Decisions, decisions...Poll

[HumbleHomeCook]

Tell me KKF, which do you choose and if so inclined, why.


1: Manaka Blue - I already have a Manaka in shirogami and love it. I also like supporting him. Just not sure the aogami is enough of a difference to draw me away from trying something different.
https://miuraknives.com/japanese-kn...panese-knife-manaka-hamono.html#/34-size-21cm
2. Sakai Kikumori Nakagawa - I just think these look sexy. A little expensive and I think I see a hint of machi gap which I don't love but... sexy...
https://bernalcutlery.com/collectio...-burnt-chestnut-w-saya?variant=43626035773661
3. Right up my rustic alley and oft recommended here. Do I need another rustic KU knife right now? But they say the steel is sweet...
https://knifejapan.com/unshu-yukimitsu-hamono-kurouchi-gyuto-200mm/

 

[deltaplex]

Just for my own information: What's the current lineup this is supplementing?

 

[HumbleHomeCook]

Just for my own information: What's the current lineup this is supplementing?

All 180-210 Sanjo or Sanjo-ish stuff. Shirogami, Aogami and AS mix.

 

[More_Gyutos]

Hmmm,..
1. Grind no
2. Same
3. IDK

 

[Greasylake]

Just get the Unshu Yukimitsu. Less think, more happy

 

[dehory]

The degree of customisation with the Unshu Yukimitsu is quite nice. Now I’m tempted to get one too!

Custom ordered 270x50 Unshu Yukimitsu by working with Michael from Knife Japan. I cannot say enough good things about the process or the communication from both he and Kusunoki san through him. Plenty of customization options were offered (I chose the length along with no handle, more thin grind, and a less Ktip front end) and I'm happy to finally have finished the (first) handle for this so I can get some board time in with it.

 

[sansho]

i know it's not helpful, but i think #2 is the coolest looking. for whatever that's worth.

 

[M1k3]

#3

 

[deltaplex]

Of those three I'd vote #3

 

[tostadas]

If only deciding those 3, yea I'd pick 3 just cuz it's different.

1 may be more or less similar to your current Manaka. Steel maybe slightly different, grind maybe slightly different due to variation. But the profile and dimensions I expect would be very similar.

2 doesnt look like a good price, especially for a 210. It reminds me very much of a Hatsukokoro Yoake with smaller proportions at almost double the cost. You're in the range of customs at that point.

Not on your list, but have you tried kyohei shindo? I got a 170mm-ish funayuki by him and it blew me away for the price. I've seen a 210 gyuto as well but never tried. It's quite different from most other knives I've bought. Only thing is that the stock handle needs to get thrown in the trash immediately and replaced with anything else.

 

[HumbleHomeCook]

If only deciding those 3, yea I'd pick 3 just cuz it's different.

1 may be more or less similar to your current Manaka. Steel maybe slightly different, grind maybe slightly different due to variation. But the profile and dimensions I expect would be very similar.

2 doesnt look like a good price, especially for a 210. It reminds me very much of a Hatsukokoro Yoake with smaller proportions at almost double the cost. You're in the range of customs at that point.

Not on your list, but have you tried kyohei shindo? I got a 170mm-ish funayuki by him and it blew me away for the price. I've seen a 210 gyuto as well but never tried. It's quite different from most other knives I've bought. Only thing is that the stock handle needs to get thrown in the trash immediately and replaced with anything else.

Oh I definitely have a Kyihei Shindo in my bookmarked list. I'm sure I'll end up with one.

 

[blokey]

The degree of customisation with the Unshu Yukimitsu is quite nice. Now I’m tempted to get one too!

Show your newest knife buy

Agree with this, go for a custom with him, you can decide the height and shape that's best suited for you. Kusunoki-San is top notch.

 

[SwampDonkey]

If only deciding those 3, yea I'd pick 3 just cuz it's different.

1 may be more or less similar to your current Manaka. Steel maybe slightly different, grind maybe slightly different due to variation. But the profile and dimensions I expect would be very similar.

2 doesnt look like a good price, especially for a 210. It reminds me very much of a Hatsukokoro Yoake with smaller proportions at almost double the cost. You're in the range of customs at that point.

Not on your list, but have you tried kyohei shindo? I got a 170mm-ish funayuki by him and it blew me away for the price. I've seen a 210 gyuto as well but never tried. It's quite different from most other knives I've bought. Only thing is that the stock handle needs to get thrown in the trash immediately and replaced with anything else.

I'll keep preaching Shindo till the cows come home. His 220 gyuto is a blast and truly a do-everything knife from squash to shallots, thinner BTE than Kochi. Look at this tip!

 

[HumbleHomeCook]

In this go around, the Yukimitsu won out. It'll be a few weeks before it is made and shipped.

 

[Homechef]

For the next round,

https://protooling.com.au/products/...hirogami-fine-finish-1?variant=43438023082237
https://protooling.com.au/products/...e-shirogami-no-bolster?variant=43262647927037
Mine (210 w bolster, 240 w/o bolster) glide through the densest stuff with ease. I’ve yet to find anything in this price range to keep up. Reactivity hasn’t been bad on mine either with that iron cladding.

 

[HumbleHomeCook]

For the next round,

https://protooling.com.au/products/...hirogami-fine-finish-1?variant=43438023082237
https://protooling.com.au/products/...e-shirogami-no-bolster?variant=43262647927037
Mine (210 w bolster, 240 w/o bolster) glide through the densest stuff with ease. I’ve yet to find anything in this price range to keep up. Reactivity hasn’t been bad on mine either with that iron cladding.

Thanks and glad you like them but I have no desire to own any TF products.

 

[chefwp]

probably too late, but despite being disappointed that the edge was only 192mm, this has turned into one of my favorite knives
https://tsubaya.jp/en/products/takada-blue2-suiboku-gyuto-hou-hakkaku?variant=42348232278214

 

[tostadas]

Thanks and glad you like them but I have no desire to own any TF products.

Missing out yo

 

[HumbleHomeCook]

Missing out yo

On?

 

[myguidingmoonlight]

On?

On that 10 hour thinning session dude. Think of all the sharpening experience you gain!

 

[ethompson]

As someone who owns both currently, I’ll take Unshu shirogami over TF shiro

 

[myguidingmoonlight]

As someone who owns both currently, I’ll take Unshu shirogami over TF shiro

I'm interested about the Unshu too, what makes it your choice over the TF? Better grind, taper, or better steel?

 

[HumbleHomeCook]

With all due respect, and again, I'm happy for people who like them, but when this is your promo pic, on multiple sites for your "Fine Fit and Finish" and you want $350 I'm out. Yes, I acknowledge that individual examples are likely better but that changes nothing for me.

This is Shirogami steel and I don't care how "God tier" the heat treatment is, as I've seen mentioned here, it will never be enough for me to support all the train wrecks and disappointments I've seen.

This is simple steel and even good heat treatment is pretty damned adequate for home kitchen use. Bringing back a crisp edge takes seconds.

I've had steels from soft 420 to S90V and K390 and all manner in between. I understand steel and heat treat and all of that. I get it. But, when I choose simple steels, I choose them because they are simple. I don't need a ton of wow factor. It's nice, but not required.

It is because of that understanding that I have no desire to own a TF product. I will never justify what I personally see as shoddy, sub-standard, and at times functionally deficient and what seems to be at best a quality lottery, because of mystical heat treatment.

I have no trouble finding smaller craftsman who have no less care and diligence, but who may, perhaps, have some slightly lesser heat treatment but strive for a far better overall package and often at notably lower prices.

In no way do I want this to read as disparaging of TF fans. I sincerely do not intend that and am genuinely happy that you find your niche in his blades. I find my niche in rustic, function over form stuff that no doubt many others relegate to bargain bin offerings. That's cool, we all have our groove.

Just don't think that because I choose not to support them that I don't understand them.

 

[tostadas]

With all due respect, and again, I'm happy for people who like them, but when this is your promo pic, on multiple sites for your "Fine Fit and Finish" and you want $350 I'm out. Yes, I acknowledge that individual examples are likely better but that changes nothing for me.

This is Shirogami steel and I don't care how "God tier" the heat treatment is, as I've seen mentioned here, it will never be enough for me to support all the train wrecks and disappointments I've seen.

This is simple steel and even good heat treatment is pretty damned adequate for home kitchen use. Bringing back a crisp edge takes seconds.

I've had steels from soft 420 to S90V and K390 and all manner in between. I understand steel and heat treat and all of that. I get it. But, when I choose simple steels, I choose them because they are simple. I don't need a ton of wow factor. It's nice, but not required.

It is because of that understanding that I have no desire to own a TF product. I will never justify what I personally see as shoddy, sub-standard, and at times functionally deficient and what seems to be at best a quality lottery, because of mystical heat treatment.

I have no trouble finding smaller craftsman who have no less care and diligence, but who may, perhaps, have some slightly lesser heat treatment but strive for a far better overall package and often at notably lower prices.

In no way do I want this to read as disparaging of TF fans. I sincerely do not intend that and am genuinely happy that you find your niche in his blades. I find my niche in rustic, function over form stuff that no doubt many others relegate to bargain bin offerings. That's cool, we all have our groove.

Just don't think that because I choose not to support them that I don't understand them.

No disagreement here. But if you purchase one expecting it to be free from issues, you'll very likely be disappointed. I think the correct attitude is treating it as an expensive project knife.

Also, note that the smile that comes glued on the box is worth like $100 on its own.

 

[HumbleHomeCook]

No disagreement here. But if you purchase one expecting it to be free from issues, you'll very likely be disappointed. I think the correct attitude is treating it as an expensive project knife.

Also, note that the smile that comes glued on the box is worth like $100 on its own.

I don't purchase any knife expecting it to be free from issues. I have an idea of the amount of issues I'm okay with commensurate with the price when I buy one. Then when I get it, I adjust my scale and reevaluate and draw my conclusions.

When I look at a TF knife, I know the odds are it will be far from free of issues and I'm not paying him a premium for me to do his finish work.

Too many other makers I'd rather support including some KKF supporters.

 

[M1k3]

No disagreement here. But if you purchase one expecting it to be free from issues, you'll very likely be disappointed. I think the correct attitude is treating it as an expensive project knife.

Also, note that the smile that comes glued on the box is worth like $100 on its own.

Heiji makes a much cheaper project knife with less 'Wabi Sabi' to fix.

 

[daveb]

I don't purchase any knife expecting it to be free from issues. I have an idea of the amount of issues I'm okay with commensurate with the price when I buy one. Then when I get it, I adjust my scale and reevaluate and draw my conclusions.

When I look at a TF knife, I know the odds are it will be far from free of issues and I'm not paying him a premium for me to do his finish work.

Too many other makers I'd rather support including some KKF supporters.

WTFWTFWTFWTFWTFWTFWTF

 

[ethompson]

I'm interested about the Unshu too, what makes it your choice over the TF? Better grind, taper, or better steel?

Grind is cleaner typically. Similar overall but with less wabi sabi. Steel is as good if not better. Still takes a laughably clean edge without even trying but to my use is maybe a hair less fragile feeling. @refcast is better at exposing edge feelings than me… and typically Unshu is cheaper. Also the iron he uses has lovely figure.

 

[SwampDonkey]

In this go around, the Yukimitsu won out. It'll be a few weeks before it is made and shipped.

Did request certain measurements and go custom or just see what you get from the "place order" button?

 

[blokey]

Did request certain measurements and go custom or just see what you get from the "place order" button?

They are usually made to order anyway, so it’s better to talk with Michael and get what you want.