This kiritsuke is an unusual blade, combining the general proportions of a sujihiki with the overall shape of a classic kiritsuke. Kiritsuke knives are regarded as general-purpose blades traditionally made with a single bevel, though double bevel versions like this one have become popular for being easier to use and care for. Unlike most kiritsuke, this one has a very short blade height, making it more a cousin to a sujihiki than a gyuto - the reverse tanto profile keeps the pointed tip nimble but delicate, while the flat, thin profile suits most slicing tasks well.
White #1 steel is the material of choice for the core: resilient, resistant to chipping, and capable of taking a genuinely refined edge on the stones - a great balance of performance and budget. The inner core is covered, san mai style, with soft iron cladding in a kurouchi finish that protects against corrosion and shock while improving food release and adding to the sword-like good looks of the blade. The handle has been upgraded to a one-piece octagonal oak design with a burnt urushi finish and no ferrule, addressing earlier feedback about handle quality.
What Customers Are Saying: One reviewer calls this exactly what you would expect for the price - good fit and finish, smoother than anticipated, with a plastic ferrule that sits flush enough not to feel odd in a pinch grip, though the handle itself is somewhat porous and will pick up grime over time. He notes the out-of-box edge was on the poor side, which is not unusual for White steel at this price point, but considers the knife comfortable enough to use as-is while he weighs a future handle upgrade. Note that this review reflects an earlier handle version; the line has since moved to a one-piece oak octagonal handle with no ferrule.
Care Instructions: White #1 is a highly reactive carbon steel and will patina quickly with use. Wipe and dry the blade immediately after every use. Hand wash only. Apply camellia oil for long-term storage.
White #1 steel is the material of choice for the core: resilient, resistant to chipping, and capable of taking a genuinely refined edge on the stones - a great balance of performance and budget. The inner core is covered, san mai style, with soft iron cladding in a kurouchi finish that protects against corrosion and shock while improving food release and adding to the sword-like good looks of the blade. The handle has been upgraded to a one-piece octagonal oak design with a burnt urushi finish and no ferrule, addressing earlier feedback about handle quality.
What Customers Are Saying: One reviewer calls this exactly what you would expect for the price - good fit and finish, smoother than anticipated, with a plastic ferrule that sits flush enough not to feel odd in a pinch grip, though the handle itself is somewhat porous and will pick up grime over time. He notes the out-of-box edge was on the poor side, which is not unusual for White steel at this price point, but considers the knife comfortable enough to use as-is while he weighs a future handle upgrade. Note that this review reflects an earlier handle version; the line has since moved to a one-piece oak octagonal handle with no ferrule.
Care Instructions: White #1 is a highly reactive carbon steel and will patina quickly with use. Wipe and dry the blade immediately after every use. Hand wash only. Apply camellia oil for long-term storage.
- Knife Brand: Yoshimitsu Fugen
- Blacksmith: Yoshida San
- Location: Shimabara, Japan
- Construction: Hammer Forged, San Mai
- Cladding: Soft Iron
- Finish: Kurouchi
- Edge Steel: White #1 Reactive
- HRC: 61
- Edge Grind: Even
- Weight: 4.4 oz (124 g)
- Blade Length: 209 mm
- Total Length: 355 mm
- Spine Thickness at Base: 4 mm
- Blade Height: 39 mm
- Handle: Oak Octagonal, One-Piece, Burnt Urushi Finish
Reviews
1 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) Great for the price Posted By: Alexander - verified customer
33 people found this review helpful
For the price, this is an exactly what you'd expect. The fit and finish is good, smoother than I was expecting, but not bad. The handle does have a plastic ferrule, but it's flush enough that it doesn't feel weird to hold in a pinch grip. The handle is also fairly porous and will pick up stuff on your hand. Will probably replace the handle at some point, but it's comfortable enough. The out of the box edge was quite poor, but being White
33 people found this review helpful
For the price, this is an exactly what you'd expect. The fit and finish is good, smoother than I was expecting, but not bad. The handle does have a plastic ferrule, but it's flush enough that it doesn't feel weird to hold in a pinch grip. The handle is also fairly porous and will pick up stuff on your hand. Will probably replace the handle at some point, but it's comfortable enough. The out of the box edge was quite poor, but being White
