Revised D-Shape Handle Design

[Marko Tsourkan]

Oh yeah. I forgot to return that knife . . . I'll measure it this afternoon.

I got to say, that was the most comfortable handle I ever held. I hope to be able to recreate it.

M

[chazmtb]

Looks great M. Very nice handle for those who use a pinch grip. Very good for those larger gyutos where the d handle makes it a little uncomfortable to use the pinch grip.

[Dave Martell]

I like this a lot Marko, very nice looking design.

[ejd53]

I have 2 D-handles coming, can't wait to see them (or better yet, hold them).

[Burl Source]

Dang Marko!
This has to be the most beautiful D-Shape Handle I have ever seen.

[Marko Tsourkan]

Dang Marko!
This has to be the most beautiful D-Shape Handle I have ever seen.

Thank you. You guys give me way more credit than I deserve.

Mark, the block that this handle is made of is one of your "imperfect" redwood burl blocks that you sold a short while ago.

M

[don]

Incredibly slick, Marko. Nicely done.

[Cipcich]

All kidding aside, Marko sent me the 180 mm W2 knife so I could consider the modified-D handle as an alternative to the octagonal handles he's famous for. He also said that, if I liked, I could keep the knife; an obvious no-brainer.
I've had the knife for quite some time, and use it almost exclusively; ostensibly for testing, but really because I like it.
I think of it not as a "practice knife", but rather as a "pacifier knife". Marko should probably consider sending one to all of his customers so they don't exhibit signs of anxiety (Mr. Drinky?).
After careful consideration, I've concluded that the mod-D is very comfy, but I'm still in the camp of those who see his octagonal handles as a classic design. They are simply beautiful.
So, I sent Marko the measurements, but I'm still hanging onto the knife . . .

[Salty dog]

The Marko Meji!

[Marko Tsourkan]

The Marko Meji!

Not quite. I can't say I haven't been influenced by Kramer's Meiji (double negative, I know), but there are some subtle but important differences.
Size - my D is smaller, similar in size to Japanese D, so balance on the blade is forward. Taper - Meiji has a flat taper on one side, my revised D has flat taper on both sides of the ferrule (Fish/Andy influence). Meiji has an angled butt, my D will not (this feature doesn't appeal to me on wa handles). Machi height - Meiji look in part depends on machi height, I use regular machi height, so the triangle at the ferrule is narrower and looks slightly different.

Call the both souped up variations of a D.

M