Yoshimitsu Fugen White #1 Honesuki 150mm. The Fugen line of knives is made for us by Yoshimitsu Hamono, a small blacksmith shop located north of Nagasaki, Japan. We have tasked them with producing a well-made and designed line of knives that can compete with many other brands, but at a much lower price point.
By utilizing Hitachi White Paper #1 steel and a soft iron cladding, they are able to manufacture a fine blade that is capable of pleasing both home cooks and line and sous chefs in a professional environment, all at an entry-level price. The iron cladding is finished with a kurouchi covering which reduces manufacturing costs while providing additional protection to the blade.
At 150mm long this knife is primarily used for boning poultry but can also be used as a petty knife to do basic small vegetable and herb processing as well as garnish preparations.
The classic looks of the blade are matched to a very nice upgraded octagonal handle made of oak with a burnt Urushi finish. The Fugen White #1 Honesuki represents a wonderful entry point into the world of Japanese cutlery by being both easy to maintain, quick to sharpen, and robust in use.
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: 3.7 oz (104 g)
Blade Length: 150 mm
Total Length: 290 mm
Spine Thickness at Base: 3.5 mm
Blade Height: 42.5 mm
Handle: Burnt Oak Octagonal