TF Denka - Wa vs. Yo Handle?

[CB780]

Hi KKF Community,

Looking for some advice.

I’ll be adding a Santoku Denka to my collection and I am struggling between going with a Wa vs. Yo handle.

Any input from the community on their thoughts on what they think is best for the Denka would be appreciated. I have both Wa and Yo handles across my collection and don’t really have a strong preference between the two.

Apparently, it’s said that TF is a fan and prefers the western handles for his knives, should that be taken into consideration?

Here is a pic between the 2 handles I’m debating on for reference. In terms of looks, I’m leaning towards the red Wa handle but ultimately utility and performance is most important.

Thanks,

 

[Benuser]

You may consider easy reselling as a factor as well.

 

[curreel]

Somehow, the finger notch looks better with the western handle. Otherwise, wa handle for me every time.

 

[bill_zeng]

HI
For an authentic traditional Japanese blade design, I recommend a wa handle.

If the blade has a modern design or a Western design, I recommend a yo handle.

 

[Yoshi]

With TF it's always going to be a bit of a gamble, you never quite know what you'll get.

The general idea is that the f&f of wa handles are often better than western.

 

[miggus]

The general idea is that the f&f of wa handles are often better than western.

And also, it is much easier to fix / replace a suboptimal Wa handle than a Western one.

 

[JASinIL2006]

I have a 210 Denka gyuto with a wa handle and a 210 Maboroshi with a yo handle. Both blades have the finger notch. I find the wa handle to be more comfortable (using a pinch grip) and I actually prefer how it looks. The yo handle on the Mabs is fine in terms of fit and finish, but it moves the balance point a bit more toward the handle.

I haven't noticed a huge difference in resellability for Denkas with wa vs. yo handles on BST. They seem to sell pretty well either way.

 

[thisisfed]

That red Wa!

 

[Johnsmyname]

This thread is old, but for posterity I have both wa and yo and prefer yo with the deep finger notch. The yo shows the poor fit and finish more but it’s kind of expected with a TF anyways unfortunately.

 

[birdsfan]

I have to agree with everything John just said. One thing I will add is that the balance on the wa handle is usually more blade forward, if that is your preference. With the 210 and 240 yo handles, the balance is usually just about at the heel, at least on mine.