Yoshimitsu Hamono are well known for their skill. As one of their main distributors outside Japan, we asked if they could make some affordable, introductory knives for our customers looking to enter the world of Japanese kitchen knives. The Fugen brand is the result of these efforts.
They decided on using White #1 as the core steel due to its ability to take an amazingly sharp edge and its edge holding prowess. This comes at a cost as White #1 is one of the hardest steels to forge, but these master smiths have the necessary years under their collective belts to take on the task with certainty and relative ease. The cladding, made from a soft iron, is left with its carbon face and rustic look which is great at reducing the chances of corrosion. It also allows us to sell these knives at such a budget price point considering the materials and skills required to manipulate them. Our Kiri Cleaver saya does NOT fit this knife.
The blade is a cross between a cleaver and a bunka which is super fun to use. It can take the place of many of the knives in your kit. Finally, the urushi lacquer finish makes the handle nearly waterproof for years of reliable service.Knife Brand: Yoshimitsu Fugen
Blacksmith: Yoshida San
Location: Shimbara, Japan
Construction: Hammer Forged, San Mai
Cladding: Soft Iron
Finish: Kurouchi
Edge Steel: White #1
HRC: 61
Edge Grind: Even (See choil shot)
Knife Type: Kiri Cleaver (Bunka/cleaver)
Weight: 8.0 oz (228 g)
Edge Length: 190 mm
Total Length: 335 mm
Spine Thickness at Heel: 3.7 mm
Blade Height at Heel: 75.6 mm
Handle: Burnt Oak Octagonal
The CKTG Kiri Cleaver Saya will not fit this knife.
They decided on using White #1 as the core steel due to its ability to take an amazingly sharp edge and its edge holding prowess. This comes at a cost as White #1 is one of the hardest steels to forge, but these master smiths have the necessary years under their collective belts to take on the task with certainty and relative ease. The cladding, made from a soft iron, is left with its carbon face and rustic look which is great at reducing the chances of corrosion. It also allows us to sell these knives at such a budget price point considering the materials and skills required to manipulate them. Our Kiri Cleaver saya does NOT fit this knife.
The blade is a cross between a cleaver and a bunka which is super fun to use. It can take the place of many of the knives in your kit. Finally, the urushi lacquer finish makes the handle nearly waterproof for years of reliable service.
The CKTG Kiri Cleaver Saya will not fit this knife.
Reviews
3 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval)
This thing is GREAT!!, June 20, 2024
Posted By: John Tucker
Over many many years I have bought around 15ish knives from CKTG. This makes the top three. Especially when you add in the bang for the buck rating. Incredibly nimble and for me - a big shock at how easy it is to control given the height. Not surprising with the steel - but it took a wicked sharp edge very easily and is holding it well. I process lots and lots of veggies every night and this is the new king of veggie slicing and dicing. Will have to try one or two other knife styles from this maker. Highly recommended. Six out of five stars.
Over many many years I have bought around 15ish knives from CKTG. This makes the top three. Especially when you add in the bang for the buck rating. Incredibly nimble and for me - a big shock at how easy it is to control given the height. Not surprising with the steel - but it took a wicked sharp edge very easily and is holding it well. I process lots and lots of veggies every night and this is the new king of veggie slicing and dicing. Will have to try one or two other knife styles from this maker. Highly recommended. Six out of five stars.
GREAT!
Great Replacement Knife for Antique Cleaver
Posted By: Jennifer - verified customer
4 people found this review helpful
I've used an antique Chinese cleaver for 30+ years and sadly it needed to be laid to rest. My brother, a chef, told me about this website and recommended this knife. So far it is a keeper and I can chop vegetable just as fast as I could with my old knife.
4 people found this review helpful
I've used an antique Chinese cleaver for 30+ years and sadly it needed to be laid to rest. My brother, a chef, told me about this website and recommended this knife. So far it is a keeper and I can chop vegetable just as fast as I could with my old knife.