For nearly a decade, we have been working with a small selection of top-ranked Japanese forge smiths to make Traditional Forged Knives for our Fu-Rin-Ka-Zan brand.

Due to the forge smith’s extensive experience in hammer forging and traditional handcrafting processes, their special effort and their continuous research, we can now offer our customers traditional forged knives in a variety of premium Japanese steels.  

The Fu-Rin-Ka-Zan YUTAKA 豊佳 Series are Special Limited Edition versions of our Limited Production Fu-Rin-Ka-Zan Traditional Forged Knives. The YUTAKA 豊佳 Series harmoniously marries Traditional Handcrafted high-end knife blades with Contemporary, Stylish Wa Handle Designs. 

This Simple and Functional Wa Sujihiki is forged and hand crafted by passionate forge smith Sukenari using R-2 steel. R-2 (Also known as SG-II ) is a high-quality Powdered Metallurgy (P.M.) High Speed Tool Steel from Kobelco. R-2 has a very rich chemical composition, which includes Carbon 1.25-1.45 %, Chromium 14- 16%, Molybdenum 2.3- 3.3 %, and Vanadium 1.8- 2.2 %.

Master Hanaki, the President of Sukenari, has crafted these very practical and special Powdered High Speed Tool Steel SAN-MAI ("Three-layer") knives, which have an R-2 blade core / cutting edge (HRc. 63) and two outer layers of Stainless Steel Cladding.

Why do JCK work closely with Sukenari to produce these R-2 Knives ?

Sukenari has been famous for making traditional Japanese Knives for many years, but this forward-looking company is always busy researching and challenging themselves to produce really special knives made from high-end and exotic steels.

Combining over 80 years of knife making experience with their knowledge of ancient forging techniques, Sukenari is able to craft knives with the outstanding cutting performance and practicality that culinary professionals demand.

R-2 is a well respected Powdered High Speed Tool Steel that Master Hanaki believes is one of the most practical cutlery steels available because it can provide an excellent blend of high cutting performance, edge retention, corrosion resistance and ease of maintenance. Unlike knives made from very hard Powdered High Speed Tool Steels, such as ZDP-189, R-2 can still be sharpened easily, without expensive specialist whetstones, and it offers better price-performance.

What is the secret behind the high cutting performance of these R-2 Steel Knives?

The secret is a slightly convex blade, which is very thin behind the edge. This ideal blade profile is created by the sensitive touch and skill of an experienced craftsman, who uses a MIZU-TO 水砥 (A large, rotating, wet grinding wheel) to shape the blades by hand.

The stainless-clad R-2 blades have an excellent overall level of fit and finish, the attractive and very consistent ‘Hairline Finish’ did not cause any noticeable friction or resistance during our cutting tests. The blades have a gentle distal taper and the spine and choil have been nicely rounded, allowing you to comfortably use the blade with both a 'pinch grip’ and a traditional Japanese grip.

Sukenari have leveraged all of this expertise to craft these Simple & Functional R-2 steel knives, which offer extra high-cutting performance and excellent edge retention. We believe Sukenari’s core brand concept —Utilizing modern Japanese steels to produce professional-quality, practical knives with high cutting performance— is perfectly complimented by these Simple & Functional R-2 Steel knives. If you are a discerning home cook or a professional who prefers low-maintenance stainless-clad blades and traditional Japanese Wa handles, we highly recommend these high-quality knives. We hope you will try them and enjoy this wonderful cutting performance and quality for many, many years in to the future.

To enrich your cooking experience and to better suit a wide variety of needs and preferences, this Fu-Rin-Ka-Zan R-2 Clad FR2YP-57 Wa Sujihiki 270mm features an innovative Octagonal Carbon Fiber Handle with Composite Turquoise Gemstone Ring and Nickel Silver Spacers. While developing these innovative Wa Handles, we carefully considered how their weight and would effect the blade balance. Accordingly, these new Wa Handles are only slightly heavier than a similarly-sized Japanese Traditional “Octagonal wood handle with Water Buffalo Horn Ferrule” and they have a give a similar weight balance when fitted to a blade. Many of our customers prefer light handles and a slightly 'tip-heavy’ blade balance, which is often said to make the knife feel more precise and allow smooth cutting motions to be made more easily. So, as well as having an innovative and stylish design, this new Wa Handle has a carefully considered weight balance that is practical and enjoyable to use. A matching Black Lacquered wood Saya (Sheath) with a black pakkawood Saya.

We hope you can see and feel the craftsman’s spirit and passion for creating knives with next-level cutting performance and originality.

The lightweight, the long, narrow, graceful blade of the Wa Sujihiki is particularly useful for trimming away sinew and fat from meat, finely slicing meat or boneless fish, or for filleting and skinning fish. The long blade allows the meat or fish to be cut in one single drawing motion, from heel to tip.

Knife Model: JCK Original Fu-Rin-Ka-Zan YUTAKA 豊佳 Series R-2 Edition FR2YP-57 Wa Sujihiki 270mm 

Blade Material: R-2 Clad

Rockwell Hardness (HRc): 63

Blade Grind and Edge Shape: Double Bevel Edge 50/50

Handle Material: Octagonal Carbon Fiber Handle with Composite Turquoise Gemstone Ring and Nickel Silver Spacers

Saya Included: Yes.

This knife comes with 50/50 double bevel edge geometry for both right and left handed use. 

For your information, Japanese Kitchen knives are generally designed for right hand use with a slightly thicker and rounded grinding on the right side blade and a less rounded (almost straight flat) grinding on the left side blade. However, both right and left hander can use the knives that have double bevel edge sharpened  50/50 without problems.  

We believe the quality and cutting performance of Japanese knives are the best in the world, and hope you enjoy fine craftsmanship and sharp edge with your new knife. With proper cares, every Japanese knife should be your special cooking partner for long times.

Important

This is the Powdered High Speed Tool Steel blade kitchen knife that has a rust resistance for easy maintenance. However, it may get rust, if kept in wet condition.

• Please do not put the knife in the dishwasher machine for cleaning.
• Please do not leave the knife in water or wet condition for long time.
• After using, please hand wash the blade, bolster and handle thoroughly, and wipe it clean and dry with soft clothes, and keep it in dry place.
• This is an extremely sharp knife. Please use special cares in using and storing it.
• Unlike German made knives, Japanese knife blades are ground to thin cutting edge for sharper cutting and easier re-sharpening. Please protect the edge from hitting hard materials to avoid chipping or cracking.
• Please do not use it to cut bone or frozen foods, any hard shell foods such as lobster and crab.
• We recommend using Japanese whetstones to re-sharpen the knife, when it gets dull.