The USPS arrived this morning with the shipment from JKI: the new Hide 240mm Blue #2 gyuto. Here is my first impression, followed by some iPhone photos.
The knife is short, but substantial. No surprise, as I knew this from the dimensions on Jon's site. What was a surprise is that the cladding is frosted. This does not come across on Jon's photos, but, now that I know what to look for, I can see it. I have not put the knife through any product as yet, but I do like the feel in my hand. Similar to the knives I like most: Kato, Teruyasu Fujiwara, Heiji, Kochi. Great slabs of steel tapering down to very thin, sharp edges. The polar opposite of Konosuke.
Fit and finish is quite good - better be for the price! The handle is not that great. I much prefer Jon'r typical burnt chestnut handles. The edge is very good, however. Usually I sharpen my new knives right away, but I will wait on this one. All in all, I am very happy so far. My only complaint is that there is little to choose from to compliment this knife in Jon's Hide line. For example, the photos show the knife along with a Kato 180mm petty great size to compliment a big gyuto.
Happy Holidays, all!:dance:
http://www.liftmarketing.com/hide1.jpg
http://www.liftmarketing.com/hide2.jpg
http://www.liftmarketing.com/hide3.jpg