Hello there,
My name is Dave from Sydney.
I am in the market for a wa-gyuto to arrive by christmas. I have only recently begun researching japanese knives and could use some guidance. I apologise for all the length of this enquiry, I will try to give you as much information as I can.
The maximum i wish to spend is $400 but if there was an option slightly higher i may be able to stretch it.
I am only a home cook however I want a nice piece to replace my current chef knife and to keep for a long time. I think 240mm would be perfect length for me. I am concerned about chipping and damage and I like some weight to a knife so I would not like to go down the laser path. I really want a tough all rounder that can take the abuse that may be inflicted by an untrained cook.
I am relatively inexperienced with waterstone sharpening but I intend on picking it up before the knife arrives. I have a 1000 and 6000 stone and intend on purchasing a ceramic rod. I will also have the knife occasionally touched up professionally. I want the knife to be sharp out of the box and ready to use without any additional work.
Aesthetically I do not like damascus patterns unless it is very mild. I would like some flash to the knife though and I particularly like one with a visible Harmon wave. I also like the look of polished blades but am happy with plain finish. I am not a fan of the black finish. I do not mind a knife that will patina but I do not intend on wiping the knife constantly so perhaps a semi stainless or stainless clad is a good option? As I said before a Wa handle is preferred and I am right handed. I would also like a saya with this knife.
With all the above points I am thinking that a knife with Aogami super steel (so i do not need to sharpen as often) core and a stainless or semi stainless cladding would be ideal for me. Are there any drawbacks with a san-mai style knife? I have read people saying that they feel bad to use however I am only a home cook so will I notice the difference?
Of course the knowledgable members of this forum will know better what types of steel will suite my requirements.
I was hoping that someone would be able to give me a list of suggestions that would be suitable for me. I have emailed some online stores and awaiting reply.
Thank you for your help, I look forward to contributing to this forum in due course.
Kind regards
Dave
My name is Dave from Sydney.
I am in the market for a wa-gyuto to arrive by christmas. I have only recently begun researching japanese knives and could use some guidance. I apologise for all the length of this enquiry, I will try to give you as much information as I can.
The maximum i wish to spend is $400 but if there was an option slightly higher i may be able to stretch it.
I am only a home cook however I want a nice piece to replace my current chef knife and to keep for a long time. I think 240mm would be perfect length for me. I am concerned about chipping and damage and I like some weight to a knife so I would not like to go down the laser path. I really want a tough all rounder that can take the abuse that may be inflicted by an untrained cook.
I am relatively inexperienced with waterstone sharpening but I intend on picking it up before the knife arrives. I have a 1000 and 6000 stone and intend on purchasing a ceramic rod. I will also have the knife occasionally touched up professionally. I want the knife to be sharp out of the box and ready to use without any additional work.
Aesthetically I do not like damascus patterns unless it is very mild. I would like some flash to the knife though and I particularly like one with a visible Harmon wave. I also like the look of polished blades but am happy with plain finish. I am not a fan of the black finish. I do not mind a knife that will patina but I do not intend on wiping the knife constantly so perhaps a semi stainless or stainless clad is a good option? As I said before a Wa handle is preferred and I am right handed. I would also like a saya with this knife.
With all the above points I am thinking that a knife with Aogami super steel (so i do not need to sharpen as often) core and a stainless or semi stainless cladding would be ideal for me. Are there any drawbacks with a san-mai style knife? I have read people saying that they feel bad to use however I am only a home cook so will I notice the difference?
Of course the knowledgable members of this forum will know better what types of steel will suite my requirements.
I was hoping that someone would be able to give me a list of suggestions that would be suitable for me. I have emailed some online stores and awaiting reply.
Thank you for your help, I look forward to contributing to this forum in due course.
Kind regards
Dave