The story of samurai and the swords artisanship began in the 16th century. They were peasants with farmlands of large areas and has their first government called the Kamakura Shogunate.
This proved to be the starting point of a legacy, which continues until today. The samurai swords became well known across the world and the art of forging steel to make weapons was passed down to generations. Japanese steel artistry has a unique place in the world now.
The knowledge to manipulate steel has led to the ever-growing industry of kitchen knives.
The reason they are preferred over other is that they are harder, sharper and thinner. This allows the sharp edge to stay that way for a long time.
Professional chefs prefer the Japanese blade as it helps them create intricate foods like sushi.
Kanefusa Fujiwara
On January 7, 1957, Kanefusa Fujiwara had a second son named Kazuo Kato. He was the 24th generation in Seki City of Gifu Prefecture.
His work has been remarkable since then and in 1982 he became a certified swordsman by the Agency of Cultural Affairs. Later in the same year, Kazuo Kato participated in the “Living National Treasure Exhibition” in Boston during an event at the Museum of Art.
Later in 1983, he continued to study under his father the 24th in line. Since Kazuo Kato was the 25th generation of Kanefusa Fujiwara, he opened his dojo under the same name in 1984.
He is also responsible for introducing Japanese swords to Russia since 2004. He is also involved in training both parents and children every year in sword fighting.
His heir: Masafumi Karo was born in 1978 and continues the Kanefusa Fujiwara legacy of sword making. He is the 26th generation with modern education from Komazawa University. Masafumi Karo continues his father’s work of introducing swords in Russia every year while also training the children of Yasukuni Shrine. In 2005, he completed his work in the art of swordsmith technical workshop making him a professional swordsmith.
In June 2007, he was awarded the New Face and Effort at the master sword exhibition.
The Fujiwara Knives
As mentioned earlier, Kanefusa Fujiwara knives are designed with the artistry of 25 generations.
Today, the knives are made using modern technology and the professional needs of chefs around the world. You can choose from the carbon steel series or the semi stainless series.
These western style varieties are made using Molybdenum Vanadium steel that has a RC of 58-59.
The FKM series are popularly known for the fine edge and the ability to make very fine cuts in meat and vegetables.
They are preferred for delicate foods such as sushi. Bakers around the world also use these Fujiwara knives for making unique designer cakes and desserts.
Recommended Fujiwara Products
If you are looking for the best chef knife option, you can look at the following products. Recently introduced, they are highly recommended and can be purchased online from the Fujiwara website.
Sword Soul Damascus Knife
This Damascus kitchen knife is the perfect example of 25 generations of hard work. It is hand carved by the man himself using the same ancient technique of forging. The Damascus knife is made using molybdenum steel that expands when forged to form the blade core. The pattern on the Damascus sword is created by stacking dozens of Damascus steel layers before forged into one blade. This creates the unique and original pattern on the knife.
This also increases the durability of the blade and keeps the edge sharp for a long time. The technique further ensures that the blade is resistant to rust. The entire process is under the supervision of the 25th generation of the Kanefusa Fujiwara.
This makes it the best cutlery in the world and if you are looking for the original Damascus knife, it has an inscription on it. This inscription is done by the swordsmith himself and you can only buy them at our website. The sharp edge of the knife lets you create delicately cut vegetables making your salads extra crispy. The overall length of the Damascus knife is about 29 cm with the blade being 17.5 cm long. The blade is finished off with lamination over forged composite steel. You can hold the knife comfortably as the handle is made from rainforest wood in Japan.
Sword Soul Damascus Couple Kitchen Knife
This hand-carved kitchen knife comes in a pair. The same technique is used to create the Damascus pattern by forging dozens of molybdenum steel. Damascus couple knife is of high quality and is rust resistant. Buy this pair if you are looking for high quality knives that will last you a long time.
The size of both the knives differ with the bigger one about 29 cm long with a 17.5 cm blade length. While the smaller one is about 26 cm long with a 15 cm long blade. The handles on both the knives are made from high quality Japanese wood from rainforest trees.
Kanefusa Fujiwara White Steel Japanese Chef’s Takohiki (Sashimi) Knife
The WB series is a soft kitchen knife made from iron. The Japanese have used this traditional shaped knife for a long time. The long length of the blade and the comfortable handle made from magnolia wood makes it one of a kind knife you can use for long periods. The sharpness of this knife is extreme with a high hardness while you work. You will be required to maintain the knife from catching rust but otherwise the sharpness stays for a long time. The handle is shaped liked a D and contains Buffalo Tsuba, which ensures high quality and durability. While this was originally designed keeping professionals in mind, it can also be used a gift. You can buy it on sale here.
Reviews of Kanefusa Fujiwara Knives
There is no better word than the word of real users of a new product. Look at the following reviews before deciding on making your first ever purchase.
- A user from US states that she will recommend this knife to her friends as the sharp edge makes it easy for her to cut meat and vegetables.
- Another chef based in the UK says that he is highly satisfied with his purchase. He had a smooth customer service experience and got the package delivered to him quickly. About the knife, he says it fits perfectly well in his hand making his work a lot more fun. The knives came in very sharp and he has not had the need to sharpen them again with a stone.
- Three more users based in US highly recommend using the Kanefusa Fujiwara knives for everyday cooking. Some of them are chefs so they also recommend using these knives for professional cooking which means cutting and slicing in bulks. The sharp edge allows them to save time when cooking larger batches of meals.
Where Can You Buy Kanefusa Fujiwara Knives?
If you are looking to buy the original 25th generation Kanefusa Fujiwara sword knife, the best place in their official website. Right now, to honor the release of Milan they are having a sale.
You can buy the Sword Soul Damascus Couple Knife for ¥45,000 instead of ¥50,000. You can buy them here. However, if you are interested in buying the Sword Soul Damascus Knife, you can get it for ¥30,000 instead of ¥35,000. You can buy it here.
Promotions
In honor to commemorate the release of movie Mulan, Kanefusa Fujiwara is having a limited time sale. So make your purchase and save while you can.
Summary
If you are an aspiring chef or a professional one, you need to get your kitchen utensils right. Starting with the perfect knife can save you a lot of time and energy.
Making a meal is one thing, but preparing for it before you start cooking takes most of the effort. Slicing the prefect pieces does not only contribute to the look and feel of a dish but also enhances the taste.
Having a reliable kitchen knife made with the effort of 25 generations of swordsmith art is a dream come true for every chef.
