Ryusen Damascus Santoku Knife 17.5 cm Birch Handle Fukaku Ryu KAI FK-403

The renewed Fukaku Ryu KAI series by Ryusen offers upgraded knives with exceptional performance.

A series that stands out for its elegant and thin blade as well as the unique octagonal handle made from birch wood.

Birch wood is a natural wood that has undergone special treatment to become more resistant to moisture and more stable in grip, while offering visual superiority by preserving the vibrant colors of the wood’s natural pattern.

Main features:

• Blade made of 63 layers of Damascus stainless steel with an ATS 314 steel core

• Extremely sharp and hard, with a forward-balanced design

• Highly durable, long-lasting edge

• Handmade and hand-sharpened for outstanding performance from first use

• Traditional octagonal wooden handle made from birch wood

• Authentic Japanese craftsmanship

The Santoku knife is a utility knife that in Japanese means "three virtues", since it can be used for meat, fish, and vegetables. Its tip is sharper than the chef's knife, and its blade length is ideal for chopping even on the home kitchen counter, where space is usually narrower. Its light weight makes it comfortable and relaxing even after long hours of use.

Thin and extremely sharp blade The blade of the Fukaku Ryu KAI is made from 63 layers of Damascus steel with an ATS 314 steel core. It is thin, which makes the knife lightweight yet very sharp—ideal for refined and precise cuts. The Damascus blade has a beautiful matte finish created by dipping the blade in an etching liquid after forging. This process enhances the visibility of the layered contrasts on the steel.

Octagonal handle with unique grip The first part of the knife you interact with is its handle. The handle of the Fukaku Ryu KAI is made from birch wood, known for its natural color and stunning details. A key advantage of birch wood is the durability and stability it offers during use, ensuring a steady grip and long life. Finally, the handle’s weight is very low, making the knife more forward-balanced and perfectly comfortable when cutting.

Made In Japan Japanese knife-making tradition goes back many years, drawing on techniques perfected in crafting samurai swords. Today, that tradition harmoniously blends with the most modern and innovative metal alloy and knife-making techniques.

Ryusen has invested significant time in research in the field of manufacturing (forging, hardening, polishing, and finishing), as well as in gathering feedback from professional end users. Their dedication, persistence, and determination to create only the best ensure that every knife is perfectly finished and meets the highest standards of a completely handcrafted chef’s knife.

Additional features:

• Weight:

• Rockwell hardness: HRC 61±1

• Spine thickness at the base:

• Total length:

• Special gift packaging

Master of Blades recommends avoiding the dishwasher for any of your good knives. Hand washing in warm water and quick drying is sufficient for every stainless steel knife. No matter what knife you use, it will eventually need sharpening to maintain top performance. Knives made from softer steel require more frequent sharpening with a whetstone, but can also be temporarily restored using a honing rod.