Watanabe pro or Tanaka b2 240 gyuto

[Pirendeus]

I'm hoping to find a blade with decent f+f (maybe even a Tanaka from k+s?) Preferably something that hasn't been used too much. Help me find my first really good workhorse!

 

[Badgertooth]

Good choices. Both are great.

 

[chinacats]

If you can deal with a 210, there's a ku Watanabe that is a pretty good deal now on bst...

 

[Pirendeus]

Yes, I saw; thanks. However, I plan for this to be my primary knife for a while, though, so I want it to be an ideal length. Once I get more accustomed to j-knives, then I can branch out and try some different lengths and makers.

 

[JohnyChai]

240 Watanabe is a huge knife, I would personally recommend the 210 for your first go..Can't go wrong either way though

 

[Godslayer]

Shoot james a pm and ask when hes doing his next batch. Theres no point buying à regular tanaka when for $20-$30 more you get one of his upgraded beauties. Buying used thered be almost none to no savings and you dont get to take the blades virginity, i remember my tanakas first time it never knew what hit it.

 

[labor of love]

Try a tanaka KU blue 2. I haven't read any opinions yet in that line. Some if us are curious how they perform. Also, I recommend watanabe 210mm over the 240mm. They're pretty heavy knives. The watanabe 210mm is the first 210mm I've ever used that didn't feel too "wimpy".

 

[Pirendeus]

I appreciate the suggestions...I already use a 240, though, and a 210 seems like it would be a step back. Y'all really think a 240 watanabe is really so heavy that it would be an issue for a home cook who doesn't need to use it for hours each day?

 

[lucabrasi]

Yeah I had no problem going with a 240 Watanabe pro. An awesome knife, and I don't find it cumbersome.