The Funayuki knife is a traditional Japanese multi-purpose fisherman’s knife, originally designed for use by Japanese fishermen to prepare their catch directly on boats. The name “Funayuki” (船行) translates roughly to “going by boat,” reflecting its maritime origins. Typically featuring a single-bevel or thin double-bevel blade, Funayuki knives are designed for versatility, combining the abilities of a deba for breaking down fish with the agility of a smaller utility knife. They offer excellent sharpness, edge retention, and precision cutting performance. With a robust spine, strong tip, and excellent control, the Funayuki is ideal for fish preparation, butchers’ tasks, and chefs who value a lightweight, traditional Japanese blade with a deep connection to culinary history. The Takeda Hamono NAS Aogami Super range is forged from Aogami Super Blue Super carbon steel, one of the highest performing traditional Japanese knife steels, manufactured using advanced alloying with high levels of carbon, tungsten, molybdenum, chromium, and vanadium. The high carbon content allows the blades to achieve exceptional hardness, typically around 62–64 HRC, delivering outstanding edge retention and the ability to take an extremely fine, razor sharp edge. Tungsten and vanadium contribute to the formation of hard carbides, improving wear resistance and cutting longevity, while molybdenum enhances toughness and stability during heat treatment. Each blade is traditionally hand-forged by Shosui Takeda using san mai construction, with a hard Aogami Super core protected by softer cladding layers to balance cutting performance, durability, and strength. The NAS range is renowned among professional chefs for its exceptional sharpness, unique forged finish, and the combination of advanced metallurgy with centuries old Japanese blacksmithing techniques. Weight: 112g Handle Material: Wa handle - Magnolia wood, Buffalo horn ferrule Handle Length: 130mm (5.1") Blade Length: 179mm (7") Blade Depth: 55mm Thickness at spine: 2.2mm Thickness at tip: 0.2mm Cutting Edge: Double 50/50 Blade Material: Aogami Super (Blue Super) (Carbon steel) Hardness (Rockwell scale): 63 - 64
