TAFU

— The Ultimate Outdoor Knife Forged from 116 Years of Tradition —

Since its founding in 1908, Fukubekaji has supported the lives of the people of Noto through the craft of the Nokaji—the traveling village blacksmiths who forged and repaired essential tools for daily life, farming, and fishing.
This outdoor knife represents the culmination of over a century of experience and craftsmanship, refined through generations of working with blades that sustain everyday living.

Forged with Yasugi Blue Paper Steel #2, a high-carbon steel traditionally used in Japanese swords, and clad with stainless steel in a three-layer construction (Hon-sanmai-zukuri), it delivers exceptional sharpness, toughness, and resistance to rust.
Its design balances rugged functionality with timeless beauty—built to perform in any environment.

Recommended for:

Those seeking a knife that can handle both meat and fish with ease

Those who want a versatile knife for batoning, feathering, fire-starting, and cooking

Those looking for a compact, portable knife for outdoor and emergency use

Once you experience its performance, you’ll never want to let it go.
A single knife that embodies the culture, spirit, and craftsmanship of Japan’s Nokaji tradition.

Width：2.7cm
Depth : 27.5cm
Height：3cm
Weight：214g

Steel
Stainless steel

FUKUBEKAJI

NOKAJI / JAPANESE TRADITIONAL BLACKSMITHING

About 1,000 years ago / 1000s / Heian–Kamakura Period

Nokaji were local blacksmiths who forged and repaired sickles, hatchets, hoes, axes and other tools needed in farming and mountain communities. Unlike swordsmiths, they focused on practical work, subtly changing shapes to match local vegetation, terrain and the habits of individual users.

In Japan, mechanization reduced demand for many farm tools, yet foresters, gardeners and mountain workers still value hand-forged blades. The tradition also represents a repair culture: worn edges are resharpened, handles replaced and tools kept in service rather than discarded.

Even a “sickle” can vary dramatically by region in blade width, angle and thickness. Different grasses, slopes and working postures require different designs. Before mass production, an ordinary farm tool could effectively be custom-fitted to its user.

Individual Differences

As each piece is individually handcrafted, slight variations in color, pattern, shape, and texture may occur. These subtle differences are a natural characteristic of handcrafted works, making each piece truly unique. We hope you will enjoy these individual variations as part of the beauty and character of Japanese craftsmanship.

Production Time

If an item is not currently in stock, it may be made to order by the artisan. As each piece is carefully handcrafted, production may take several months depending on the item and the artisan's schedule. We appreciate your patience and understanding.