Underrated Knives/Makers

[ob-gym]

Sure it isn't a pattern weld? it's specified as a 6+6 layer suminagashi...

Some pattern welds are subtle until they patinize ... compare https://www.feinewerkzeuge.de/anryu.html ... got that one, you hardly see the pattern if freshly off a stone, but the patina intensifies it...

" Masakage doesn't have much the mystique of one old Japanese dude in a mountain village dedicating his life to knifemaking "

It does have the mystique of realistic but high class, traditional toolmaking for users, doesn't it? The whole "made in batches by passing along a handful of specialized artisans spread across town, in a way that still makes such methods practical today" narrative is sexy if you want good tools

Ah you're right the suminagashi right above the cladding line is VERY similar to your Anryu

Masakage knives are great tools, and I love my Shimo, but I have no idea who actually made my knife - most likely not Kurosaki himself, but apprentices who did most of the work. On my Toyama though, I know exactly who did everything from forge welding the Blue #2 to final easing and polishing. Not practical at all, but it DOES feel pretty special to hold someone's lifetime of effort in your hands

 

[bennyprofane]

I nominate Xerxes

These are incredible knives, 101% customisable, with an awesome F&F

They'd really deserve a bigger (or proper) hype

This was also my first thought. Considering that there is a waiting time of more than a year, he is not exactly underrated but he is not often mentioned around this part of town.
His convex hollow grinds are amazing and the edge of his 1.256 steel knife is the longest lasting carbon steel of any of my knives and doesn't need to hide behind any pm steel.

For a great example of his work, see the pictures in this thread: http://kochmalscharf.freeforums.net/thread/1434/mechanical-masterpiece-xerxes-knives

Some more pictures:

http://kochmalscharf.freeforums.net/thread/472/workhorse-oder

http://kochmalscharf.freeforums.net/thread/992/25er-laser-mit-olive

http://kochmalscharf.freeforums.net/thread/536/galerie-serienmesser

If you don't want to wait for more than a year for a custom of his, his Primus series will be available again in autumn: http://messerkontor.de/?s=xerxes&post_type=product

 

[Ruso]

Very subjective subject.
Many makers that being reported as "underrated", I do not find to be so. Just found it interesting.

 

[Brady686]

Exactly why I started this thread, for some recommendations that don't include the usual suspects: Itinomonn, Wakui, Toyama/Watanabe, Ginga, Takamura, Kato, Shig, Konosuke, etc

Definitely interested in Kagekiyo, beautiful knife, but is it more than just a pretty face?

My blue 1 kagekiyo is one of my favorite knives. Amazing cutter with good edge retention and stylish. Also fairly easy to sharpen.

 

[pleue]

I'd say yoshikane doesn't get enough love.

 

[panda]

after using my masamoto hc gyuto all day, i have got to say it is the nicest beater out there. it has heft, is tall and very comfortable wooden handle. kinda expensive for a beater but i got mine used for barely over $100 so it was a bargain. there is something very nice about having a non slim mono steel blade.

 

[Matus]

I'd say yoshikane doesn't get enough love.

They were more 'in' when Maxim still had them. Actually a 270 SLD suji was my first 'proper' Japanese knife. I sold it of course as that was not what a novice can use, but we still have a 150 SLD petty with handle from Dave and I still have a 165 SKD hakata santoku (which I do not use and should probably sell it) that has incredible edge holding and great F&F. Both SLD and SKD lines hold edge extremely well yet can still be reasonably easily sharpened.

 

[JaVa]

I'd say yoshikane doesn't get enough love.

Absolutely agree 100%.
After I got mine a a few weeks ago I'm blown away by how is it possible the SKD line isn't getting the love it deserves???

I get the feeling the hammer finish divides opinion and it's not carried by any of the most recommended vendors?
Anyway, crazy good performer.

 

[Nemo]

Absolutely agree 100%.
After I got mine a a few weeks ago I'm blown away by how is it possible the SKD line isn't getting the love it deserves???

I get the feeling the hammer finish divides opinion and it's not carried by any of the most recommended vendors?
Anyway, crazy good performer.

Yeah. I really like the profile too. Used it as a template for my custom Tristone.

Speaking of, the Tristone is amazing.

 

[tsuriru]

Some really interesting knives and makers mentioned here. Keep them coming

 

[Duckfat]

Kagayaki, Especially the VG-10. Under rated, under appreciated and an absolute bargain at the current price point.

Dave