Paying $300 for a bent yanagi is just not reasonable, which also cannot be replaced with a proper one. I think this Watanabe guy is overrated.
Yeah I have heard the same... the steel gets wicked sharp, but I did have the warping issue. I was able to straighten mine and it cuts very well, but what he needs to do is let those blades sit for months, even years before he finishes them. This way they will have moved all they are going to (at least 95% of what they are going to) and the finished product would not need additional repairs. On the other hand you can just go and get a Masamoto KK series and be done with it... BEST YANAGI FOR THE MONEY.
A little update on this.
I returned it back, had to swallow $80 shipping (Canada Post sux). Since Watanabe says he does not see what is wrong with the knife he would not reimburse any shipping (here or back). I am definitely not purchasing anything else from him.
And with such variety of knives, nothing much is missed.
Now, I am back in to square one for my first Yanagiba pursuit.
BTW thanks all for giving your ideas, suggestions, support and sharing the knowledge.
I think you will have trouble finding a knife if you spend time scrutinizing the visual imperfections of a hand forged blade. If you insist on checking for straightness of the blade use a piece of tuna and see how it cuts
Not like I have a huge collection, but this was the first knife that is not straight and I have items from various makers. If the knife would be little bit shorter or longer, or machi gap is not completely as advertised that's fine on a hand forged blade, some other minor imperfections are fine with me. But common, its not damn straight.I think you will have trouble finding a knife if you spend time scrutinizing the visual imperfections of a hand forged blade. If you insist on checking for straightness of the blade use a piece of tuna and see how it cuts
If I go with Masamoto I will most likely end up with KS series. I kinda bumped my budget to ~$400I'd check in with Koki at JCK and see what he can do... The Masamoto KK for "cheap" user Yanagi is great buy
Not like I have a huge collection, but this was the first knife that is not straight and I have items from various makers. If the knife would be little bit shorter or longer, or machi gap is not completely as advertised that's fine on a hand forged blade, some other minor imperfections are fine with me. But common, its not damn straight.
It looks like the main point why I returned gone lost in 7 pages, its not just because yanagi was not 100% straight, it was because of Watanabe's attitude when I incurred about this "issue".
If I go with Masamoto I will most likely end up with KS series. I kinda bumped my budget to ~$400
Not like I have a huge collection, but this was the first knife that is not straight and I have items from various makers. If the knife would be little bit shorter or longer, or machi gap is not completely as advertised that's fine on a hand forged blade, some other minor imperfections are fine with me. But common, its not damn straight.
It looks like the main point why I returned gone lost in 7 pages, its not just because yanagi was not 100% straight, it was because of Watanabe's attitude when I incurred about this "issue".
Ummmm, I think it was quite clear after first two pages that it's better to fix it. Did we read the same thread?no vendor or smith here has been able to offer you solid advice whether you should spend to fix it or leave as a result of that either.
Live thought me that if something is ought to be return you better no use it, or alter in any way. That's why the post here to understand things better.it sounds like you've not made any effort to try to use or sharpen it and have no idea if there is any impact.
Yep, we are on the same page lus1:I feel the same. Longer / shorter or inconsistent handle gap is just fine. But saying "it's just a kitchen knife" just sux, if the Yanagi is a cheap one like Yamawaku, then it's completely fine, for the price. Boycott this Watanabe.
I totally feel you coz I returned such bent yanagiba back to Metalmaster some time ago and he said he already sent a new knife to me, I asked him about the tracking number, he didn't reply for a few days. I think I'm screwed, I'm crossing my fingers and wait.:dontknow:
You know I just checked my Watanabe, and it had moved AGAIN...lol. I did manage to straighten it, but only probably because it's a 240 Takohiki, the longer blades are a little more difficult. Mind you this knife had been sitting for about 2 years...
does keeping the knife in a good-fitting saya or place some heavy weight on it help at all? sorry, probably an ignorant question ... :scratchhead:
You know tight fitting saya would probably help... this one doesn't have one. As far as placing something heavy on it... yeah that would work too... but you also risk damaging the blade with that. I wonder if putting it in the lower end of a large phone book (or any large book) would work? Though honesty this shouldn't have to be done. My masamoto has been just as dormant and it is still dead straight. I imagine the jigane Watanabe uses may be the culprit here.
I totally feel you coz I returned such bent yanagiba back to Metalmaster some time ago and he said he already sent a new knife to me, I asked him about the tracking number, he didn't reply for a few days. I think I'm screwed, I'm crossing my fingers and wait.:dontknow:
Yep, does not come with one. A matching saya from him would run another $100You know tight fitting saya would probably help... this one doesn't have one.
When you say "matching" does that mean the saya is also crooked? :whistling:
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