Op: if you have a doubt about buying a Kato then don't buy it!
@redinsburning yes you were lucky to get one for 550$ and yes Kato is not for everybody. But don't compare it to other makers. I did not understand Kato until i tried other workhorses. That simple design, the perfect balance, that taper that slight convex which will not make slices stick to a high grind like a magnet...you don't see this in most makers. These are details that separate the perfect from mediocre. If you can't see these differences it means you don't need a Kato. What the heck for most people a custom or a hello kitty knife it's the same thing...a knife.
If you are like me and you like art, history and have a mind that strives for perfection then you might appreciate finding such details that reveal the genius of a maker.
As for Tsourkan or Mazaki, i don't see Kato copying any of their profiles, grinds or style...I believe it's the other way around.