So, I think it is about the time for some feedback, even though the Hokkaido pumpkin test is yet to take place
First think that I realised when I took the knife out of the box was 'wow, it is light'. The combination of thin & hollowed grind with a lightweight handle makes you think you have a smaller knife in hand. In fact - the weight is comparable to my 180 mm Kochi
Even though the knife is so light, Robin managed to keep it from becoming butt-heavy mainly thanks to using curly birch for the handle wich apart from looking great is also a rather lightweight wood. The center of mass is at around the etched logo and so the knife feels neutrally balanced with a pinch grip.
Few more words on the handle - I really like it. For my tast & hands this one feels a little too large give how lightweight the knife is, though it is not oversized on an absolute scale. Tge F&F is great and you just have to hold it in your hand to appreciate the feel of the birch wood - very velvety. I also appreciate that Robin is using materials that come from his region - it adds additional character to the knife.
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The blade has a very nice hand rubbed finish.
The knife is very pointy, with relatively flat profile. I was very curios how I will like it as I tend more towards blades with a little more curve to them - and it worked fine
The advantage of the flatter profile is that it is easier to work with the tip without having to point the knife downwards too much.
The blade is exceptionally thin - the thickest piont before the hollow part starts is just under 1.0 mm - that is VERY thin and comparable to my Kochi at that distance from the cutting edge (around 9 mm).
Next to Kato 240 WOrkhorse. I suppose I do not need to tell you which knife is which
The blade being so thin as it is, with the hollo grind, strong distal taper and pinty tip, the knife tends to flex more than a mid-weight knife would, but I do not find it excessive, but one would nottice it at times when working with the tip. My personal preference are more on the stiff side, but I do not see what that would not be doable - since the spine could be left thicker a little withut affecting the overall performance of the knife.
I have used the knife with variety of vegetables (though some more use is planned). It came with a very nice edge with a good ballance of bite and refinement, so I did not sharpen it. Since the knife is so thin, you are not going to experince wedging here. The thin tip goes through onions nearly without reistence. Food release is better than other knives in this weight/thickness category I have used.
Preliminary conclusion
Well made, exceptionally thin knife with unique design and neutral balance. Well worth serious consideration if you are in a market for a 'laser'
Thank you Robin for letting us try your work