Entry level WA gyuto

I have a lot of friends asking me for Japanese knife recommendations. I can shoot them out immediately but unfortunately most of them are not prepared to spend the same money on knives that we do.

I would like to ask for a bit of a help for the purchase of entry level WA 210 gyuto. I know that for western handle the most recommended knife is Tojiro DP.

What would be your recommendation for WA entry level stainless and carbon gyuto?

The other important factor is that I am based in EU.

Since you are in the EU, I won't suggest anything from US based vendors, which unfortunately includes the excellent entry level Gesshin Uraku line from Japanese Knife Imports (https://www.japaneseknifeimports.co...oducts/gesshin-uraku-210mm-stainless-wa-gyuto).

For stainless, I'd recommend the Kagayaki VG10 wa-series at Japanese Chefs Knife (http://www.japanesechefsknife.com/KAGAYAKIVG-10.html#KAGAYAKIVG-10). A 210 wa-gyuto is only 128 USD and shipping is 7 USD. I had a Western handled 240 gyuto in that line and found it to be an excellent entry level blade with very good heat treatment.

For carbon, though I have not used one, look at the Fu-Rin-Ka-Zan series at JCK; 135 USD for a 210. (http://www.japanesechefsknife.com/FurinkazanKurouchiSeries.html#FuRinKaZanKurouchi).

Rick

Tanaka B2, VG10 and ginsan 210 gyuto from Metalmaster (with rough F&F) or from K&S (with great F&F) about 100-150€.

Shiro Kamo Black Dragon B2 210 gyuto is about 130€ from Cleancut.se

Those are the first ones that come to mind.

Blue moon from Koki at JCK (JCK Original) looks like a contender for a Carbon. Less than $100

Thanks, will look into them.

Hi Janez,

for the carbon one, I would seriously consider this Wakui V2 kurouchi gyuto: http://gx2.japan-messer-shop.de/de/...i-V2-Kurouchi-Gyuto-21-cm-nicht-rostfrei.html

Or the basically very similar Yamawaku, this one: http://www.japansemessen.nl/a-37090068/yamawaku/yamawaku-v2-gyuto-chefsmes-210-mm/ - slightly worse fit and finish probably, due to the too thin ferrule, but also an even lower price...

I am pretty sure they are both excellent cutters, my kurouchi nashiji Itinomonn I have from JNS, which was my first J-knife, is in many aspects highly similar to them and I still love it, even after trying many other J-knives in the meantime...

For stainless, I don't have any price-wise reasonable idea at the moment, maybe later..Itinomonn stainless would certainly be a great option, but is probably already too expensive...

Tnx Jan. As this is not for me perhaps they will like it. Pesonali I do not like KU knives. But I think that Itinomonn stainless is also a nice option. Slightly more expensive but only by around 20%.

Kind regards,
Janez