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Our Fu-Rin-Ka-zan Aogami Super Custom Damascus Series knives are forged by Master Yamamoto. Based in Takefu City, Fukui Prefecture, this talented and passionate forge smith was the apprentice of, and is the successor to, the legendarily experienced forge smith Master Azai.
Master Yamamoto's custom hammer forging process brings out the maximum potential of the premier-quality Japanese Aogami Super Carbon Steel blade core (HRc. 63-64), which is clad with a beautiful Damascus laminate that is made with alternating layers of Aogami Super steel and soft iron. Yamamoto’s trademark "Vortex Damascus" pattern it is clearly distinguishable from other Damascus patterns and it is also our favorite.
The high quality handles are made with Walnut Wood and have a black pakkawood ferrule. The comfortable octagonal handle shape allows precise control and provides authentic Japanese styling.
The tall blade and rounded nose / tip of the Santoku make it a versatile knife that is well suited to cutting meat, fish, or vegetables; Hence it’s name, which literally means “Three-purpose”. The Santoku is often recommended as a multi-purpose kitchen knife.
For a long time, the Fu-Rin-Ka-Zan Aogami Super Custom Damascus Series knives have been one of our top recommendations for customers seeking traditional forged knives. You might remember that these fine masterpieces were originally devised and created by the late, great forge smith, Master Azai.
Master Yamamoto was Master Azai’s best, most passionate apprentice and, ever since he inherited Master Azai’s business, he has continued to make these practical, high-quality traditional forged knives to the best of his ability.
Dentoukougeishi are “Traditional Master Craftsmen” that have been recognized and certified by the Japanese “Ministry of International Trade & Industry”; In the year 2020, this prestigious title was awarded to Master Forge Smith Yamamoto, of Takefu City, for his decades of hard work and his extensive experience in traditional knife forging and handcrafting methods.
His traditional hammer forged knives are simple, functional and beautiful. He selects and uses only the most reliable, highest grade steels for his knives and he maintains very strict quality standards.
Aogami Super has a very rich chemical composition that enables it to achieve a high Rockwell hardness and provide superb cutting performance and edge retention. Our contacts in the knife industry often tell us it is difficult to maximize the desirable characteristics of this premium-grade steel, however, Master Yamamoto’s rigorous production policies make us confident that our Fu-Rin-Ka-Zan Aogami Super knives will meet your needs and expectations.
The careful application of many sophisticated manual handcrafting processes and the thoughtful adjustments of an experienced craftsman are required to create the subtle beauty of these unique Vortex Damascus blades.
Unlike many other Traditional Forged knives, Master Yamamoto’s knives have a relatively thick spine, particularly where the tang enters the handle. In addition to making the knife very strong, this also makes the knife more comfortable to hold in a ‘pinch-grip’ and improves blade balance.
The process of forging a thick blade 'to shape’ actually requires a lot of time and skill. These knives have an excellent convex grind that is very thin ‘behind the edge’ and they are nicely tapered, from the heel to the tip and from the spine to the cutting edge.
Super Santoku avec très beau métal damas. Le tranchant est excellent dès la sortie du carton. Il est très bien équilibré lors des découpes, bonne prise en main du manche qui a l'air bien solide. Toujours un sans-faute de JCK pour l'expédition. Perfect Super Santoku with very beautiful damascus metal. The sharpness is excellent right out of the box. It is very well balanced when cutting, good grip on the handle which seems very solid. Always faultless from JCK for shipping.
I have purchased two Fu-Rin-Ka-Zan Aogami Super Custom Damascus Series knives. The first was a Nakiri and the second is the Santoku. First, they are beautiful to look at. The damascus steel is a work of art. Secondly, the blade is so thin, it is surgically sharp right out of the box. It slices beautifully though all vegetables with minimal effort and great precsion. Simply put, this is the only knife I need (although I want them all!) and the first knife I reach for when prepping a meal.
I have a modest collection of Japanese knifes in various shapes and steels, and this is my hands-down! favorite for multi-function every-day use. This is the one I reach for 90% of the time. The Aogami Super steel sharpened quickly to a razor edge (3000, 5000 + leather strop) and maintains the edge longer than any of my other knives in white and blue carbon steel. The 165mm size and santoku shape accommodate most everyday tasks in my home kitchen. The weight and balance is perfect from tip to heel and Master Yamamoto's Damascus layering, walnut handle and excellent overall finish is a huge bonus at an exceptional value. I’ve purchased several knives from JCK this past year, and I HIGHLY recommend JCK for excellent product assortment, detailed and accurate descriptions, lightening-quick shipping and outstanding reliable service. Thank you, Koki!
