They were 650 for sure in December at CKC. They actually released the next batch at a lower price though (600).
Takedas at CKC in a few days too. Already in store. I was almost tempted but watched the first cut in this video and decided against it
Not to nitpick but shouldn't depreciation of the yen make things from Japan cheaper instead of more expensive?With the depreciation of the Yen and the macro economic situation more broadly, it was only a matter of time before some of that got passed on to consumers. I’ve heard through some smaller shops in Japan 25%+ hikes from Sanjo are happening on all new orders…
Unless they raise prices as compensation for that, which is partially what’s happening.Not to nitpick but shouldn't depreciation of the yen make things from Japan cheaper instead of more expensive?
You'd think that, but being that they do so much business w/ overseas retailers, they're more keenly aware than most that they're getting hurt on the exchange.Not to nitpick but shouldn't depreciation of the yen make things from Japan cheaper instead of more expensive?
With the depreciation of the Yen and the macro economic situation more broadly, it was only a matter of time before some of that got passed on to consumers. I’ve heard through some smaller shops in Japan 25%+ hikes from Sanjo are happening on all new orders…
Yes, the immediate, short-term effect is that for current stock items foreign purchasers often get higher value. However, for retailers who do much or most of their business outside of their domestic market - and Im inclined to believe that there are more high-end Japanese knives sold outside of Japan than within - this can result in some unfavorable price pressures. Larger companies that deal primarily in exports, tend to raise their prices in this type of situation.Shouldnt this end up being cheaper since USD has strengthened against the yen? Most of these retailers cost is local and purchased in Yen, no? I would think the price will be lowered and not higher. Take prices at Miura for example. Purchasing in JPY gives you a discount vs their USD prices.
I think the raising prices is more a factor of 'because they can' vs increasing costs for the retailers.
https://knifewear.com/products/yu-kurosaki-a2-fujin-yanagiba-270mm?variant=38156435980462
This is the first time I see a You Kurosaki Yanagi. Also it's the first time I see him use Blue2 steel.
Yup, it is very rare knife. Beautiful f&f by Yu Kurosaki san. Nice round choil for comfort. Polish spine, choil...just feel good in the hand.https://knifewear.com/products/yu-kurosaki-a2-fujin-yanagiba-270mm?variant=38156435980462
This is the first time I see a You Kurosaki Yanagi. Also it's the first time I see him use Blue2 steel.
The increase in price for knives for external buyers due to yen dropping would only make sense if a Japanese maker bought steel or tools from the outside of Japan. For example if Japanese makers are using Swedish steel for their knives and yen fell vs sek then this could cause some increase, but that should be more than compensated by yen falling since steel is a small portion of the price of a knife. Prices are definitely rising, but it is not due to yen falling against other currencies. It seems to be mostly driven by much higher demand from external buyers willing to pay higher prices and possible less supply due to less Japanese makers, but this is not clear and might be relatively temporary. The increased demand seems to be the major driving force.Yes, the immediate, short-term effect is that for current stock items foreign purchasers often get higher value. However, for retailers who do much or most of their business outside of their domestic market - and Im inclined to believe that there are more high-end Japanese knives sold outside of Japan than within - this can result in some unfavorable price pressures. Larger companies that deal primarily in exports, tend to raise their prices in this type of situation.
It's not that the yen depreciates and all the sudden US customers are paying more from Japanese retailers - you correctly identify the opposite is the case. It's that primarily dollar denominated business (like, say the Sakai and Sanjo wholesalers) suddenly feel price pressures and raise their wholesale prices, which eventually gets passed along to the consumer. It is important to remember that the larger knife making regions are functionally cartels (in the economic, not popular sense - implying NOTHING sinister here). For instance I've heard from a Japanese retailer that many Sanjo makers got together and agreed on price hikes for wholesale orders moving forward to help combat their exposure to a depreciating yen and other macro-economic trends. Prices at the wholesale level take time to trickle down to domestic consumers.
Anyways... regardless of cause, I won't be surprised to see knives we've been used to paying $300-500 for move up into the $450-850 territory. And knives that may have retailed for $1,200 might soon be much more. I was quoted about ¥300k for a Shig Kitaeji yanagi recently from separate sellers...
TL;DR - currency depreciation might cause short term value for us knife buyers buying straight from Japan but long term is liable to lead to price hikes to compensate (or more than compensate) from wholesalers
*I am not an economist, so could be totally off base in my understanding here. Additionally many have far superior understanding of the Japanese knife market than I, I’d defer to them if new info comes up.
His SG2 is treated to 65-66? That's pretty high. I'm more of medium grind guy now but this is really tempting.Not sure if anyone is interested.. Shibata Kotetsu in-stock at RSK (Dustin)
Code: "USA" for 20% off
https://realsharpknife.com/collections/kotetsu
That has to be wrong, don't think sg2 can reach that high. Maybe it's copied over from the AS? As far as I know 63(maybe 64) is the tippy top for sg2.His SG2 is treated to 65-66? That's pretty high. I'm more of medium grind guy now but this is really tempting.
I remember Sukenari treat theirs to 64-65, that's the hardest I can think of.That has to be wrong, don't think sg2 can reach that high. Maybe it's copied over from the AS? As far as I know 63(maybe 64) is the tippy top for sg2.
From what I have seen, sukenari is advertised at 62-64, and 63. Regardless I don't think 64+ is actually possible, going to ask my knifemaker friend.I remember Sukenari treat theirs to 64-65, that's the hardest I can think of.
I got the number from Sugi, seems like they overstated the number too. Others list Sukenari SG2 more in 63 lines.From what I have seen, sukenari is advertised at 62-64, and 63. Regardless I don't think 64+ is actually possible, going to ask my knifemaker friend.
@DrEriksson could tell more about it as this knife seems to be from a massdrop he organized.I know it's no longer available, but seriously this looks awesome.
https://moderncooking.com/en-us/products/spare-x-ob-gyuto-220mm-modern-wrought-aogami-super-core
I saw that Collab on Spåre's Instagram, too. I don't think that's the same collab tho, the 20 blades are between Smedja Aspen and Spåre, while this one is Spåre and Oblivion blades.@DrEriksson could tell more about it as this knife seems to be from a massdrop he organized.
Here's more info about it.
Looks Familiar!https://www.piercingknives.com/shop/p/fredrik-spare-240mm-gyutoFredrik Spåre Honyakis.
KnS just got them in stock too, but list it as 180mm.
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