The discussion above obviously relates a lot to the emerging markets and practises specifically in the US, and no surprise that lots of this stuff would go on.
One reaction I have is how so-so knives sold by new makers can have an adverse negative impact on how quality knives by 'established' makers are. For eg, disappointed buyers of the $450 knives by the so-called apprentice could then wonder if the mentor's knives are equally crap. His reputation slides due to an unwanted link to a wannabe or apprenctice maker.
Sorry, but another thought I have is that the discussion so far reassures me again that I'm still best aiming my purchases toward the safer shores of Japan and Japanese makers, rather than chance things on stuff from elsewhere.
This has been hashed over...pretty much to death. You're honestly not a ton safer with a 'Japanese' knife than with a Western knife. I've seen a $1200 Misono with a huge overgrind. Misono's response to the problem when approached?
"The edge of a blade is steel.
It isnt go back to be as good as new.
But it is natural condition.
I think you dont worry about it.
Sincerely yours,
Mizunotanrenjo"
I think the main perceived value of Japanese knives is 'Well, I only paid $2xx for it and it cuts food better than Western production knives, so I can overlook overgrinds and fit and finish issues'. I know this isn't an issue across the board of course...and certainly doesn't apply to the above (rather expensive) Misono, but it's the perception I have from the growing number of Japanese knives I've handled, which includes price points starting from a JKI Ikazuchi to said Misono.
Understand also, I'm not defending Western makers nor am I attacking Japanese makers. I'm just saying that the assumption of 'Japanese is a safe bet' has been proven false many times...other than it's sometimes less expensive, making for a less expensive 'gamble'. There are plenty of Japanese makers who've put out junk, and plenty of Western makers with a reputation for solid high performance and quality. The onus is on you as the consumer to do your research on either before dropping your money.
And as for the story in my previous post, the moral is that if you buy from some podunk maker with no established reputation who is obviously trying to hustle you with name dropping or glaring similarities to an established guy's knives...be prepared for the results of your gamble to come out as something other than in your favor. Go into it with eyes open and understand that the purchase is what it is, a gamble...and don't be scared to ask for your money back if you have issues that the maker won't fix or even acknowledge (another hallmark of a rip-off artist). You may not get it, but at least the stink caused might warn others away. You might also consider asking the guy who's being used as a selling point.
Anyhow, just a few thoughts from the other side of that fence
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