Help .Wakui or Yoshikane

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You have them, or are considering them?
They're both great cutters. I have a Kochi V2, and a Konosuke/Yoshikane SKD: So, slightly different versions of both. The Yoshi is more of a laser, and the Kochi has a bit more convexity. Both quite thin behind the edge.
Also, I believe Wakui once worked at Yoshikane, so that may account for some similarity.
At those prices, and presuming you're in the EU, I'd go with the Wakui. You wouldn't be disappointed in either.
 
Huge Yoshi fan here - best off the shelf knife on the market (IMHO). WIll offer that I don't recommend them to those new to the knife world, keeping the profile and the thin behind the edge geometry may be a challenge.
 
Yoshi is a little thinner behind the edge, but the bigger difference is on the profile. Wakui has one of the best profile out there, while Yoshi’s profile is a little dead flat near the heel of the knife. If you can get used to the profile of Yoshi, it has the best semi-laser cutting performance.
 
I like the flatness and steel of the Yoshi better but the distal taper, height, and grind of the Kochi/Wakui V2 were all preferable to me.

Did a little write up here when comparing both 240s, amongst other things. I can't speak to Wakui's shirogami but his V2 left a little to be desired in the edge retention department, though very easy to get screaming sharp. Better fit and finish than the Yoshi. Yoshi will have far longer edge retention
 
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I think either will be great choices. Swampdonkey is right that the Wakui edge retention isn't real good if you are cutting acidic ingredients. It sharpens quite easily with a quick stropping on a splash and go stone like a Shapton glass 4000. The Wakui is just well done convexing and will be easy to sharpen in general. The Yoshikane will be easy to take care of, have a better lasting edge overall, and is a great knife for all styles of cutting. The Yoshikane is more of a laser than the Wakui.
 
yoshi great white2 steel but hate the stainless cladding, not fan of profile or grind. I haven't owned a wakui but would prolly go that route if given choice, lol.
 
I’ve had many of both, and still have many of both. So my recommendation is … both! They’re both great choices. The differences are mostly in the small details.

If you have strong profile feelings, Yoshi is flatter, Wakui is a little more curved (maybe Wakui is an easier transition if you’re new to the knife hobby).

If you have strong edge-retention feelings, the SKD Yoshi has noticeably longer edge life than the Wakui V2 (which is similar to White 2 steel).

If you have strong stainless feelings, go with the Yoshi for easier care, or go with Wakui if you love cool patina colors.

Good luck! Both are classics for a reason.
 
Last edited:
captaincaed said:
I’ve had many of both, and still have many of both. So my recommendation is … both! They’re both great choices. The differences are mostly in the small details.

If you have strong profile feelings, Yoshi is flatter, Wakui is a little more curved (maybe Wakui is an easier transition if you’re new to the knife hobby).

If you have strong edge-retention feelings, the SKD Yoshi has noticeably longer edge life than the Wakui V2 (which is similar to White 2 steel).

If you have strong stainless feelings, got with the Yoshi for easier care, or go with Wakui if you love cool patina colors.

Good luck! Both are classics for a reason.
Click to expand...
This!
 
Personally I prefer Wakui in all aspects, but Yoshikane is no slouch.

I currently have 6 Wakui knives in my collection.

That being said if a Zensho Yoshikane popped up I would swoop that real fast. (Hell, coulda been Wakui back in the day)
 
jaydee said:
There are also iron clad Wakuis in aogami at https://www.japanische-kochmesser.c...Wakui-Aogami-Nashiji-Kurouchi:::109_1115.html
You have pay extra import though.

Epicurean edge have them too (US)

Japan-Messer-Shop only have a santoku left in aogami and the next batch (~christmas) will be much more expensive as Wakui raised prices considerably.
Click to expand...
Is the aogami migaki that JMS carries iron clad? I couldn't tell from the auto translation and found conflicting reports.
 
Don't have any Yoshi experience, but my 210 Wakui shirogami, while not my very best cutter, feels best in hand. F&F for the price is extraordinary I think.
 
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