Fujiwara Teruyasu Maboroshi White #1 Western Gyuto

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Forged by fourth-generation swordsmith Teruyasu Fujiwara, the Maboroshi no Meito - “Visionary Sword Celebrated in Victory” - is a knife that lives up to its name. Every blade is hand-forged in Tokyo using Shirogami #1 (White #1 steel), hardened up to HRC 65 and clad in stainless steel for durability and ease of care.

In recent years, Fujiwara's knives have become somewhat controversial, with many stating its fit and finish does not correspond with the price it commands. The handles can be installed slightly off center and the grind can be inconsistent, making the blade seem rough around the edges, especially given the price, many expect more refinement. While others disagree, saying his knives are crafted with soul and its rustic and raw appearance is a true representation of its handmade nature.

For us, we see three things that make the Maboroshi (and Denka) special:

1) History and legacy

Born out of a desire to create carbon steel knives that are easier to care for - Teruyasu Fujiwara is widely credited as the inventor of stainless clad carbon steel. Today, stainless clad knives are extremely popular for their ease of use, bringing Japanese carbon steels to a much wider audience.

2) Superior Heat Treatment

Fujiwara's high hardness heat treatment of White #1 is unmatched even by many modern smiths today. This results in a knife with an exceptional edge retention.

3) Thoughtful Design

Both the Maboroshi and Denka have the one-of-a-kind thumb rest that defines the silhouette of Fujiwara's knives. This design is not only iconic, it also provides a comfortable pinch grip for extended use. The blade’s hammered finish gives it a raw, almost primal beauty, while helping with food release. For the western handle version, durable pakkawood is chosen for the handle material which can withstand tough abuse and is resistant to water, while the tapered tang provides great balance, improving handling and maneuverability.

From our perspective, Teruyasu Fujiwara is dedicated and obesessed with creating excellent knives that are extreme in performance, easy to care for and comfortable to use. Sure, fit and finish may be lacking, but the functionality of the knife is something you cannot discount. This knife is a true representation of Japanese blacksmithing heritage, the Maboroshi is as much a piece of knife making history as it is a tool - raw, powerful, and unforgettable.

The hand-engraved kanji 藤原照康作 (“Made by Teruyasu Fujiwara”) marks each piece with the maker’s pride.

Additional Thoughts:

A quote I saw online: "In school, Fujiwara took all the karate and samurai classes, but missed all the zen design and ikebana classes". I thought that was pretty on point lol.

Blade Type: Gyuto
Core: White #1 (Shirogami 1) Carbon Steel
Cladding: Stainless Steel Cladding
Handle: Black Pakkawood Western Handle
Spine Thickness at Heel: 2.8 | 3.0mm
Blade Height at Heel: 49 | 50mm
HRC: 64-65
Weight: 194 | 205g
Blade Length: 181 | 211mm
Overall Length: 314 | 341mm