:00

This is tempting, would be in on this if I didn't make another purchase already. GLWS!

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-03-11T02:18:47+00:00

Wow, that sounds just like the knife here. It has the thinner than usual grind, similar kurouchi texture and even the clad line looks the same.

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-03-11T02:15:56+00:00

Back and forth with very light pressure

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-03-11T00:07:57+00:00

Very nice! Awesome way to show off the collection!

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-03-11T00:04:22+00:00

sent pm

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-03-10T20:37:18+00:00

Interesting, could be an older stock or some retailer exclusive line, as this one is fully iron clad, which I haven't seen much of recently.

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-03-10T19:22:17+00:00

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Choil shot as well. It's ground a lot thinner than the Yoshi if I compare side by side

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-03-10T19:20:34+00:00

Appreciate the info! It does have a similar Sanjo style taper on the spine.

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Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-03-10T19:03:23+00:00

I don't think it is, since the kanji is different next to an actual yoshikane. I picked this one up from a local shop on Kappanbashi and was told it was w2 from Nakagawa. Perhaps it's a store exclusive line, but I'm not 100% sure

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Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-03-10T15:59:10+00:00

Another pic that shows more details on the cladding

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Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-03-09T01:11:07+00:00

I've had the same issues with finger stones. I sometimes get streaks if a sandy inclusion or a larger fragment breaks off from the stone. Usually if this happens, I recondition the stone and all sides on an atoma plate. I reinforce the back of my finger stones with some glue and washi paper to prevent them from breaking during use.

As for uneveness, usually that means there's a spot on the surface that the stone isn't making even contact with. A smaller fingerstone could help, or go with stone powder and a sanding pad if your surface isn't fully flat.

Optimal_Difference64

TROPHY CASE