Yoshimitsu Fugen White #1 Nakiri 165mm

The nakiri is a very popular knife used for processing vegetables. It features a rectangle-shaped blade with a square tip. The profile is flat or almost flat. This geometry makes it an idea choice for push cutting and chopping but not so good for rocking styles. The blades are customarily ground quite thin to avoid wedging or sticking in dense or hard vegetables.

The Fugen White #1 Nakiri is a classic nakiri in shape and grind. The blade length is about average for these knives, at 165mm. The height is similarly scaled at 47mm. It has a nice 50/50 symmetrical grind which, after a quick trip to the stones, provides a very sharp cutting edge.

Fugen knives feature inner cores of Hitachi White #1 steel which is encased in a soft iron cladding. The outer layer is left with its carbon coating to protect the knife from corrosion and provide a surface with better food release. Of course, the knife is not stainless steel and does require care with drying between uses. In keeping with the rustic look, we have specified an upgraded oak octagonal handle with burnt Urushi finish.

The Fugen is a really well put together knife which is offered at a budget conscious price. It is a perfect entry point into Japanese knives in general or nakiris in particular. Line chefs and home cooks should consider this bargain of a blade when looking to take this step into a new style of kitchen knife.

Knife Brand: Fugen

Blacksmith: Yoshimitsu

Location: Nagasaki, Japan

Construction: Hammer Forged, San Mai

Cladding: Soft Iron

Finish: Kurouchi

Edge Steel: White #1

HRC: 61

Edge Grind: Even (see choil shot)

Weight: 4.7 oz (132 g)

Blade Length: 165 mm

Total Length: 308 mm

Spine Thickness at Base: 33. mm

Blade Height: 48.0 mm

Handle: Burnt Oak Octagonal (trust handle photos, not video)