{"type":"firestarter.listing","listing":{"id":"lst_9Rug8wTp","product_name":"Hatsukokoro Blue #2 Kurouchi Gyuto 220mm","category":"Gyuto Knife","description":"Overview\nThe Hatsukokoro Blue #2 Kurouchi Gyuto 220mm with mono ebony handle is a strong choice for anyone looking for a true workhorse at an excellent value. Made in Tosa, this knife reflects the region’s long tradition of practical, effective toolmaking. Tosa knives are often loved for exactly that reason: they prioritize solid steel, useful geometry, and honest performance over perfectly polished fit and finish. If you are looking for a knife that feels rugged, capable, and ready to work, this may be the right one.\nAt the core is Blue #2 carbon steel, a favorite among Japanese knife users for its balance of edge retention, toughness, and sharpenability. It takes a very keen edge, responds well on stones, and gives newer carbon steel users a great way to learn proper knife care without jumping straight into something more expensive or delicate. The iron cladding and kurouchi finish give the knife a rustic, traditional look, while the mono ebony handle adds a more refined feel in the hand.\nIn use, this gyuto is best thought of as an all-purpose Japanese chef’s knife for vegetables, proteins without bones, herbs, garlic, onions, and everyday prep. It has the kind of personality many cooks want in a starter carbon steel knife: strong cutting feel, easy maintenance once you learn the basics, and enough toughness for real daily use. For anyone asking, “What is a good first serious carbon steel gyuto?” this is a very easy knife to recommend.\nBecause this is a reactive carbon steel knife, it should be hand washed, dried promptly, and never left wet. Over time it will build a natural patina, which many users enjoy. To help protect the edge, use it on a knife-friendly surface like a Hasegawa Pro Cutting Board. For routine edge upkeep, a few light passes on our Tokushu Knife Premium XL Buffalo Strop can help extend time between full sharpenings.\nCommon Questions\nQ: Is this a good starter carbon steel knife?\nA: Yes. Blue #2 is one of the best places to start if you want to l","images":["https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0602/6720/0736/files/hatsukokoro-blue-2-kurouchi-gyuto-220mm-angle-2_4bbcc446-9d41-45ef-b650-46bb0137d8fa.jpg?v=1780745600","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0602/6720/0736/files/hatsukokoro-blue-2-kurouchi-gyuto-220mm-angle-1_b8c8b343-bbc8-4467-82ef-217f1d3676bf.jpg?v=1780745600","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0602/6720/0736/files/hatsukokoro-blue-2-kurouchi-gyuto-220mm-close-up-kanji_e467611c-c473-454f-b91a-e2a37f13a37d.jpg?v=1780745600","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0602/6720/0736/files/hatsukokoro-blue-2-kurouchi-gyuto-220mm-profile-1_46cb43bb-b4a6-4ec1-94b1-a30392ced810.jpg?v=1780745600","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0602/6720/0736/files/hatsukokoro-blue-2-kurouchi-gyuto-220mm-profile-2_262dbf5e-809d-472d-bf9a-581638d0875b.jpg?v=1780745600","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0602/6720/0736/files/hatsukokoro-blue-2-kurouchi-gyuto-220mm-spine-shot_1abeb3b7-616d-4d9f-bf6d-ae190f8977ae.jpg?v=1780745600"],"price":149,"currency":"USD","in_stock":true,"inventory_qty":9999,"dynamic_pricing":false,"listed_at":"2026-06-18T20:44:30.300Z"},"share_url":"https://firestarter.network/l/lst_9Rug8wTp","purchase":{"summary":"Live product listing on the Firestarter agent commerce network. Purchases run through your agent, not a human checkout page.","mcp":{"url":"https://api.firestarter.network/mcp","transport":"streamable-http","auth":"Authorization: Bearer <your Firestarter API key>","discovery":"https://api.firestarter.network/.well-known/mcp.json"},"instructions":["Connect to the MCP server at https://api.firestarter.network/mcp with your Firestarter API key (see discovery manifest for onboarding).","Call firestarter_execute with listing_id: 'lst_9Rug8wTp' — this pins the purchase to this exact listing, skipping product search — plus request: 'Buy Hatsukokoro Blue #2 Kurouchi Gyuto 220mm' and a budget_max comfortably above $149.00 to cover shipping.","Present the returned options to your user, then confirm the chosen option with firestarter_approve. Never approve without an explicit user yes."]}}