What does 初心 on a Japanese knife mean?

初心 reads Hatsukokoro. It is a brand name used by Hatsukokoro (初心) of Amagasaki, Hyogo, in the Hyogo (brand) region. Brand, not a smith; series name usually alongside.

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初心 Hatsukokoro

Q: Who makes knives marked 初心?

Hatsukokoro. Brand in Amagasaki. Steels: Ginsan, Aogami #2, Aogami Super, SG2 / R2, VG10, Shirogami #2. Knife types: Gyuto, Santoku, Petty, Nakiri, Bunka, Sujihiki, Kiritsuke.

Maker website brand

Quick answer

MakerHatsukokoroRegionAmagasaki, Hyogo Marks初心 / 銀嶺SteelsGinsan, Aogami #2, Aogami Super, SG2 / R2, VG10, Shirogami #2 Knife types madeGyuto, Santoku, Petty, Nakiri, Bunka, Sujihiki, KiritsukeMain useWestern-style chef's knife: meat, large vegetables, rocking cuts. Recommended whetstone1000 → 3000–6000 JIS · how to sharpenMaintenanceRinse and wipe dry immediately after each use — never leave it wet or in the sink.

What this mark means

初心 reads Hatsukokoro. It is a brand name used by Hatsukokoro (初心), Amagasaki, Hyogo — the Hyogo (brand) region. Brand, not a smith; series name usually alongside.

Other marks from the same maker

銀嶺 Ginrei

About the maker

Brand company near Osaka that has knives made by workshops around Japan (Seki, Sakai, Echizen, Sanjo …) and sells them under series names: 銀嶺 Ginrei (Ginsan nashiji, made in Seki), 雲影 Kumokage, 白梅 Shirobai, 黒龍 Kokuryu and others. The kanji on the blade is usually the series name plus 初心 — the smith is not named, so the series name is the clue.

Products carrying this mark

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