Fu-Rin-Ka-Zan

This beautiful Damascus Wa Gyuto 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 knives with an R-2 blade core / cutting edge (HRC. 63) and attractive Wavy Damascus cladding.

Why do JCK work closely with Sukenari to produce these R-2 Damascus 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 Damascus 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.

Sukenari have leveraged all of this expertise to make R-2 steel knives with a Simple & Beautiful Wavy Damascus pattern, 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 the Simple Beauty of these Damascus knives. We hope you will try them and enjoy this wonderful cutting performance and quality for many, many years in to the future.

This knife comes with octagonal magnolia wood handle with a water buffalo horn ferrule, and also includes a matching magnolia wooden Saya (Sheath) for safekeeping.

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.