Hi everyone. I'm Chris.
I picked up my first 'proper' kitchen knife about five years ago while travelling in Japan - a VG10 santoku from Kikuichimonji in Kyoto.
I've been keen to add to the collection ever since, and spent a lot of time lurking on these forums. There's so much expertise here and I found the process incredibly helpful in both getting a better understanding for what I wanted (and also what I didn't want) and also some tips on good makers and retailers. Thank you all!
That led to me recently picking up a 240mm Nakamura Hamono Kaishin Ginsan gyuto (stainless clad Silver 3, with a lovely hairline migaki polish) and a Tsutomu Kajiwara nakiri (Blue #2, kurouchi finish).
I would ultimately like to get a short-ish petty - I've seen a stunning Nigara Hamono that I'm trying to resist - but otherwise very happy with the collection for now! Although I do need to replace my beat-up cutting board at some point...
I'm also planning on taking a knife sharpening course soon and getting some whetstones, so I can do my own sharpening. A bit nervous about that, to be honest, but excited to learn!
I picked up my first 'proper' kitchen knife about five years ago while travelling in Japan - a VG10 santoku from Kikuichimonji in Kyoto.
I've been keen to add to the collection ever since, and spent a lot of time lurking on these forums. There's so much expertise here and I found the process incredibly helpful in both getting a better understanding for what I wanted (and also what I didn't want) and also some tips on good makers and retailers. Thank you all!
That led to me recently picking up a 240mm Nakamura Hamono Kaishin Ginsan gyuto (stainless clad Silver 3, with a lovely hairline migaki polish) and a Tsutomu Kajiwara nakiri (Blue #2, kurouchi finish).
I would ultimately like to get a short-ish petty - I've seen a stunning Nigara Hamono that I'm trying to resist - but otherwise very happy with the collection for now! Although I do need to replace my beat-up cutting board at some point...
I'm also planning on taking a knife sharpening course soon and getting some whetstones, so I can do my own sharpening. A bit nervous about that, to be honest, but excited to learn!