You're probably right, but I still think it's more of a marketing device than a real practical difference. CrapKnivesToGo and TKA are at opposite ends of the spectrum in the relatively small world of North American kitchen knife retailers, but Konosuke has to keep them both happy. I seriously doubt any of us would be able to tell the difference in practical use between the TKA blue 1 and CKTG blue 2 versions.
But something has to justify their price difference, and the slightly different steel is enough for TKA customers to imagine their version is somehow ineffably superior. Meanwhile CKTG customers get to feel like they're getting a bargain and can justify still paying a ridiculous amount of money for a knife. It's like the function of generic and name brands of the same product. It's a win-win for both retailers for their specific customer base.
Nicely written.
IMO, when one starts looking at gyutos in the $400+ range, the laws of diminishing returns often comes into the equation.
Lots of variables—all valid—comes into pricing, like materials, labor, rarity/uniqueness, authorship. Target audience, price point the maker positions the knife has a big roll in establishing the price.
For example, probably 98.9% of KKF members scoff at the $800 price tag and 1 year delivery time of a Chelsea Miller chef's knife—but to many of her collectors, her knives are worth every penny, with a formidable queue patiently waiting for a knife. Demand and authorship justifies her pricing—the fact that they sell is proof that they are appropriately priced.
Performance is one of the things I value most in a gyuto. Regarding performance/price, my Takada (b1) out performs my Kato workhorse which is valued at twice the value—authorship ups the price of Kato.
Some have mentioned that the 240 TF Denka is overpriced. For me, the 240 TF Denka is very fairly priced, despite its rough finish—authorship, performance, great steel, mystique, justifying price.
True when you say difference between "TKA blue 1 and CKTG blue 2 versions" might be imperceptible, but even if TKA version is a bit higher in price, I'd prob go with TKA, if only because I like dealing with them.