Help me make a decision

[Draynur]

So after months of weighing my options and missing out on the Takada No Hamono drop on CKC because I was busy working on our new nursery, I've decided to pull the trigger in a different direction.

Right now my choices are narrowed down to two main options and one stretch option, all of which would likely come from KnS.

Yoshikazu Tanaka White 1 Dammy 210

Hatsukokoro Komorebi Blue 2 210

With either of these options I'd add on a really nice handle, one of the double metal spacer versions.

The final "stretch" option is the Tetsujin Blue 2 Tanryusen 210 which I probably wouldn't spend to upgrade the handle, at least not right away.

So, KKF community, which knife would you pick and why? I am slightly leaning towards the Yoshi Tanaka since I already have a Shigeki Tanka B2, so the different steel is intriguing, however I have seen endless praise for the other two options, especially the grind on everything that Myojin touches.

Thanks for all input

 

[mockit]

I don’t think you can go wrong but if a Takada No Homono is what you are after it might be worth a WTB in BST. There have been a few on there lately. Someone may be willing to let one go .

 

[daveb]

https://knivesandstones.us/collecti...-210mm-stainless-cladding-with-nashiji-finish

 

[dehory]

For ~$33 more than the K&S Komorebi B2 with teak handle, you could get a Komorebi B1 damascus with ebony handle at Homebutcher (code START2023 makes it $393 shipped) that sounds like a better knife.

In terms of Tetsujin, for $100 less than the Metal Flow 210 at K&S, I think the smarter buy would be a kasumi 210 with a very nice Taihei rosewood handle.

And the even smarter buy would be one of these two Tetsujins on BST.

Edit: Since you mention the double metal spacer handle upgrade, I realise you’re ordering from K&S Australia, which changes the cost calculations a bit…

Unless you’re dead set on Y Tanaka, I’d go for the Tetsujin or Komorebi B1 (or a Yoshikane as mentioned earlier).

If you really want to get a Y Tanaka, I’d seriously consider looking into a Hado Junpaku instead of the one at K&S. You lose the damascus ironclad visuals, but you gain first class grind/F&F at a similar price point. Unfortunately an amazing looking one that had been tempting us all on BST for a while just sold.

Edit 2: Also, make sure you look at actual measurements when shopping. The Sakai 210s (including Tetsujin) are closer to 200mm in actual edge length. They start feeling a bit short to me personally. Unless you’re sure you want a 200mm gyuto, I’d strongly suggest checking out a 240, which has a ~230mm edge length.

 

[jacobwilder5]

For what it’s worth my most used knife at moment is a Tetsujin kasumi 240. It’s not the best in any one category but it’s a great all rounder that I just seem to grab for.

I also sold my Komorebi b2 before I used it. The profile and fit and finish just didn’t do it for me. That said I’ve heard good things about them and I’m sure any of those choices will perform well for you.

 

[Draynur]

For ~$33 more than the K&S Komorebi B2 with teak handle, you could get a Komorebi B1 damascus with ebony handle at Homebutcher (code START2023 makes it $393 shipped) that sounds like a better knife.

In terms of Tetsujin, for $100 less than the Metal Flow 210 at K&S, I think the smarter buy would be a kasumi 210 with a very nice Taihei rosewood handle.

And the even smarter buy would be one of these two Tetsujins on BST.

Edit: Since you mention the double metal spacer handle upgrade, I realise you’re ordering from K&S Australia, which changes the cost calculations a bit…

Unless you’re dead set on Y Tanaka, I’d go for the Tetsujin or Komorebi B1 (or a Yoshikane as mentioned earlier).

If you really want to get a Y Tanaka, I’d seriously consider looking into a Hado Junpaku instead of the one at K&S. You lose the damascus ironclad visuals, but you gain first class grind/F&F at a similar price point. Unfortunately an amazing looking one that had been tempting us all on BST for a while just sold.

Edit 2: Also, make sure you look at actual measurements when shopping. The Sakai 210s (including Tetsujin) are closer to 200mm in actual edge length. They start feeling a bit short to me personally. Unless you’re sure you want a 200mm gyuto, I’d strongly suggest checking out a 240, which has a ~230mm edge length.

So the Homebutcher code was a game changer, decided to hit one out of left field and get a Nakagawa + Myojin B1 Dammy ktip. I’ve always loved the look of the ktip and the 205 mm length should be a great sweet spot between my bunka and 240 gyuto

 

[DitmasPork]

So after months of weighing my options and missing out on the Takada No Hamono drop on CKC because I was busy working on our new nursery, I've decided to pull the trigger in a different direction.

Right now my choices are narrowed down to two main options and one stretch option, all of which would likely come from KnS.

Yoshikazu Tanaka White 1 Dammy 210

Hatsukokoro Komorebi Blue 2 210

With either of these options I'd add on a really nice handle, one of the double metal spacer versions.

The final "stretch" option is the Tetsujin Blue 2 Tanryusen 210 which I probably wouldn't spend to upgrade the handle, at least not right away.

So, KKF community, which knife would you pick and why? I am slightly leaning towards the Yoshi Tanaka since I already have a Shigeki Tanka B2, so the different steel is intriguing, however I have seen endless praise for the other two options, especially the grind on everything that Myojin touches.

Thanks for all input

If it were me—I’d wait patiently for a Takada; if really, really chomping at the bit to buy something, then go for the Tetsujin. I’ve both, love them both. Of the 2, Takada is special.

 

[choppuchoppu]

So the Homebutcher code was a game changer, decided to hit one out of left field and get a Nakagawa + Myojin B1 Dammy ktip. I’ve always loved the look of the ktip and the 205 mm length should be a great sweet spot between my bunka and 240 gyuto

I really enjoy mine, you made a great choice