Fudo Kuniyuki (Genkai Masakuni) Mizu Honyaki Fuguhiki – Rare Japanese Knife
At Aframes Tokyo, we specialize in traditional Japanese kitchen knives, including rare pieces that are difficult to find in today’s market.
One of the unique items we currently carry is a Fudo Kuniyuki Fuguhiki made by Genkai Masakuni, a craftsman connected to the legendary knife maker Heian Okishiba Masakuni.
These knives are available through our online shop and represent an interesting piece of Japanese knife history for chefs and collectors alike.
The Legacy of Genkai Masakuni and Okishiba Masakuni
Genkai Masakuni is known as the only apprentice of Heian Okishiba Masakuni, a legendary craftsman famous for producing high-end Mizu Honyaki knives.
Okishiba Masakuni’s knives are widely respected among professional craftsmen and collectors in Sakai. His work is known for extremely sharp edges and excellent edge retention.
Knives connected to this lineage are rarely seen on the market today, which makes them particularly interesting for collectors of traditional Japanese knives.
What Is a Fuguhiki Knife?
The knives we currently offer are Fuguhiki, a traditional Japanese slicing knife.
A Fuguhiki blade is thinner and lighter than a typical Yanagiba, which allows for smoother and faster slicing motions. This design is especially useful when preparing delicate sashimi or thin slices of fish.
The long 300mm blade length also provides excellent control for professional kitchen work.
Ebony Handle and Ebony Saya
Both knives feature ebony handles and ebony wood covers (saya).
Ebony is often used for higher-grade Japanese knives because of its durability and elegant appearance. The deep black color of the handle and saya pairs beautifully with the traditional blade design.
Each knife has also been carefully sharpened and is ready to use.
Available at Aframes Tokyo
At Aframes Tokyo, we occasionally carry rare and interesting knives from the secondary market in addition to new knives.
If you are interested in learning more about these Genkai Masakuni Mizu Honyaki Fuguhiki knives, you can view them here:
Genkai Masakuni Mizu Honyaki Fuguhiki – 300mm $1,400
Genkai Masakuni Mizu Honyaki Fuguhiki – Ebony Handle & Saya $1,280
A Small Detail That Tells a Story
One interesting detail on this knife is the engraving “Ota” (太田) located near the handle.
In Japan, it has long been a common tradition for professional chefs to have their surname engraved on their personal knives. A knife is considered an essential tool of the chef, and many craftsmen take great pride in using a blade that carries their name.
Seeing this engraving suggests that this knife may once have belonged to a chef named Ota, who likely used and cared for it in a professional kitchen.
Rather than removing the engraving, we have chosen to preserve it as part of the knife’s history and character.
For collectors and enthusiasts of traditional Japanese knives, details like this can add a unique sense of story and authenticity.
Please note that the engraving remains on the blade, and the knife is offered in its original condition.