Is this a defect? Should I complain?

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NJDJ

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I am new to Japanese knives and just acquired my first 2 directly from Watanabe. So, let me begin by saying I don't know my ___ from a hole in the ground (that is why I am here!). That said, I was wondering about some grinding marks on one of my brade new blades. It is only on one blade and one side and that is why I wonder whether it is in the scope of normal. Should I address this Watanabe or is it just normal for a hand made blade? I should note that it was somewhat difficult to photograph and once the blade develops some petina, it probably will be even more difficult to see. The sunlight light is hitting it just right in the first picture, so it probably looks its worst in that photo. I don't want to accept a defect because I am new to all of this, but I also don't want to complain about what are normal manufacturing variations. What do you all think? What say you experts?

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It’s not a defect, nor it’s desirable tho. Watanabe is not really known for fit and fish and this can happen. You can write to him and likely he will tell you it is normal for hand made product.
 
It’s a 100% aesthetic and 0% functional flaw - not worth a complaint imo as some makers are more about performance than aesthetics and Watanabe is one of them.

I don’t think it will naturally go away with use though as I’m guessing the cladding on that knife is stainless.

Once you use the knife enough you’ll need to thin it, and you can buff this out when you get to that point.

For now, you’re lucky - you’ve got the first scuff already so you can crack on using it as intended and not worry about babying your new knife 🤠
 
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Yeah, looks normal to me considering Watanabe's fit and finish is a bit rough usually. Great performers though!

What 2 knives did you get?
 
NJDJ said:
I am new to Japanese knives and just acquired my first 2 directly from Watanabe. So, let me begin by saying I don't know my ___ from a hole in the ground (that is why I am here!). That said, I was wondering about some grinding marks on one of my brade new blades. It is only on one blade and one side and that is why I wonder whether it is in the scope of normal. Should I address this Watanabe or is it just normal for a hand made blade? I should note that it was somewhat difficult to photograph and once the blade develops some petina, it probably will be even more difficult to see. The sunlight light is hitting it just right in the first picture, so it probably looks its worst in that photo. I don't want to accept a defect because I am new to all of this, but I also don't want to complain about what are normal manufacturing variations. What do you all think? What say you experts?

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Very minor and insignificant, wouldn’t effect performance at all, adds to the rustic charm and handmadeness of that kurouchi blade.
 
Looks within the threshold I'd expect for a ku finish. Over time the black Kunis going to fade anyways. I think that's part of the charm of that type of finish
 
@NJDJ Defects I do look for is obviously uneven grind, crooked blade, bad handle installation, lamination issues, chipped heel/tip that's more than a millimeter or two, badly scratched blade, etc. You knife looks good.
 
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