Help looking for a 240 stainless gyuto / kiritsuke in Europe

[ap1487]

Hi guys, I need some help!

Was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on the best 240mm stainless steel gyuto or kiritsuke for around €300-400. I’ve gone around all the shops and stock seems to be fairly low. Here’s what I could find and I’d welcome any thoughts or advice. I currently use a 210 Yoshikane SKD and a Kotetsu Bunka, so am looking for a larger, easy to take care of, fully stainless steel knife to add to my set. I use those knives for work prep but I want something for the home and not have to worry about wiping it down all the time. I prefer other finishes over a plain migaki, as nice as simplicity can be, I prefer something visually a bit more intriguing.

Does anyone have any experience of these below?
- Yu Kuorsaki Senko SG2 Yu Kurosaki Senko Koksmes 24 cm, € 315,00
- Nigara SG2 Nigara SG-2 Kurouchi Koksmes 24 cm, € 339,00
- Yoshimi Kato SG2 Yoshimi Kato SG-2 Tsuchime Gyuto 24 cm, € 325,00
- Yu Kurosaki Raijin Cobalt Special Yu Kurosaki Gyuto 240mm Cobalt Special Steel Raijin
- Shiro Kano SG2 Gyuto

PS: I need the shop to be in Europe (not UK)

 

[Luxusborg]

I would personally go for Sakai or Sanjo knives. But here are some other options, (including migaki finish, sorry)
I own the Kaeru and Futana S3 Nashiji but in 210mm sizes...and both are fantastic knifes punching way over their pricepoint.

Akifusa Gyuto 240mm SRS-15
https://www.cleancut.eu/butik/knifetype/gyuto/kockkniv-1-2042-2043-detail
Kaeru Kasumi Stainless Gyuto 240mm
https://www.japanesenaturalstones.com/kaeru-kasumi-stainless-gyuto-240mm/
Hitohira Futana S3 Migaki Gyuto 240mm Cherry Wood Handle
https://kamimoto.co/product/hitohira-futana-s3-migaki-gyuto-240mm-cherry-wood-handle
Hitohira Futana S3 Nashiji Gyuto 240mm Cherry Wood Handle
https://karasu-knives.com/products/aaa-030-24-fa240
Hitohira Ashi Swedish Stainless Gyuto 240mm
https://karasu-knives.com/products/aaa-165sw-04-fa240
Kazoku Ginsan Migaki Gyuto 24cm
https://www.meesterslijpers.nl/kazoku-g3-
Makoto Kurosaki SG2 Tsuchime Gyuto 240
https://www.meesterslijpers.nl/makoto-kurosaki-tsuchime-sg2-gyuto-210

 

[ap1487]

Thanks for the tips, will check these out!

 

[Jovidah]

I never took a specific interest in K-tips so I have no specific recommendations, but 2 things that came to mind reading your post:

-There is no such thing as 'best', even within a budget class. There's different knives that make different tradeoffs. If you know what your preferences are (for example in weight, profile, balance) it's a lot easier to at least match up knives to preferences.

-Stock being low has always been a thing, and only got worse in the last few years as more and more people started getting into J-Knives. Even as corona settles down I wouldn't expect that to change anytime soon.

 

[Fredde]

I own the Kurosakis, the Nigara Hamono and the Shiro Kamo in your original post. Love them all but if I had to select only one, it would be the Nigara. IMHO, from a home cook/happy amateur perspective cooking mostly Swedish, Italian and Asian food, it’s a rock solid performer that feels fantastic in the hand, cuts really, really great while it also looks really good. Now, I’m not the person to comment on blade geometry etc, I’m not that skilled. So I won’t. ☺ But I’m really, really happy with it FWIW. Worth noting is that it’s length is measured from the handle so the blade length is something like 227mm or so. Hope you end up with something you enjoy!

*Edit/correction; I own the Rajin, but not the Senko. And a Fujin and a Shizuku (misread and thought it was the Shizuku).

 

[Boynutman]

Hi Ap,
for that budget there is a lot of options, nice!
But also a lot of variables like western- or wa, thin blade or more work horse, convex grind or wide bevel, etc.
You may want to fill out the questionnaire just to get some more argumented suggestions:

https://www.kitchenknifeforums.com/threads/the-which-knife-should-i-buy-questionnaire-v2.12791/

 

[madmotts]

+1 on nigara sg2. I have the Ktip tsuchime KU and I dig it. it’s really pretty. Nice feel to the blade surface and f&f. Great cutter- it slips through hard product like firm apples. Not too sticky on cucumbers (they will stick). There’s a little bit of stoutness not almost flexy like my Shibata. Flattish with an ever so gentle curve that is nice compromise for Yoshikane detractors.

Possible negatives- It’s laserish ~2.3 w almost no taper, runs short (length) and a hollow grind. initial edge is a hint fragile OTB. With that being said I like this much more than I thought I would (taper, grind). I’m really surprised more folks aren’t talking about Nigara.

That Kamo sg2 seems cool- super tall, nice taper-thicker coming out of the handle. Profile is curvy tho and the only kamo I had wasn’t as good a cutter as I thought it would be. I’m curious tho. Kurosakis are good cutters too.