Isn't this the case quite often with Western handles on Japanese knives?
During my recent search for a high-end Japanese blade with a Western handle, I ended up in a store not too far away from me which had both a Shigefusa Suminagashi 240mm gyuto with traditional handle as well as a
Yoshikane Suminagashi 180mm gyuto with Western handle in stock. I went there to see the Yoshikane, but I also had a look at the Shigefusa. The Shigefusa was ridiculously beautiful (huge though) - but still I prefer Western handles. The Yoshikane was a bit of a disappointment, I must say. As I've heard, only 20 of those have been made to date. The price is in the same range as Hattori KDs, but F&F are very disappointing: I would not have cared about that little bit of rust on the heel/back of the blade, but what really disappointed me was a little hole in the bolster as well as a carelessly made handle.
I guess I could do this with a little bit of practice, and believe me, I am definitely no talent when it comes to woodworking! :biggrin: Besides, the Yoshikane was ridiculously heavy, the blade was about 5mm wide! :eek2:
I find this very disappointing. I understand that traditional Japanese blacksmiths prefer to make knives with traditional handles. But as soon as they decide to make Western handles as well, I expect that the handle gets the same attention as the blade. Not only, but especially on a knife in the price range of that Yoshikane Suminagashi!
