Yoshimitsu Fugen White #1 Kiritsuke 240mm

The Yoshimitsu Fugen White #1 Kiritsuke 240mm is an unusual blade. It combines the general proportions of a sujihiki with the overall shape of a classic kiritsuke. Kiritsuke knives are regarded as general purpose kitchen blades that were originally made with a single bevel. More recently, double bevel examples are finding favor with many chefs as they are easier to use and care for. But unlike most kiritsuke knives, this one has a very short blade height and is thus more a cousin to a sujihiki than a gyuto. The reverse tanto profile makes the pointed tip very nimble but also delicate, while the flat and thin profile lends itself to most slicing tasks.

White #1 steel is the material of choice for the core for several reasons. It is a very resilient steel that resists chipping while being relatively easy to sharpen. The steel also takes a really refined edge when put to the stones. We think Shirogami #1 is a perfect choice when balancing performance and budget.

The inner core of White #1 is covered, san-mai style, with a soft iron cladding which features a kurouchi finish. This aids in protecting the blade from corrosion and shocks while aiding food release. It also makes this sword-like knife even better looking. Considering all it has to offer, we think this attractive and versatile kitchen knife represents the highest level of price-to-performance ratios.

We have recently upgraded the handle to octagonal oak with a burnt urushi (lacquer) finish.

Knife Brand: Yoshimitsu Fugen

Blacksmith: Yoshida San

Location: Shimbara, Japan

Construction: Hammer Forged, San Mai

Cladding: Soft Iron

Finish: Kurouchi

Edge Steel: White #1

HRC: 61

Edge Grind: Even (see choil shot)

Weight: 5.5 oz (158 g)

Blade Length: 242 mm

Total Length: 388 mm

Spine Thickness at Base: 3.2 mm

Blade Height: 39.8 mm

Handle: Burnt Urushi Octagonal