{"product_id":"koji-hara-kh-580-air-step-2025-shakudo-edition-m-390-perfect-mirror-polish-fighter","title":"Koji Hara KH-580 \"Air Step 2025 赤銅 SHAKUDO Edition\" M-390 Perfect Mirror Polish Fighter","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff2a00;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan size=\"3\"\u003eDescription\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003eKoji Hara: Japan’s Master of Custom Knife Artistry\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003eKoji Hara stands as one of Japan’s most respected custom knife makers and designers, known for creating pieces that capture the spirit and soul of Japanese craftsmanship. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003eSince starting his journey of custom knife making in 1988, Koji Hara has carved out a reputation for his breathtakingly detailed work and his dedication to artistic excellence. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003eHis knives are more than tools—they’re works of art, each one crafted with an extraordinary level of care and a touch of Japan’s traditional aesthetic.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003eEach knife is a reflection of Japan’s rich cultural heritage, carrying with it a sense of timelessness and artistry that sets his work apart. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5 data-start=\"65\" data-end=\"136\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKoji Hara \u0026amp; the \"Air Step\" Award Story\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"138\" data-end=\"398\"\u003eIn 1998, Custom Knife Maker Koji Hara received the \u003cstrong data-start=\"188\" data-end=\"216\"\u003e\"Most Innovative Design\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eAward at the prestigious\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"242\" data-end=\"274\"\u003eEast Coast Custom Knife Show\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ein New York, recognizing his groundbreaking work on a custom folding knife featuring his original\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"373\" data-end=\"387\"\u003e\"Air Step\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003etechnique. This award marked a significant milestone in Koji Hara's career, as it brought international recognition to his unique design philosophy and exceptional craftsmanship. The\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"568\" data-end=\"582\"\u003e\"Air Step\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003etechnique—Koji Hara’s signature innovation—involves meticulously carving the handle material in layered steps to create a striking three-dimensional effect. This approach not only enhances the visual elegance of each knife but also demonstrates a seamless fusion of \u003cstrong data-start=\"844\" data-end=\"869\"\u003efunction and artistry\u003c\/strong\u003e, qualities that define Koji Hara’s most celebrated works.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"144\" data-end=\"258\"\u003eIn 2024, we commissioned Master Koji Hara to create a new custom knife inspired by his iconic\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"238\" data-end=\"250\"\u003eAir Step\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003edesign.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"260\" data-end=\"525\"\u003eAs you may know, over the past 30 years, the knife market—and the design preferences within it—have evolved dramatically. Throughout his decades-long journey as a custom knifemaker, Koji Hara has continuously gathered inspiration, wisdom, new techniques, and experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"527\" data-end=\"694\"\u003eThe result of this incredible journey is a knife that beautifully fuses\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"599\" data-end=\"691\"\u003emodern design, classical elegance, and the refined skills Koji has honed over a lifetime\u003c\/strong\u003e. Today we are proud to introduce Koji Hara New Masterpiece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Helvetica',sans-serif;\" lang=\"EN-US\"\u003eKoji Hara KH-580 \"Air Step 2025 赤銅 SHAKUDO Edition\" M-390 Perfect Mirror Polish Fighter\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Helvetica',sans-serif;\" lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis exquisite Custom Folding Knife represents the culmination of Koji Hara’s 76 years of life and craftsmanship — a one-of-a-kind creation that fuses elegance, tradition, and innovation. As one of Japan’s most revered custom knifemakers, Koji Hara brings his signature \"Air Step\" technique to this refined piece, which evokes both Japanese cultural motifs and modern slimline form.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Helvetica',sans-serif;\" lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKoji Hara selected 赤銅 SHAKUDO for his Air Step Custom Handle. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Helvetica',sans-serif;\" lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"赤銅SHAKUO\" is a traditional Japanese metal alloy made mainly of copper with a small amount of gold or silver. It is known for its deep black or dark purple patina, often used in samurai sword Tsuba (Fitting) and fine decorative metalwork.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Helvetica',sans-serif;\" lang=\"EN-US\"\u003eThe Air Step handle, crafted from 赤銅SHAKUDO, is intricately engraved with a scene of dolphins swimming freely through the ocean.\u003cbr data-end=\"216\" data-start=\"213\"\u003eTo highlight the beauty and movement of the dolphins, the liner plate has been finished with a DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating, which adds contrast and enhances the natural tone and texture of the 赤銅 SHAKUDO.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1014\" data-start=\"622\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBoth the liner lock plate and the backspacer have been meticulously sculpted to complement the Air Step design, reflecting Koji Hara’s latest and most refined design sensibilities and thoughtful craftsmanship.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Helvetica',sans-serif;\" lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Helvetica',sans-serif;\" lang=\"EN-US\"\u003eKoji Hara has created numerous mirror-finished art knives throughout his career, and his experience shines through in his choice of materials. The M-390 steel, known for its exceptional edge retention and cutting performance, is highly regarded for both its sharpness and strength. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Helvetica',sans-serif;\" lang=\"EN-US\"\u003eThis high-quality steel also complements Koji Hara's expert mirror polishing process perfectly, resulting in a stunning mirror finish. This is one of the reasons Koji Hara selected M-390 for this blade. The mirror finish achieved with M-390 steel reflects not only the sharpness of the blade but also the craftsmanship and beauty that Koji Hara is known for.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003eA masterpiece from Japan's premier custom knife maker, bringing elegance to your table and making every dinner time extraordinary.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e M-390 Mirror Polished Blade in 3mm thick, 85mm blade, 108mm handle, 186mm overall, weight 127g\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff2a00;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecification\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKnife Model: Koji Hara KH-580 \"Air Step 2025 赤銅 SHAKUDO Edition\" M-390 Perfect Mirror Polish Fighter\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlade Material: M-390 Mirror Polished\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRockwell Hardness (HRc): 60 to 62 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHandle Material:  \u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Helvetica',sans-serif;\" lang=\"EN-US\"\u003eThe Air Step handle, crafted from 赤銅SHAKUDO, is intricately engraved with a scene of dolphins swimming freely through the ocean with Black lip MOP thumbstud\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOverall Length: 186mm \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlade Length: 85mm \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlade Thickness: 3mm \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWeight: 127g\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Koji Hara","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50009759875350,"sku":"KH-580","price":430500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2159\/5123\/files\/koji-hara-kh-580-air-step-2025-shakudo-edition-m-390-perfect-mirror-polish-fighter-1161439420.jpg?v=1746712370","url":"https:\/\/japaneseknifedirect.mom\/products\/koji-hara-kh-580-air-step-2025-shakudo-edition-m-390-perfect-mirror-polish-fighter","provider":"japaneseknifedirect.mom","version":"1.0","type":"link"}