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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 Octagonal Walnut Wood and have a black pakkawood ferrule. The comfortable octagonal handle shape allows precise control and provides authentic Japanese styling.
The Paring knife is useful for a variety of commonplace kitchen tasks, but it is primarily used for peeling and accurately shaping fruits and vegetables. Paring knives are particularly useful when cutting small items held in the hand, which makes them indispensable in the kitchen and an ideal companion for Gyuto knives.
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.
