Agree. Legends are “dope,” but ultimately have no bearing on actual performance.
Speaking of performance, I’ve had my Denka in hand for 6 shifts now. Using Asahi boards and working through some heavy production, this blade really does have outstanding edge retention. Also not challenging to sharpen. Thinning and regular maintenance are not so pleasant (thanks, ss cladding), but overall this is a real deal worthy performer.
By now I’ve worked through about 80% of the overground kireha, just for my personal preference of presentation. Ultimately I don’t want to hog through dozens of sharpenings’ worth of steel just to get a clean surface. I’ve come to accept this as just a rustic tool.
I will have a 240 and/or 270 eventually, price be damned. It’s worth the investment for me. I’ll work around catastrophic F&F issues by purchasing through a vendor and communicating my expectations clearly before I pay. It is a bit frustrating that kind of coin gets relatively rough looking products, but for me what’s lacking in aesthetics is made up in performance.
I’m having tons of fun with my TF! Thanks to the vocal supporters for vocalizing your opinions. This time the curiosity paid off.