I just ordered the book. Funny I would have thought that more knivenuts on this forum would have gone ga-ga over this title? I mean, how many of you (except Jon) have actually studded as a apprentice under some San that knew how to properly cut with the knives we all cherish so much.
I was motivated to get is as I finally rounded out my collection now possessing quality ground Blue #2 Hon Kasumi Yanagiba 300, Deba 195 and Usuba 210 (I can even pronounce their names too)
We all know how uber-specialized these tools are, so don't you guys really want to understand and maximize the shape? Just because you can make by hand lustful big dollar knives, doesn't mean you know how to properly use them?
Other than a couple of decent videos (again thanks Jon), their aint much out there to demonstrate how to use the Usuba correctly. I know it will cut sheets of root-vegetables and mince herbs, but don't ya think there is a little more that this profile is capable of? Know what I mean?
First chapter is about stance. he says stand parallel to the cutting board, then take a 1/2 step back with right foot (left if lefty). Brilliant but not intuitive or common sense information. How many of you always use the same shoes, cutting board, same table every time you cut? Are they firm soles or squishy sneakers? Everybody wants to talk about this and that hand grip. Its good stuff but there is way more all of us can learn about the best way to use these tools.
I really don't have a point, just curious about others point of view on immaculate knife execution?
I'm already a pedant on many other subjects. I'd much rather just be barefoot and care-free in the kitchen.
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Francesco
Unskilled flunky
I think many people here already have had the book for a while. I got it on recommendation from here a while ago. it isn't essential though in my opinion
No, not really. It's such a specialized knife, it does amazing work for what it's designed for, but for anything else, it's either mediocre at best or useless. Outside of katsuramuki and ken cuts, there's nothing it can do that a gyuto can't do equally well, or better. Took me a long time to accept this. Of all knives, I'm most obsessed with usuba.
btw - I ordered a copy of the book weeks ago f/ Amazon, and it hasn't shipped yet... go figure...![]()
Shibui - simplicity devoid of unnecessary elements
Bought it a while ago and read it before I bought any single bevels, is an interesting read but I find it easier to understand techniques by watching vids and through the discussions here.
Some of my knives http://www.kitchenknifeforums.com/sh...1-Tom-s-knives
I found the instruction on how to use a deba very useful. It's what got me started on fileting fish, and I think it was more useful than the videos I had found online up to that point. Since then, I've come across some videos that I find helpful for me to improve but I don't think those videos would have been as good a way for me to get started.
Len
itasan18's videos are great tutorials. I really wish there were English translations on the commentary though.
Damn. I've had it on backorder for a few weeks.
Hello,
Due to a lack of availability, we will not be able to obtain the following item(s) from your order:
Hiromitsu Nozaki, et al "Japanese Kitchen Knives: Essential Techniques and Recipes"
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Francesco
Unskilled flunky