Discount Store Itsuo Doi Homura Guren Blue #2 Nakiri

First Impressions

The Homura Guren just oozes class. The handle is stunning and when you first take the blade out of the cover you can’t help but notice the size – across the range they’re big, thick blades with a noticable convex grind tapering down to a spectacular edge.

Beauty

The kurouchi finish on this knife isn’t just a typical scruffy blacksmith finish. This is refined and smooth with the hammer forging marks and oversized kanji on both sides of the blades creating a lovely look especially when paired with that single pieces burnt oak handle.

In Hand

The balance point for the knives due to the thicker spine tends to be forward and somewhere around the kanji marks but they feel well balanced in hand and remain nimble despite their thicker feel.

Durability

The blue #2 core is treated to around 62-63HRC and will offer plenty of durability and edge retention and is at a nice hardness point for being robust.

Ease of Care

Follow our carbon steel care tips and this is a knife designed for lifelong use.

Our Verdict

The Homura Guren is an exceptional collection of knives made by an highly skilled blacksmith and if you’re a fan of thicker and weightier knives then they’re a wonderful choice and combine a very high level of fit and finish with great looks and would be a standout knife in any collection.