$360.00
Availability: Normally ships the same day
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 red sandalwood and have a black pakkawood ferrule. The comfortable octagonal handle shape allows precise control and provides authentic Japanese styling.
The Gyuto is the Japanese version of the classic Western Chef’s knife. It can be used with a variety of different cutting techniques to achieve a wide range of kitchen tasks and is suitable for cutting the vast majority of meats, fish, vegetables and fruits. The Gyuto is true multi-purpose knife. Compared to a Western-style handle, the lightweight traditional Japanese handle of the Wa Gyuto knife moves the balance point of the knife further towards the tip, which makes it feel more nimble and precise.
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.
So far they are amazing. No issues. Just wish I had bought a saya for the 7in
I work in a professional kitchen and this knife has become my daily driver, the craftsmanship of this blade is impeccable, and after 3 weeks of heavy use for prep work the edge that put on it is still there. I would recommend this knife for anyone that can afford it and craves quality in their tools.
Was purchased for a gift
AS steel is really pretty in damascus folds, wished it was slightly more contrasting but still looks really good. Edge holds well, nice sized gyuto for larger cuts if you have the cutting space.
I bought this knife some years ago and it is still one of my favorite knives! It looks beautiful - I like the dark handle, which is also very pleasant to use and the Damascus pattern looks nice too. It is one of my sharpest knives - the blade is easy to resharpen an has a good and long edge retention BUT you have to be careful not to cut "hard" things, because of the hardness of the steel, the blade is a bit brittle. (Which might also come from the way I sharpen it). Anyway, I can recommend this knife and would definitely buy it again.
