Fukube Kaji 150 mm Funayuki - Shirogami 2

Fukube Kaji - Fukube Kaji is a forge from Noto in Ishikawa Prefecture that was started back in 1908 by the first generation Mr. Yusaku Hoshiba. He started as a toolmaker who traveled around in a horse-drawn carriage in Noto to repair and make tools. In 1959, it became a forge that made tools under its own brand, and it is now 4th Generation Mr. Kentaro Hoshiba who runs the forge, which focuses on traditional Japanese knives.

This series from them is hand-forged in shirogami 2 (white steel), surrounded by soft iron.

The knives are finished with a rustic kurouchi finish, and a damask cladding further towards the edge. The handle is a D-shaped (shinogi) type handle for the right hand, made of sandalwood with a dark pakkawood ferrule.

A Funayuki is a somewhat special type of single-bevel knife, as it is a bit of a hybrid between a chef's knife and a deba. Traditionally used by fishermen, who could use it both to fillet fish, but also to prepare a complete meal out on the boat.