Levels of Shigs?

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B

bechler

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Are there different models of Shigefusa that are better than others?

I just bought a SHIGEFUSA KASUMI YANAGIBA 240MM from JNS.
 
I've heard there are only two levels of Shigefusas: AWESOME and THEAWESOMEST!!1 And there's a very rare third one: "Hello Shige"

sorry, I couldn't resist :) Don't forget to share pics of your newest purchase.
 
it's 3 really. kurouchi, kasumi and kitaeji. it's really down to the finishes. rustic, misty polished and damascus.
 
In terms of cost: kurouchi < kasumi < kitaeji

Forged integral bolster western-handled Shigs are far scarcer and far more expensive than their wa-handled counterparts.

Western kitaeji Shigs are the top of the line.
 
Western Shigs are sublime - I have only seen on on KFF (posted by Maksim) and it was not even for sale (makes me wonder whether it was a custom one).
 
Generally people hate the handle on the Western Shig.
 
Maksim occasionally gets Western Shigs in iirc.

There are pictures of Kitaeji/Kasumi westerns at Japan-tool as well, which can be ordered.
 
Really? Most people i've seen comment wax lyrical about the shape (probably because it is quite unique). The scales are supposed to be a bit crap though?
 
It's essentially a square handle. I get the impression they think Western Chefs are ham handed Big Foots.
 
The westerns that Maxim sells are often rehandled by Dan I belive.
 
I may be dead wrong, but I think I've seen KU santokus and maybe (?) KU 180 gyutos before. Definitely never a big gyuto, though.
 
Well I have a western Kitaej that I waited a year to get from Kiya and I think the handle is nothing short of sublime, feels like a perfect extension of my hand in fact
 
Love the handle on my Western gyuto.. Pick up the knife and it disappears--you've just got a sharp pointy bit at the end of your arm. It may be comparing apples and oranges, but I've got a Yosihide western petty (made in the Shigefusa shop by the younger son, if I remember correctly). Based on appearance alone the knives look like big brother/little brother, but I can't stand the handle on the petty. Neither handle was installed by Shigefusa.

There are also KU santokus. Like the one in my knife drawer. :D
 
What makes a shig so beloved? I've never seen or handled one so I'm curious as to why these particular knives are so highly regarded. I know they are near impossible to get unless you get on a 2 year waiting list. Is there an alternative that is highly thought of without the wait and hefty price tag?


Lucretia said:
Love the handle on my Western gyuto.. Pick up the knife and it disappears--you've just got a sharp pointy bit at the end of your arm. It may be comparing apples and oranges, but I've got a Yosihide western petty (made in the Shigefusa shop by the younger son, if I remember correctly). Based on appearance alone the knives look like big brother/little brother, but I can't stand the handle on the petty. Neither handle was installed by Shigefusa.

There are also KU santokus. Like the one in my knife drawer. :D
Click to expand...

Do you have a pic posted somewhere around here? Would love to see it.
 
The price tag isn't particularly hefty considering the level of craftsmanship & finish, if you sign up for Maksims ( Japanese natural stones) shigefusa newsletter, he gets regular shipments of various knives , a shigefusa 150mm kasumi petty is a relatively inexpensive way to see what all the fuss is about.
 
Erilyn75 said:
What makes a shig so beloved? I've never seen or handled one so I'm curious as to why these particular knives are so highly regarded. I know they are near impossible to get unless you get on a 2 year waiting list. Is there an alternative that is highly thought of without the wait and hefty price tag?
Click to expand...

I find that it's just a near-perfect mix of great blade profile, awesome geometry, and exceptional quality. Just really outstanding knives. I have a gyuto and a yanagiba, both are sublime.
 
Sublime, would that be like a green kumquat?:D

Be well,
Mikey
 
Von blewitt said:
The price tag isn't particularly hefty considering the level of craftsmanship & finish, if you sign up for Maksims ( Japanese natural stones) shigefusa newsletter, he gets regular shipments of various knives , a shigefusa 150mm kasumi petty is a relatively inexpensive way to see what all the fuss is about.
Click to expand...

And he has a couple of 240s in stock at the moment......:happymug:
 
As sublime they are, its difficult for me to justify $600+ for a 240mm gyuto. Is the kanji stamped or hand engraved on the kasumi line?
 
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