Favourite western/yo handles?

[JKerr]

Hey all,

I'm going to have a shot at rehandling a couple of my old western handled knives (Misono, Sabs, Sugimoto amoung others) and was curious to hear your favourites and equally important any features you dislike in them. Aesthetics, height, width, straight sides or coke bottle etc etc.

Personally I like the pretty chunky handles on the Sugimotos. Others I've enjoyed from memory were Nenox, Haslinger (shame about the grind, maybe they're better now), nogents. It's been many years since I've used one but Hattori FH and Saji's were good but didn't particularly standout.

If anyone out there is lucky enough own or have used a yo Jiro or Shig I'd be curious to hear your thoughts. I love the way they look but at the same time they don't look particular great for actual professional use. Though I understand this is going to be subjective.

Thanks in advance!

Josh

 

[blokey]

Same with Sugimoto, fat and comfortable, Ryusen Blazen is similar. Newham handle is flashy but very comfortable to hold, too

 

[ethompson]

Not a fan of the shig handles in use honestly. Superb aesthetically though.

Bolsterless westerns are my favorite. Fat in the middle and tapering both directions.

 

[fortheloveofmoar]

Easy for me. Bidinger. I LOVE BIDINGER. His handles are so nice. I like how they fit well in the palm in the pinch grip. I’d also say Robin Dalman makes my other favorite handle.

I’ll grab some photos in a sec

Edit: so no cons here. But calling out specific things I really like.

- the handle I close and allows me something under my middle finger when pinched up.

- I Ike the contoured grip where it flairs wider and then gently tapers in the Hf and bidinger. The Dalman is fine where it’s not flat, but that contour is particularly nice. Again the Dalman is fine because imo it’s thick enough that it doesn’t feel lacking.

 

[Nemo]

Martell. Admittedly western shaped Wa handles. Super comfy. Beautiful to look at.

 

[ryans_knives]

Also Interested in peoples opinions on this topic. Currently looking for some nice western full tang knives having only used a handful in the past. Also agree with @ethompson that the bolsterless westerns are my favourite to use. I do enjoy my integral Morihei coke bottle handle though.

 

[Tekkz]

Huge huge fan of Newham handles.

 

[zizirex]

Ryusen, Takamura, Heiji and TF

 

[fortheloveofmoar]

Martell. Admittedly western shaped Wa handles. Super comfy. Beautiful to look at.

Got pics??

FWIW. Ymmv (to state the obvious) I found newhams to be almost too large and shapely . Maybe I have a more petite hand but it was a smidge too big for me if memory serves. But he makes beautiful handles and knives

 

[JKerr]

Just had to google Heidi western handle. I had no idea he ever made them. Reminded me a little of the old Yoshikane westerns.

Anyone have experience with Butch Harner's handles? I never thought the shape was that pretty but they looked like they'd be pretty comfy.

 

[blokey]

Just had to google Heidi western handle. I had no idea he ever made them. Reminded me a little of the old Yoshikane westerns.

Anyone have experience with Butch Harner's handles? I never thought the shape was that pretty but they looked like they'd be pretty comfy.

I like the one on my boning knife, big and fits well, tho the wood seems to shrunk a bit and I can feel the rivets now, tho not a lot

 

[Corradobrit1]

Xerxes Primus handles. Like slipping your hand into a kid skin glove. No other Western handle I've tried comes close.

 

[jaydee]

Did not have too many westerns but the Mac pro gyuto stood out as my absolute favourite. Tapered and perfect for pinch grip

 

[Corradobrit1]

Ashi Honyaki is a good 2nd place. Ergonomics are excellent. Contoured perfectly with just the right amount of girth where it matters for my size hand.

 

[ryans_knives]

Can we get some photos of some favourite handles in here

 

[Corradobrit1]

Can we get some photos of some favourite handles in here

Sure

 

[Corradobrit1]

Don't have pic of the Xerxes Primus. Case of nice handle, shame about the warped blade. I returned it.

 

[Moooza]

A Kato western with one of Dan's handles:
https://www.kitchenknifeforums.com/threads/kato-shigefusas-iwasaki-collector-grade-stones.15462/

 

[Qapla']

So far Kanehide and Zanmai Classic Pro. No experience with Western artisans yet.

 

[Tekkz]

Don't have pic of the Xerxes Primus. Case of nice handle, shame about the warped blade. I returned it.

 

[NotAddictedYet]

Sure

Who is the maker of this?

 

[Tekkz]

Who is the maker of this?

That's an Ashi Honyaki. Pretty affordable knives I think.

 

[NotAddictedYet]

That's an Ashi Honyaki. Pretty affordable knives I think.

Thanks, I am confused by the kanji on it. Don't think 川越 means Ashi (芦) , I guess that's the retailer's brand name?

 

[Sabs]

Sabatier Farm Knife.

 

[Corradobrit1]

I guess that's the retailer's brand name?

Correct

 

[JKerr]

Loving the profile on that Sabatier!

 

[Keithpaints]

I like handle on Magnacut chef knife Ironwood dropped heel comfortable. Also liked HHH western made of all types exotic materials.

 

[Keithpaints]

After removing pin scatches the olivewood K Sabatier is decent.

 

[fortheloveofmoar]

I like handle on Magnacut chef knife Ironwood dropped heel comfortable. Also liked HHH western made of all types exotic materials.View attachment 350611

Doberman forge?

Looks super nice and comfy

 

[Keithpaints]

Yes & I love desert ironwood the only one he had.