Battle of the $300 Gyutos - Which one should I buy?

[Gongoozler]

So, I’m trying to decide between these three 240mm Gyutos, and all are right at $300 USD.

I can’t decide on one and I’m hoping to get some input on reasons I may want to consider one over the others.

The three knifes up for consideration are:

1. Mazaki White 2 Nashiji - https://www.chefs-edge.com/products/mazaki-white-2-nashiji-gyuto-240mm-maple
2. Nigara SG2 KU K-Tip - https://www.chefs-edge.com/products/nigara-sg2-kurouchi-kiritsuke-240mm-double-blonde
3. Tadokoro x Nakagawa White 2 KU - https://sugicutlery.com/products/cu...urouchi-finish-cocobolo-and-african-blackwood

My current Gyuto lineup:

1. TF Nashiji White 1 210mm
2. Tosaichi Shadow AS 240mm
3. Komorebi Blue 1 Damascus 210mm

At the end of the day I’m wondering which knife would stand to offer the best performance relative to cost, and also any other various reasons I may want to go for one over another.

Ok knife friends. Help me become $300 poorer. Which one should I get?

 

[aporigine]

So, I’m trying to decide between these three 240mm Gyutos, and all are right at $300 USD.

I can’t decide on one and I’m hoping to get some input on reasons I may want to consider one over the others.

The three knifes up for consideration are:

1. Mazaki White 2 Nashiji - https://www.chefs-edge.com/products/mazaki-white-2-nashiji-gyuto-240mm-maple
2. Nigara SG2 KU K-Tip - https://www.chefs-edge.com/products/nigara-sg2-kurouchi-kiritsuke-240mm-double-blonde
3. Tadokoro x Nakagawa White 2 KU - https://sugicutlery.com/products/cu...urouchi-finish-cocobolo-and-african-blackwood

My current Gyuto lineup:

1. TF Nashiji White 1 210mm
2. Tosaichi Shadow AS 240mm
3. Komorebi Blue 1 Damascus 210mm

At the end of the day I’m wondering which knife would stand to offer the best performance relative to cost, and also any other various reasons I may want to go for one over another.

Ok knife friends. Help me become $300 poorer. Which one should I get?

At day’s end — it is subjective, shaped by your preference, even if you do not yet know what it is.

I formed an immediate opinion which one I would choose. I don’t think disclosing that opinion would be of help to you, so I’m not.

You can do worse than pick one whose specs and visuals strike you as the best overall package. Imo there isn’t a bad one in the selected group. I’m not sure I have been of assistance.

 

[Gongoozler]

At day’s end — it is subjective, shaped by your preference, even if you do not yet know what it is.

I formed an immediate opinion which one I would choose. I don’t think disclosing that opinion would be of help to you, so I’m not.

You can do worse than pick one whose specs and visuals strike you as the best overall package. Imo there isn’t a bad one in the selected group. I’m not sure I have been of assistance.

I totally understand what you mean.

Perhaps the most important question would really be - Are any of these a bad value? If not, I feel like I can freely just pick one and feel good about it. I’ve always said I don’t mind spending money but I really dislike wasting money.

 

[aporigine]

I totally understand what you mean.

Perhaps the most important question would really be - Are any of these a bad value? If not, I feel like I can freely just pick one and feel good about it. I’ve always said I don’t mind spending money but I really dislike wasting money.

I don’t think any is a bad value … but I’m not the most experienced knifie here.

Let’s game the negative scenario. By pure bad luck, you bought one that refuses to come alive in your hand. You can put it on BST for a loss that is not severe. So imo your downside is not big.

The mega KKF way to deal with it is to buy the three, try them out on your main cutting tasks, and let the two go that medaled silver and bronze. I don’t have the depth of pocket to play that game often — but I kinda like to watch others do it — and come up with answers that surprise (and in the process educate) me.

 

[Gongoozler]

I don’t think any is a bad value … but I’m not the most experienced knifie here.

Let’s game the negative scenario. By pure bad luck, you bought one that refuses to come alive in your hand. You can put it on BST for a loss that is not severe. So imo your downside is not big.

The mega KKF way to deal with it is to buy the three, try them out on your main cutting tasks, and let the two go that medaled silver and bronze. I don’t have the depth of pocket to play that game often — but I kinda like to watch others do it — and come up with answers that surprise (and in the process educate) me.

As fun as that approach would undoubtedly be, I’d like to remain married.

 

[aporigine]

As fun as that approach would undoubtedly be, I’d like to remain married.

been there done that. I’ll be curious which one you choose, plus rationale.

 

[jakuda]

How much do you care about stainless?
How hefty do you like your knives to feel?
Performance... meaning what to you?

There's a "knife questionnaire" this forum uses to help you provide more information so we can provide more opinions.

 

[Barmoley]

I am sure any of these would be fine. Personally if I wanted to spend ~$300, I would get this.

 

[Gongoozler]

How much do you care about stainless?
How hefty do you like your knives to feel?
Performance... meaning what to you?

There's a "knife questionnaire" this forum uses to help you provide more information so we can provide more opinions.

Don’t care much about stainless at all. I love a good patina and I’m never in a rush while cooking so keeping blades wiped down is no issue.

Food release and edge retention (nicely balanced with ease of sharpening) are probably what come to mind first when I judge how much I like a knife.

Regarding heft, as long as the blade is thin BTE, I don’t mind thicker spine. I also like a thin spined knife, but not so thin that the knife feels at all flexible.

 

[yoyoma]

In my opinion, you are way past the price at which you are gaining anything additional in terms of "performance".

You are at a price point where everything is subjective and is give/take. There's no objectively better knife among the ones you listed, it's just about what you like in a knife. I like food release and non-reactive knives so I'd pass on all three, but others will disagree and love patinas and zero-effort laser cuts, even if the food sticks to the knife like a magnet.

Also every knife is personal, some knives you just pick them up and they feel perfect, others you pick up and they feel awkward. I've seen knives here that people say are beautiful and I think they look uninteresting, and vice versa.

If I had to choose for you, I'd say go for the K-Tip in SG2 just because you don't have a k-tip and you don't have stainless. It's something new, at least.

 

[blokey]

I am sure any of these would be fine. Personally if I wanted to spend ~$300, I would get this.

This one or wait for a 240 Knot
https://www.kitchenknifeforums.com/threads/52100-k-tip-gyuto-222mm-x-58mm.73616/

 

[daveb]

Once you're onboard with the Japanese knives and have a few, I think it would serve you well to sample the BST market for used (discounted) knives to tune in your preferences.

I started thinking lasers were the best things ever. A couple few knives later I found I preferred a little more mid-weight and what are termed "workhorses". Thin behind the edge became important. The beauty of buying from bst is that you can usually sell a knife for about what you paid for it and allows you to sample a good variety.

IIRC there are currently a Yoshikane and a Gengetsu on bst that I can readily recommend as well as many others. Time to start finding out what you like. (And buy the Mrs a purse every now and then - peace in the valley...)

 

[aporigine]

Once you're onboard with the Japanese knives and have a few, I think it would serve you well to sample the BST market for used (discounted) knives to tune in your preferences.

I started thinking lasers were the best things ever. A couple few knives later I found I preferred a little more mid-weight and what are termed "workhorses". Thin behind the edge became important.

IIRC there are currently a Yoshikane and a Gengetsu on bst that I can readily recommend as well as many others. Time to start finding out what you like. (And buy the Mrs a purse every now and then - peace in the valley...)

this. I made sure the ex always had a Dooney&Bourke.

 

[AT5760]

Yoshikane, Wakui, Gengetsu, Kochi. If I’m spending less than $300 on one gyuto, that’s where I’m spending my money. S. Tanaka as a runner up.

 

[aporigine]

Once you're onboard with the Japanese knives and have a few, I think it would serve you well to sample the BST market for used (discounted) knives to tune in your preferences.

I started thinking lasers were the best things ever. A couple few knives later I found I preferred a little more mid-weight and what are termed "workhorses". Thin behind the edge became important. The beauty of buying from bst is that you can usually sell a knife for about what you paid for it and allows you to sample a good variety.

IIRC there are currently a Yoshikane and a Gengetsu on bst that I can readily recommend as well as many others. Time to start finding out what you like. (And buy the Mrs a purse ****every now and then - peace in the valley...)

I don’t wanna grow up. Give me the dangerously thin geometry cutters. As a home cook, food release or speed with the knife are less important than pure cutting performance. So (****ing a snoot) gimme lasers.

 

[plantgainz]

So, I’m trying to decide between these three 240mm Gyutos, and all are right at $300 USD.

I can’t decide on one and I’m hoping to get some input on reasons I may want to consider one over the others.

The three knifes up for consideration are:

1. Mazaki White 2 Nashiji - https://www.chefs-edge.com/products/mazaki-white-2-nashiji-gyuto-240mm-maple
2. Nigara SG2 KU K-Tip - https://www.chefs-edge.com/products/nigara-sg2-kurouchi-kiritsuke-240mm-double-blonde
3. Tadokoro x Nakagawa White 2 KU - https://sugicutlery.com/products/cu...urouchi-finish-cocobolo-and-african-blackwood

My current Gyuto lineup:

1. TF Nashiji White 1 210mm
2. Tosaichi Shadow AS 240mm
3. Komorebi Blue 1 Damascus 210mm

At the end of the day I’m wondering which knife would stand to offer the best performance relative to cost, and also any other various reasons I may want to go for one over another.

Ok knife friends. Help me become $300 poorer. Which one should I get?

Second all the answers above but of the 3 I would get the mazaki anyday. You can go even cheaper on that model unless you love that specific handle.

 

[Dave]

I'd personally go for the Mazaki.

I've been underwhelmed by Nigara both times I've tried their knives, which sucks because I like *most of their offerings aesthetically. As for the Takodoro x Nakagawa, if I'm buying Nakagawa steel, I'd rather go for a Blue or Ginsan, which isn't to say his Shiro is bad, just that the others are what he's known for.

... and I've never actually tried a Mazaki, so I'd like to.

 

[plantgainz]

I'd personally go for the Mazaki.

I've been underwhelmed by Nigara both times I've tried their knives, which sucks because I like *most of their offerings aesthetically. As for the Takodoro x Nakagawa, if I'm buying Nakagawa steel, I'd rather go for a Blue or Ginsan, which isn't to say his Shiro is bad, just that the others are what he's known for.

... and I've never actually tried a Mazaki, so I'd like to.

I feel exactly the same about Nigara. I never tried their high end offerings though (1k+) so can't speak for those

 

[timebard]

Yoshikane, Wakui, Gengetsu, Kochi. If I’m spending less than $300 on one gyuto, that’s where I’m spending my money. S. Tanaka as a runner up.

So... Yoshikane, ex-Yoshikane apprentice, probably Yoshikane, and same ex-Yoshikane apprentice?

Can also consider "other ex-Yoshikane apprentice" (aka Masashi) if you like em a little taller. Would take any of these over the three OP mentioned, although Mazaki is worth trying at some point.

 

[deltaplex]

If you're looking to maximize value, grabbing something in BST is going to be the best route. You'll get a good amount more info about the specific knife you're getting, and you're pretty likely to be equal or below retail to begin with. Of the three you listed, I think the Nigara would be the one that's furthest from the knives you currently have, but I haven't handled any knives from them. I do very much like SG2 for kitchen knives, it has exceptionally little reactivity, and it has noticeably better edge retention than knives made with simple carbon.

 

[Gongoozler]

Ended up ordering the Tadokoro x Nakagawa. I opted for a different handle. Can’t wait til it arrives some time next week!

 

[More_Gyutos]

Ended up ordering the Tadokoro x Nakagawa. I opted for a different handle. Can’t wait til it arrives some time next week! View attachment 344225

That was a bonkers deal on a great blacksmith, underrated sharpener and a custom handle. In my opinion that was the way to go. Mazaki makes a great knife, but you can get that next time!

 

[pitted_soul]

Shoot a pic when you get it. This is the way to go.

I have that 240 Kochi Machi and I'm selling because it's too much like my Wakui (no surprise there but I needed to know). HMU. It's fantastic too.

 

[JPAU]

Ended up ordering the Tadokoro x Nakagawa. I opted for a different handle. Can’t wait til it arrives some time next week! View attachment 344225

This is solid. I came to suggest that you could go even cheaper but thought I would still post to affirm your decision! The value option that I came to suggest, and one that stands out in my view, is a good Kikuchiyo (Nakagawa) x REN from Hirohito (comes in B2, W2 and G3). The grinds vary a little as Ren is still learning. Prices range from 200-350 depending on the steel and vendor. I picked up a W2 for $130USD on a sale and it’s a tremendous knife. Nakagawa w2 is solid - retention is surprisingly good compared to other Sakai and some sanjo w2 that I have tried. Grind is fantastic, but I won’t bang on about that since you bought a different knife from a different sharpener. I think you will enjoy the one that you chose, and agree with others that you dodged a Nigara-stamped bullet.