Takada no Hamono Ginsan vs. Toyama Stainless Clad Blue Gyuto

[salparadise]

T x K is honestly very good too, beautiful wide bevel but I don't own one so I don't know how it cuts, but other forum members praise it alot so I take it is good.

I’m not that experienced with the many makers, but I snagged a T+K a couple months ago and I’m lovin’ it. Cuts nicely and sharpens up beautifully. Feels nice in hand, good F&F

 

[shtoonkeyg]

Hey all. Just received my custom Shi.Hans thanks to everyone’s very helpful advice in this thread. They are incredible! Thanks again everyone.

Pic attached. 1 210 kiritsuke gyuto, 150 & 100 kiritsuke petty.

Those look beautiful!! Do you just email him to get on his list??

 

[crawdad]

Those look beautiful!! Do you just email him to get on his list??

Yep just email him. He’s a very nice guy.

 

[choppuchoppu]

I feel like I'm asking myself the same questions, so many great knives in this range. Is it true Toyama will retire soon or is that just a circulating rumor?

 

[timebard]

I feel like I'm asking myself the same questions, so many great knives in this range. Is it true Toyama will retire soon or is that just a circulating rumor?

The "get one before he retires" line has been going around for years. But I doubt that means substantially identical knives won't be available - the "lone master" image that many vendors cultivate notwithstanding, I would guess someone (an apprentice, Watanabe, other?) will pick up the hammer when he puts it down in one form or another... if that hasn't happened in all but name already.

(Disclaimer: 100% uninformed speculation, just thinking of Anryu -> Ikeda and Shiraki -> Nakagawa etc. If actually knowledge people say I'm full of it disregard.)

 

[blokey]

I means he's in his 80s so probably he's gonna retire soon or later, but like Timebard said don't buy the knife for the name or age, buy it because you like it. Tho that said his knife is excellent and still well priced consider how the whole industry is going.

 

[choppuchoppu]

The "get one before he retires" line has been going around for years. But I doubt that means substantially identical knives won't be available - the "lone master" image that many vendors cultivate notwithstanding, I would guess someone (an apprentice, Watanabe, other?) will pick up the hammer when he puts it down in one form or another... if that hasn't happened in all but name already.

(Disclaimer: 100% uninformed speculation, just thinking of Anryu -> Ikeda and Shiraki -> Nakagawa etc. If actually knowledge people say I'm full of it disregard.)

Thank you for stoking my FOMO. I think I'll end up picking one up in the future for sure! Definitely have to try a Toyama once!