nice profile on the JJ Tritz!
Current Top 5 and Top 10 Gyutos
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I've done a decent job selling off the ones I don't love so but here is my current top 5
1. Unshu Yukimitsu 230 (I know y'all are tired of hearing me talk about this one, the honeymoon phase is over and I know strengths/weaknesses, it still is a blast to use)
2. Munetoshi 240
Nuff said
3. Kochi V2 240
I was falling out of love with this one but after a sharpening I'm fully back on the train.
4. Kyohei Shindo 220
Old faithful, unique profile that is pleasant to use in all scenarios. Aggressive distal taper and super thin bte.
5. Makoto Ryusei 240
Supposed to be a catch and release to satisfy curiosity, but I am loving it. Really tied with my Tanaka ginsan but I'm using the Ryusei more right now so it gets the nod in this list.
1. Unshu Yukimitsu 230 (I know y'all are tired of hearing me talk about this one, the honeymoon phase is over and I know strengths/weaknesses, it still is a blast to use)
2. Munetoshi 240
Nuff said
3. Kochi V2 240
I was falling out of love with this one but after a sharpening I'm fully back on the train.
4. Kyohei Shindo 220
Old faithful, unique profile that is pleasant to use in all scenarios. Aggressive distal taper and super thin bte.
5. Makoto Ryusei 240
Supposed to be a catch and release to satisfy curiosity, but I am loving it. Really tied with my Tanaka ginsan but I'm using the Ryusei more right now so it gets the nod in this list.
DitmasPork
Senior Member
If we’d opened it up, it would essentially be ‘My Top Knife Roll’—a considerably more utilitarian selection.
luther
Well-Known Member
With the restriction to nominate a manufacturer only once:
Top 5 - big boys - no particular order:
Benjamin Kamon - Bryan Raquin - Cris Anderson - Jean-Jose Tritz - Milan Gravier
Top 6-10 - smaller boys - no particular order:
Robin Dalman - Marius Smide - James Oatley - Tobi Bockholt - Will Catcheside
Top 5 - big boys - no particular order:
Benjamin Kamon - Bryan Raquin - Cris Anderson - Jean-Jose Tritz - Milan Gravier
Top 6-10 - smaller boys - no particular order:
Robin Dalman - Marius Smide - James Oatley - Tobi Bockholt - Will Catcheside
I've always been curious about Oatley's work.
Can you tell us a little bit more about your experience?
luther
Well-Known Member
I have to say in advance: I have only ever ordered W2 Honyaki with an asymmetrical grind. So I can't comment on his other grinds/steels.
This knife is from 2018. Grinded very very thin with a fantastic food release for a laser. HT is very good as far as I can tell. The knives come ground to zero with no initial cutting edge - you should set them yourself.
His style is special and you should give him the necessary freedom. His knives occupy the role of absolute lasers in my knife set.
How tall is that Tobi Bockholt?With the restriction to nominate a manufacturer only once:
Top 5 - big boys - no particular order:
Benjamin Kamon - Bryan Raquin - Cris Anderson - Jean-Jose Tritz - Milan Gravier
Top 6-10 - smaller boys - no particular order:
Robin Dalman - Marius Smide - James Oatley - Tobi Bockholt - Will Catcheside
luther
Well-Known Member
72mm - ordered for heavy rocking duty like herbs, chocolate, nuts etc.
Looks awesome!
Indeed Small gyuto / Santoku distinction can be pretty thin here. Put this one as a gyuto mainly because I would make a Santoku with shorter tip and also I would put a less tapered geometry.
Some of y'all have some crazy collections. I really need to step my game up.
DitmasPork
Senior Member
Putting this list together was harder than I expected. For no nonsense pure cutters, i agree tier three is the sweet spot and I reach for those a lot of the time. With the exception of the Ryusen, the higher tiers have an X factor that make them feel special to me. Whether it’s Devin’s damascus or the walrus ivory handle on the HF, they have something about them that blends art and function in a way I appreciate, while still being absolute bangers on the board (particularly the Haburn and the DT).
I’ll also admit that I’m currently on a little bit of a western integral kick that is influencing my opinions.
I recently picked up a Martell 240. If you like the knives I put in tier 3, I highly recommend it. It blends the best attributes of the Watanabe Pro and the ShiHan and has quickly become one of my most often reached for knives.
Haha. Agree with you completely. The blade is absolutely first class. I‘ve considered sanding down the handle to a smaller, coke bottle shape, but figured it was just me, since I don’t have huge hands. Luckily with a pinch grip, it’s only a minor annoyance and doesn’t really affect performance.
Im a tall guy with large hands, so it’s a dream come true for me. I know Martell’s story is complicated and I wish him all the best but the guy made a hell of a knife blade.
It’s probably the clearest example that the geometry, profile and weight of a knife have way more to do with cutting performance than absolute sharpness of the blade
OK, I'll cave into a ranking post 
. Ranked on pure cutting performance (obviously subjective/opinion). They are also my 5 favorites, but I dare not rank this bunch overall as I cherish them for different reasons. Really special knives made by some great people.
1. Dan Bidinger, 240x57, 193g, B-grind A2
2. Kamon x Huber, 260x59, 269g, 1.2519
3. the9, 210x51, 166g, Blue1
4. Kato, 235x50.5, 224g, I believe White1
5. Milan Gravier, 240x55, 246g, 135Cr3
One day I’ll learn to take a picture that is not absolutely terrible lol.
Been trying to get my hands on a 210-250 Yanick or Martell actually but they have been elusive. Good to hear they are well-loved.
. Ranked on pure cutting performance (obviously subjective/opinion). They are also my 5 favorites, but I dare not rank this bunch overall as I cherish them for different reasons. Really special knives made by some great people.1. Dan Bidinger, 240x57, 193g, B-grind A2
2. Kamon x Huber, 260x59, 269g, 1.2519
3. the9, 210x51, 166g, Blue1
4. Kato, 235x50.5, 224g, I believe White1
5. Milan Gravier, 240x55, 246g, 135Cr3
One day I’ll learn to take a picture that is not absolutely terrible lol.
Been trying to get my hands on a 210-250 Yanick or Martell actually but they have been elusive. Good to hear they are well-loved.
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But on a serious note:
1) The 9nine Wrought Side Stack Gyuto
239x54
Wrought “Damascus”
Aogami #1
Ironvood, Brass
2) The 9nine Lazy Twist Killyuto
220x51
Wrought “Damascus”
1.2519
Ironvood Coffin
3) Xerxes Gayuto/Chef
223x57
Mild Steel/I forgot
Apex Ultra
Ironvood Burl, Nickel/Silver Cap and Pin
4) Yanick Onichan-yuto
241x52
Wrought Iron
135cr3
Ironvood Burl, Marbled Horn
5) Laseur Gragragrayuto/Chef
238x51
52100 Mono
Ironvood, Brass, and More Brass
BONUS) Heldqvist Integral OmgIpoopoomypants-yuto
239x55
Wrought/Nickel Dammy
TWR
Ironvood, Brass
BECAUSE I SPIT HOT FIRE
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love that Xerxes. His work is high on my list of makers to try.
But on a serious note:
View attachment 253755
1) The 9nine Wrought Side Stack Gyuto
239x54
Wrought “Damascus”
Aogami #1
Ironvood, Brass
View attachment 253756
2) The 9nine Lazy Twist Killyuto
220x51
Wrought “Damascus”
1.2519
Ironvood Coffin
View attachment 253757
3) Xerxes Gayuto/Chef
223x57
Mild Steel/I forgot
Apex Ultra
Ironvood Burl, Nickel/Silver Cap and Pin
View attachment 253758
4) Yanick Onichan-yuto
241x52
Wrought Iron
135cr3
Ironvood Burl, Marbled Horn
View attachment 253759
5) Laseur Gragragrayuto/Chef
238x51
52100 Mono
Ironvood, Brass, and More Brass
View attachment 253761
BONUS) Heldqvist Integral OmgIpoopoomypants-yuto
239x55
Wrought/Nickel Dammy
TWR
Ironvood, Brass
BECAUSE I SPIT HOT FIRE
Damn Chang…
Here’s my current top 5, but it’ll change as I have 4 new knives coming in this week including a Kamon. Also have another Yanick I haven’t cut with yet.
1. Yanick 135CR3 240 MM
2. Tanaka x Kyuzo 240 MM
3. Takeda 210 NAS
4. Takada No Hamono Reiki 240MM
5. Zwilling Kramer Carbon 10” (makes no sense why this knife gets so sharp)
Not as great as some of y’all but I’ll get there. I need a Nine and a Bidinger.
Here’s my current top 5, but it’ll change as I have 4 new knives coming in this week including a Kamon. Also have another Yanick I haven’t cut with yet.
1. Yanick 135CR3 240 MM
2. Tanaka x Kyuzo 240 MM
3. Takeda 210 NAS
4. Takada No Hamono Reiki 240MM
5. Zwilling Kramer Carbon 10” (makes no sense why this knife gets so sharp)
Not as great as some of y’all but I’ll get there. I need a Nine and a Bidinger.
My current Top Five:
Dan Bidinger B-Grind Workhorse 240 x 60 260g - AEB-L Monosteel
The Nine Workhorse 245 x 61 258g - 1.2519 / Soft Iron (Lazy Twist)
Milan Gravier Midweight 243 x 59 238g - 135Cr3 / Wrought Iron
Bryan Raquin KT to Classic 230 x 52 194g - 145sc / xc10
Halcyon Forge 220 x 53 222g - 1.2519 / Wrought Iron (Wagon Wheel)
Current Top 10:
Yanick Puig 245 x 58 221g - 135Cr3 / Vintage Iron
Xerxes 235 x 57 281g - Apex Ultra / 1.2767
Kippington 240 x 55 220g - 52100 Monosteel
Joel Black 253 x 56 316g - Apex Ultra / Wrought Iron
Billipp 240 x 63 317g 52100 Monosteel
I've limited myself to one entry per maker. Otherwise you'd probably see repeats.
This list is ever-shifting. There is a general theme here though. I don't like pure cutting lasers. I ****ing hate food stiction. I cannot abide produce riding up the blade and toppling over the back, like they're storming a ****ing castle or something. I favor a balance between cutting performance and food release. All of these knives hit a sweet spot, but achieve it through different means. The Kipp and Xerxes for example have extreme distal taper and fat convex grinds at the heel, which satisfy my need for food release, but also have laser thin tips for fine knife work. The Raquin has a tapered grind and forged geometry creating performance similar to an S-Ground knife. I think the Yanick also has similar, if less pronounced, geometry features present. The others are mostly workhorse-ish convex grinds, with the exception of the Bidinger, which has the added benefit of the B-Grind.
Any of these knives could be top five on any given day, depending on my mood, which made this exercise quite difficult. If I'm favoring pure cutting performance, the Xerxes, Kipp and Billipp are top contenders. If I'm valuing no-frills, zero stiction headaches, the Raquin is at the top of the pile. The others have a very nice balance between cutting performance and food release.
I've also got a few knives that I haven't had enough time with that might bump some of these.
P.S. I don't consider the Gigantoku a gyuto, otherwise it would have been top five easy.
Dan Bidinger B-Grind Workhorse 240 x 60 260g - AEB-L Monosteel
The Nine Workhorse 245 x 61 258g - 1.2519 / Soft Iron (Lazy Twist)
Milan Gravier Midweight 243 x 59 238g - 135Cr3 / Wrought Iron
Bryan Raquin KT to Classic 230 x 52 194g - 145sc / xc10
Halcyon Forge 220 x 53 222g - 1.2519 / Wrought Iron (Wagon Wheel)
Current Top 10:
Yanick Puig 245 x 58 221g - 135Cr3 / Vintage Iron
Xerxes 235 x 57 281g - Apex Ultra / 1.2767
Kippington 240 x 55 220g - 52100 Monosteel
Joel Black 253 x 56 316g - Apex Ultra / Wrought Iron
Billipp 240 x 63 317g 52100 Monosteel
I've limited myself to one entry per maker. Otherwise you'd probably see repeats.
This list is ever-shifting. There is a general theme here though. I don't like pure cutting lasers. I ****ing hate food stiction. I cannot abide produce riding up the blade and toppling over the back, like they're storming a ****ing castle or something. I favor a balance between cutting performance and food release. All of these knives hit a sweet spot, but achieve it through different means. The Kipp and Xerxes for example have extreme distal taper and fat convex grinds at the heel, which satisfy my need for food release, but also have laser thin tips for fine knife work. The Raquin has a tapered grind and forged geometry creating performance similar to an S-Ground knife. I think the Yanick also has similar, if less pronounced, geometry features present. The others are mostly workhorse-ish convex grinds, with the exception of the Bidinger, which has the added benefit of the B-Grind.
Any of these knives could be top five on any given day, depending on my mood, which made this exercise quite difficult. If I'm favoring pure cutting performance, the Xerxes, Kipp and Billipp are top contenders. If I'm valuing no-frills, zero stiction headaches, the Raquin is at the top of the pile. The others have a very nice balance between cutting performance and food release.
I've also got a few knives that I haven't had enough time with that might bump some of these.
P.S. I don't consider the Gigantoku a gyuto, otherwise it would have been top five easy.
DitmasPork
Senior Member
Holy cow!
But on a serious note:
View attachment 253755
1) The 9nine Wrought Side Stack Gyuto
239x54
Wrought “Damascus”
Aogami #1
Ironvood, Brass
View attachment 253756
2) The 9nine Lazy Twist Killyuto
220x51
Wrought “Damascus”
1.2519
Ironvood Coffin
View attachment 253757
3) Xerxes Gayuto/Chef
223x57
Mild Steel/I forgot
Apex Ultra
Ironvood Burl, Nickel/Silver Cap and Pin
View attachment 253758
4) Yanick Onichan-yuto
241x52
Wrought Iron
135cr3
Ironvood Burl, Marbled Horn
View attachment 253759
5) Laseur Gragragrayuto/Chef
238x51
52100 Mono
Ironvood, Brass, and More Brass
View attachment 253761
BONUS) Heldqvist Integral OmgIpoopoomypants-yuto
239x55
Wrought/Nickel Dammy
TWR
Ironvood, Brass
BECAUSE I SPIT HOT FIRE
Thanks for the tip. Much appreciated. Last drop, the check out process was a little different than I expected and slowed me down.
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Yeesh, this is hard. For bigger preps:
270 Gesshin Ginga AEBL -- maybe my most versatile knife, it can do anything. It's big enough for major prep but still light, nimble, and tough.
270 Wat Pro Kurouchi -- This is a big beast.
270 Toyama Stainless clad -- Godilocks
270 Mazaki W2, in a chunkier KnS version -- On the beast side of the spectrum
270 (Sakai style) JNS Tanaka B1 Damascus -- an amazing feel, great retention. This one when I have time to pay attention.
More all around:
240 iron-clad Wat Kasumi, but a slimmer, relatively recent iteration. I love the profile, height, and steel.
240 Yo Denka -- That steel
240 Sukenari Hap40 Ktip -- amazing steel. Ktip makes it feel longer than. Also nice height and flatter profile.
240 Konosuke Fujiyama in W1
240 Munetoshi -- most used knife lately. I've been working on the bevels, and it's getting nicely dialed in.
270 Gesshin Ginga AEBL -- maybe my most versatile knife, it can do anything. It's big enough for major prep but still light, nimble, and tough.
270 Wat Pro Kurouchi -- This is a big beast.
270 Toyama Stainless clad -- Godilocks
270 Mazaki W2, in a chunkier KnS version -- On the beast side of the spectrum
270 (Sakai style) JNS Tanaka B1 Damascus -- an amazing feel, great retention. This one when I have time to pay attention.
More all around:
240 iron-clad Wat Kasumi, but a slimmer, relatively recent iteration. I love the profile, height, and steel.
240 Yo Denka -- That steel
240 Sukenari Hap40 Ktip -- amazing steel. Ktip makes it feel longer than. Also nice height and flatter profile.
240 Konosuke Fujiyama in W1
240 Munetoshi -- most used knife lately. I've been working on the bevels, and it's getting nicely dialed in.
Top 5 in length order
250mm ShiHan 52100 Monosteel
255mm Ontario Old Hickory Carbon Monosteel
270mm Watanabe Pro Iron Clad Blue
275mm HSC Wrought Clad Carbon
300mm Clyde Cutlery Carbon Monosteel
250mm ShiHan 52100 Monosteel
255mm Ontario Old Hickory Carbon Monosteel
270mm Watanabe Pro Iron Clad Blue
275mm HSC Wrought Clad Carbon
300mm Clyde Cutlery Carbon Monosteel
I only have 9 true gyuto's
TF YO DENKA 240 - Thinned, rehandled, and tuned for balance (would not have made my top 5 before)
210 Kato WH
240 FM
Raquin KT
Manaka 240
the others that didn't make the list
Maz 240, Masamoto KS, Simon malliet 210 (came with an issue near the tip that needs addressing before used in rotation), TF Mab 210.
TF YO DENKA 240 - Thinned, rehandled, and tuned for balance (would not have made my top 5 before)
210 Kato WH
240 FM
Raquin KT
Manaka 240
the others that didn't make the list
Maz 240, Masamoto KS, Simon malliet 210 (came with an issue near the tip that needs addressing before used in rotation), TF Mab 210.
fatboylim
Senior Member
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1. Kato 180 blue #1 gyuto - laser like tip and progressive grind.
2. Denka 210 AS - performer! runs through winter squash.
3. Hiromoto Yo honyaki white #2 240 - simple looking but great feeling rock chopper
4. Singarin 240 honyaki white #2 - lazer slicer
5. Gesshin Ittetsu 240mm White #2 Honyaki Yo Gyuto with Desert Ironwood Handle - rediculously pretty honyaki waves but a bit too handle heavy
Honorable mentions
6. Toyama 240 ironclad - beastly and good food separation. A little force needed for winter squash
7. Masamoto KS 240 great slicer but the heel is a bit low for me. I want to try a 270 as a substitute sujihiki
8. Hiromoto AS Yo 240 - all rounder but the spine is a bit too fexible
9. Shigeki Tanaka 180 ginsan - cheapy but versatile
2. Denka 210 AS - performer! runs through winter squash.
3. Hiromoto Yo honyaki white #2 240 - simple looking but great feeling rock chopper
4. Singarin 240 honyaki white #2 - lazer slicer
5. Gesshin Ittetsu 240mm White #2 Honyaki Yo Gyuto with Desert Ironwood Handle - rediculously pretty honyaki waves but a bit too handle heavy
Honorable mentions
6. Toyama 240 ironclad - beastly and good food separation. A little force needed for winter squash
7. Masamoto KS 240 great slicer but the heel is a bit low for me. I want to try a 270 as a substitute sujihiki
8. Hiromoto AS Yo 240 - all rounder but the spine is a bit too fexible
9. Shigeki Tanaka 180 ginsan - cheapy but versatile
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I've been off KKF for the past six months or so due to other things going on in my life but I can quickly respond to this thread without giving it too much time or thought.
Favorite knives - no order because I don't find ranking these useful although the Devins are maybe the best all around knives
Devin Thomas NioMax ~244 mm gyuto
Devin Thomas MagnaCut ~232 mm gyuto
Kippington 52100 laser ~238 mm gyuto
Tsourkan 52100 WH ~231 mm gyuto
Kippington 52100 CHG ~225 mm gyuto
Troopah NioMax ~202 mm petty but sort of gyuto-ish
HSC/// Z-Wear ~185 mm mini gyuto
to stretch it to nine I could include a couple more Kippingtons in Nitro-V and maybe an Isasmedjan 1.2519 or a Radiona Breg in Apex Ultra
Favorite knives - no order because I don't find ranking these useful although the Devins are maybe the best all around knives
Devin Thomas NioMax ~244 mm gyuto
Devin Thomas MagnaCut ~232 mm gyuto
Kippington 52100 laser ~238 mm gyuto
Tsourkan 52100 WH ~231 mm gyuto
Kippington 52100 CHG ~225 mm gyuto
Troopah NioMax ~202 mm petty but sort of gyuto-ish
HSC/// Z-Wear ~185 mm mini gyuto
to stretch it to nine I could include a couple more Kippingtons in Nitro-V and maybe an Isasmedjan 1.2519 or a Radiona Breg in Apex Ultra
