It is a rarity in the world today to come across a man who plies a trade that has gone one virtually untouched for over 400 years. Murray Carter, founder and master bladesmith behind Carter Cutlery, is just that rarity. Carter took up karate at age 15, and from there his interest in and love for Japan took him all the way to the country itself by the time he was 18. While there, Carter met sensei Yasuyuki Sakemoto, a 16th-generation Yoshimoto Bladesmith whose family had been forging Samurai swords for Japan’s feudal overlords for centuries.
Carter’s relationship with Sakemoto transitioned from that of friend to mentor, and Carter worked as a bladesmith apprentice for the following six years. Upon completion, Carter was honored to become the 17th-generation Yoshimoto Bladesmith. Carter would go on to hone his skill and art form for another 12 years in Japan before returning to America, where he “introduced [his] hand-forged Japanese kitchen knives to the Western market in June 1997 and achieved Master Smith rating through the American Bladesmith Society in June 2001.” In 2005, Carter moved to Oregon and started Carter Cutlery.
The Manual is proud and honored to partner with Carter Cutlery to gift one lucky reader a genuine Damascus Steel Funayuki Kitchen Knife, created straight from the forge at Carter Cutlery and in a centuries-old Japanese tradition.
High Grade Series Freestyle Funayuki
Details
- Blade Length: 5.83 inches
- Weight: 88 grams
- Steel: Hitachi White Steel Core laminated with Multi-layer 1025 and Pure Nickel Sheet
- Handle: Hardwood with Black Canvas Micarta Bolster
- Hand-forged by Murray Carter himself
For your chance to win this amazing piece steel, check out our entry form below. And if you don’t happen to win this one, check out these fantastic Japanese-inspired folding knives here.
