New TF order, advice?

[Nedfeister]

I'm pretty new to the world of forged knives but after lots of umming and areing over what to get I decided a TF 210mm Maboroshi gyuto with wa-handle.

I not that bothered about f&f but I know some have experienced grind issues so to try a mitigate this to some extent I'm currently in discussion with Gaku and he had agreed to send me pictures of a few blades to choose from.

Whilst I have some limited understanding of what to look for I was just wondering if any more experienced members could give me a few pointers on picking out the right one?

Many thanks!

 

[valdim]

TF...good decision. Hope you get what you prefer and come back with pics. Gaku is helpful.

 

[Nedfeister]

Thanks, I'll post up the pics once I get them, few days hopefully.

 

[Nedfeister]

Got a few pics of two knives from Gaku, both 210mm Maboroshi Gyutos

Knife A:

 

[Nedfeister]

Knife B:

 

[Nedfeister]

I can't see any glaring irregularities to be honest, maybe knife A looks slightly better?

 

[lemeneid]

Just pick the heavier one. Can’t really tell from pictures to be honest. But I like to pick heavier ones so I will have room to thin the blade and take care of low spots too.

 

[Corradobrit1]

Ask for a pic with the blade resting on the flat spot.

 

[Tristan]

How did I know we would hear from lemeneid.

 

[Nedfeister]

Ask for a pic with the blade resting on the flat spot.

I asked Gaku for this if he could, he's been very helpful so far.

 

[Nagakin]

Hard to tell from pictures but knife A looks taller around the middle/tip, so I like the angle of the blade better. I'd ask for measurements and weight then choose based on that over worrying too much about low spots.

 

[Corradobrit1]

Based solely on the pics I'd choose 'A'. But a pic of the blade resting on the board will tell you if there is an overgrind going into the edge, which you want to avoid. Overgrinds further up the blade road are of less concern.

 

[Nedfeister]

Thanks for all the replies

 

[milkbaby]

If I had to pick from these pics, I'd choose A because it seems a little less wabi sabi, nicer edge profile, but this opinion could change handling them in person. You can see some of the variance in grind from the cutting edge bevel height and a little in how the light bounces off the blade road.

 

[chinacats]

I'd cross my fingers and just flip a coin...good luck.

 

[nwshull]

B seems to have a lot of belly compared to A. I'd go A.

 

[Nedfeister]

I just confirmed I asked Gaku to send me A. Thanks for all your help!

 

[Runner_up]

Enjoy it and hope the wait isn't too bad. I've had a denka sitting in a Japanese post office for three weeks now waiting to be shipped to USA.

 

[Nedfeister]

Enjoy it and hope the wait isn't too bad. I've had a denka sitting in a Japanese post office for three weeks now waiting to be shipped to USA.

Oh no! Sorry to hear that. I wanted mine shipped straight to jobone to fit one of his handles but Gaku told me the Japanese post office had suspended parcels to the US, hopefully it will still be able to come to the UK instead.

 

[Corradobrit1]

I just confirmed I asked Gaku to send me A. Thanks for all your help!

If you can ship DHL. Hopefully Japan Poste to UK isn't delayed or worse on hold indefinitely like to the USA

 

[Nedfeister]

If you can ship DHL. Hopefully Japan Poste to UK isn't delayed or worse on hold indefinitely like to the USA

I was told that it wasn't although I think I have to except some delay in the current circumstances..

 

[Nedfeister]

Big thanks to all who gave advice, it's much appreciated!

 

[Nedfeister]

Ok so the knife arrived. I must say it's beyond expectations, f&f is fine for me, grind looks good too I'm so happy! It's a beautiful object the handle doesn't quite live up to the blade but it's going to get one of jobone's upgrades anyhow.

I must say the service and ordering experience via TF direct has been fantastic, Gaku is very helpful and willing to help select a knife, etc. The little touches in the box with note, cloth and wrapping really make for a nice Japanese touch.

If anyone is considering ordering from TF I can wholly recommend it from experience, well worth the extra effort for the custom service you receive.

 

[Nedfeister]

Thanks again for all your help and advice!

 

[Chicagohawkie]

Like a box of chocolates........ ya never know what your gonna get.

 

[Nedfeister]

Like a box of chocolates........ ya never know what your gonna get.

Well not quite true if you deal direct as I was sent pictures and picked the one a wanted!

 

[Runner_up]

Nice looking knife. I think ordering direct is the way to go and have never had a bad experience. Enjoy it!

 

[Corradobrit1]

Nice looking knife. I think ordering direct is the way to go and have never had a bad experience. Enjoy it!

+1 xFIVE

 

[nwshull]

Glad you like it. Nothing like a TF's white 1 with a fresh edge.

 

[valdim]

Congrats with the new TF Maboroshi, Nedfeister! I hope you will enjoy it for a long, long time.