Help find a 240 Was gyoto

[Gooi]

Hi Folks

I want to level up and get a killer performing WA gyoto. I was looking at Kono Fuji but you can't get them. Then I turned my attention to Denka but that looks like a long wait too and many say over priced.

So you can see approximately what my budget is. I want carbon and preferably stainless clad. On the thin side. I am a competant cook sharpener and can thin but I do find it a bit of a drag.

I imagine the real value out there is in the lesser known brands and models. This is where I would appreciate the wisdom of this community.

Here is my kit for context:

Shappton glass X 5
Atoma X 3
Takamura Hannah 210
Yoshikane gyoto + bunka
Ryosen blazen
Doi yanagi
White deba and usuba
Hap40 nikiri
Gesshin white Chinese cleaver

 

[enrico]

Y Tanaka from JNS or Migoto, not stainless clad though.

 

[Qapla']

Have you contacted any Australian makers?

 

[Bico Doce]

I would highly recommend the kochi line from Japanese Knife Imports. Made by wakui, hard to find a better value. These are great performers. There’s a stainless clad version but it’s out of stock

https://www.japaneseknifeimports.com/collections/kochi/products/kochi-240mm-kurouchi-wa-gyuto

 

[Gooi]

Have you contacted any Australian makers?

No. Can they really compete with the centuries of craft from Japan?

 

[superworrier]

No. Can they really compete with the centuries of craft from Japan?

Yes
Japan is not the only country that has done bladesmithing (and a lot of that reputation is kind of made up honestly..) but they did keep that tradition alive because of marketing. However, there are many independent bladesmiths around the world who make very high quality stuff (some of whom have trained in Japan, but many have not and still make great stuff). But this occupies a different price tier and I would still say Japan will get you the most value until you're willing to spend 400+ (and usually much more, and usually a waitlist...).

 

[superworrier]

Myojin /Tetsujin Hamono is probably gonna be the closest to FM in terms of performance and feel. The Kikumori Yugiri is also made by the same duo as FM but is stainless clad blue #1, but it only comes in K-tip

 

[Delat]

No. Can they really compete with the centuries of craft from Japan?

There’s some seriously talented makers down your way - Will Newham, Skye Eilers, Black Lotus, Mert Tansu.

It depends on your specific preference, but certainly they’re as talented as any Japanese maker. I’m planning on picking up a Newham and Eilers when I get a chance.

 

[superworrier]

Reading your comments on the other thread, the Kochi sounds your style except it's not stainless clad. It has a shinogi and is thin BTE like Yoshikane but the spine is much thinner. Honestly not sure if you can find a knife with a shinogi thinner than it.

 

[superworrier]

Migoto also still has a Wakui stainless clad 240mm. Not sure if the spine is as thin as the Kochi iron-clad one (same maker) which is also taller, but don't be fooled by the price: it should punch well above its price point and I regret sleeping on Wakui so long after trying 2

 

[WifeNotUnderstand]

Being in Australia and with the AUD to USD exchange rate tanking [and expensive shipping from the US] here are my SS on Carbon picks for you that are in stock locally

Toyama 240 from JNS - SS on B#2
TF SS on W#1 from Protooling Fujiwara Maboroshi | 240mm Gyuto Knife (WA)
Nigara Nigara Aogami (Blue) Super Matt Migaki Tsuchime Finished Gyuto 210/ 240/ 270mm


full carbon
Tetsujin [Myojin sharpener] Tetsujin Blue 2 Kasumi Gyuto 210/240mm

 

[Se1ryu]

Yoshikane SKD 240mm wa Gyuto. Ship from ACT, Australia.

Thread 'BNIB $300 Yoshikane SKD Gyuto 240mm (Aus)' WTS - BNIB $300 Yoshikane SKD Gyuto 240mm (Aus)

 

[Se1ryu]

I want to offer Yoshikane SKD 240 Gyuto but you already own Yoshi

 

[Delat]

Since you mentioned lesser-known makers, and thin geometry let me add one more Western maker:
https://www.birgerssonblades.com/
One of the best cutters I have. Light and smooth through food similar to your Yoshi (but not quite as much of a laser) but a more robust, stiffer feeling overall. I actually haven’t touched my Yoshi since I got a Birgersson earlier this year. His prices are also a helluva deal at <$450 USD.

Swinging back to Japanese makers, I really loved my Yu Kurosaki Fujin gyuto in stainless clad AS core. Definitely a laser to me and just as smooth through food as the Yoshi, but with a slightly more solid feeling. Concave grind vs the Yoshi convex, if that matters to you. Also love my Myojin R2 180mm which is somewhat similar in feel to the Birgersson in use, but I’ve heard some say his 240mm is a bit thicker; I mentioned in the other thread that Myojin works with multiple other hamonos as well.

 

[Qapla']

No. Can they really compete with the centuries of craft from Japan?

That I can't say myself. But the forum's Aussies might have better answers for you.

https://www.kitchenknifeforums.com/threads/aussie-knifemakers-on-ig.48419/

 

[TokushuKnife]

Goko makes stainless clad white #1 with a good heat treat, also has a nice grind.

 

[Cliffkol]

gooi — contact Lee at Migoto and ask his advice re wakui and your wishes. He is very knowledgeable and will not try to pressure you.