Kyohei Shindo Warikomi Blue #2 Kurouchi 165mm Funayuki with Keyaki Wa Handle and Plastic Ferrule Not all blacksmiths dreamt of being a blacksmith. Hokkaido born Kyohei Shindo, however, dreamt of being a blacksmith from a young age and accomplished just that by opening up his own shop in Tosa city, in Kōchi prefecture by age 32. His knives are characterized by having a tapering spine yet incredibly thin cutting edge, and a Tosa lacquered kurouchi finish. For the price, the out-of-box edge and performance of a knife like this is seldom beat. The Funayuki, a knife once developed to be the only knife fishermen needed on a boat, has evolved over time. The modern approach features a thinner spine, making it more delicate than its original design. Although we don't recommend using it to fillet a fish, the Funayuki excels in other areas. One of its standout features is the aggressive pointed tip, similar to that of a bunka, which gently slopes back towards the spine like a santoku. This versatile shape makes it an excellent choice for tasks like cutting carrots with minimal wedging or for anyone seeking a hybrid between a santoku and a bunka. Specifications: Brand: Kyohei Shindo Knife Smith: Kyohei Shindo Sharpener: Kyohei Shindo Line: Warikomi hand forged Core Steel: Blue #2 (Aogami #2) Construction: Warikomi Finish: Kurouchi Cladding: Soft Iron (reactive) Style: Funayuki Blade Length: 168mm Overall Length: 310mm Spine Thickness at Heel: 4.4mm Blade Height: 47.5mm Weight: 133g HRC: 62 Handle: Keyaki with Plastic Ferrule This Kyohei Shindo Warikomi Blue #2 Kurouchi 165mm Funayuki is perfect for those who appreciate the precision and versatility of Japanese blades, with a shape and profile designed for delicate cutting tasks while still maintaining robust performance.