FWIW I had the knife for 2 extra days just because
@Malcolm Johnson and I arranged to meet in person to pass the knife and I believe that was probably faster than shipping and kind a no brainer since we were that close geographically. I think that saved a day or two off of transit time. And I planned on keeping it for a week bc I just assumed that was what was agreed upon - a chance to use it a few times and really get a full impression of the knife.
That being said I did not take a very scientific or “review-oriented” approach. I took this opportunity as me paying a fee to try a knife out; one that I honestly would not probably get my hands on because I don’t click fast enough and I get really f-ing frustrated taking L’s trying to buy stuff online these days, over it. I will gladly share some of my thoughts but they are merely one man’s opinions. And I must say that although I’ve been cooking professionally for over a decade I have no understanding of half the technical stuff you guys talk about on here (though I enjoy reading and trying to understand some of it).
Due to the wonderful sci-fi covid world we live in these days I have stepped out of restaurant kitchens and am trying my hand in the private chef world. So I got to use the knife professionally in a home environment lol. I was afraid I wouldn’t have any gigs that week I had the knife and the opposite came true and I was so busy and didn’t want to have a knife I was too worried about caring for so I didn’t use it as much as I could have. Ok, enough bs.
The knife looks cool af on Instagram pics and it doesn’t disappoint in person. Bad ass looking knife. The handle looks so damn cool and the burnt oak had fantastic grip even when it got a little wet or greasy during prep. But I think it’s too big, and I mean girth. I don’t have big mitts like an offensive lineman but I’m also not dainty - 6ft 180 and my hands are proportionate. I know this is a preference but I thought the handle was too big, especially considering the knife felt tiny as I like the 230ish range for chef’s knives/gyutos. I did like the profile - I appreciate that it wasn’t too tall. Again, preference, short length and tall heel knives are clunky for me. The knife cuts pretty damn nice - like the way I imagined/wished my TF mab would. Not dainty, with authority, sturdy-feeling. I liked the steel. It stayed sharp through a few hours of prep and as per the last person in line’s request I didn’t want to go near the stones and mess w/ that pretty finish on the bevel. It honestly didn’t need it but I stropped like 10 strokes total on a Shapton glass 4K and the edge came right back to pretty f-ing sharp.
Basically I understand the appeal/hype now and that’s really all I wanted out of this experience. I am not all lathered up and ready to beg borrow or steal to get one though. Maybe it’s just this example - I understand there is variation. Maybe if it had been longer I would have fallen in love. I understand this seems to be contrary to how most professionals feel on this forum but I don’t value food release as the ultimate. I value it for sure, but I HATE wedging. Hate hate hate. And I know bbrrrraappp is kinda the calling card here - proudly cracking carrots with tractors, that’s tight. Not really my jam - again, preference. NOW this knife was not a wedge monster by any means but it did wedge on a couple large onions. You might say this is bc of the shorter heel height you complimented earlier in your post
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I’m thankful to
@Jaszer13 for this generous act. Idgaf if he made a couple bucks (I don’t think he did). I liked the knife, for whatever reason I didn’t love it. Would I still buy a longer one or a Suji or butcher if given the opportunity - ya of course, I’m writing a review on a nerdy ass knife forum, no offense I love it here. But I won’t be setting reminders in my phone or trying to enter all my info in or paying over actual cost. Which probably means I won’t be getting one...but I’m not butt hurt about that anymore and again that’s thanks to this awesome opportunity. I wish these knives were more attainable but I get that might not make sense for Bryan financially/personally and also I probably wouldn’t want it so bad if I could get it easily.