The $400USD Kit. What Do You Choose?

[HumbleHomeCook]

I was recently asked to perform a very similar exercise to this and I thought it may be helpful to other, especially newer, members.

The rules:

1. Must contain at least two knives - style, composition, etc. open.
2. Cannot include deals or discounts.
3. You do not have to factor in shipping but of course it would be good to have some cushion to cover it where needed.
4. Should be readily available or at least re-stocked somewhat routinely. No out of production, long wait times, or hard to get items.
5. It must include some basic sharpening gear.

The spirit of this is to give people options of outfitting themselves with a really good performing kit and that they can get their hands on rather easily. How many combo's will you come up with?

THE JACK OF ALL TRADES, CARBON KIT:
- Munetoshi 210 Gyuto: $175
https://www.japanesenaturalstones.com/munetoshi-kurouchi-gyuto-210mm/

- Kawatsu 120 Funayuki: $90
https://knifejapan.com/kawatsu-hamono-funayuki-bocho-120mm-aogami-2/

- Mercer Bread Knife: $25
https://www.amazon.com/Mercer-Culin...6fbab970370e3235a61506eef63a003e&gad_source=1

- Shapton Kuromaku 1000: $50
https://www.amazon.com/Kuromaku-Ceramic-Whetstone-Medium-Grit/dp/B001TPFT0G?th=1

- Atoma 140: $55
https://www.amazon.com/Atoma-Diamond-Sharpener-Coarse-Grade-＃140/dp/B00BN32EXY/ref=asc_df_B00BN32EXY/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693071387887&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14812655349868458684&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9033786&hvtargid=pla-370325869117&psc=1&mcid=4187c2c5009e3a76b081065482fef991&gad_source=1

TOTAL: $395
You can swap the Munetoshi for a Kyohei Shindo 210 when they come back in stock and knock off about $60. That could go to a Shapton Glass 500, paring knife, or whatever. A Zakuri 210 would also be a good swap in. You could also drop the bread knife you don't eat crusty bread but there is no better tool when you do need one.


THE JACK OF ALL TRADES, STAINLESS KIT:
- Tsunehisa Ginsan 210: $180
https://carbonknifeco.com/products/tsunehisa-ginsan-migaki-gyuto-210mm

- Mac Pro Paring: $70
https://cutleryandmore.com/products/mac-professional-paring-knife-8054

All other items from Carbon Kit.

TOTAL: $370.
A Kaeru Kasumi Stainless 210, Gesshin Stainless 210, or a JCK Kanetsugu 210 would all make good substitutes for the Tsunehisa.


THE JACK OF ALL TRADES, WESTERN (Yo) KIT:
- JCK Original Kagayaki 210 ES: $110
https://japanesechefsknife.com/coll...to-180mm-to-270mm-4-sizes?variant=29158784643

- Gesshin 120 Paring: $35
https://www.japaneseknifeimports.com/collections/petty-knife/products/gesshin-120mm-paring-knife

- Sakai Kikumori Nihonko 240 Sujihiki: $115
https://carbonknifeco.com/collectio.../sakai-kikumori-nihonko-carbon-sujihiki-240mm

All other items from the Carbon Kit.

TOTAL: $390


THE DARE TO BE DIFFERENT KIT #1:
- Kiyohei Shindo 170 Nakiri: $100
https://tokushuknife.com/products/kyohei-shindo-nakiri-keyaki-handle

- Okahide Kitchin Mini: $70
https://knifejapan.com/okahide-hamono-kitchen-mini-115mm/

- Sakai Kikumori Nihonko 240 Sujihiki: $115
https://carbonknifeco.com/collectio.../sakai-kikumori-nihonko-carbon-sujihiki-240mm

- Shapton Kuromaku 1000: $50
https://www.amazon.com/Kuromaku-Ceramic-Whetstone-Medium-Grit/dp/B001TPFT0G?th=1

- Atoma 140: $55
https://www.amazon.com/Atoma-Diamond-Sharpener-Coarse-Grade-＃140/dp/B00BN32EXY/ref=asc_df_B00BN32EXY/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693071387887&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14812655349868458684&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9033786&hvtargid=pla-370325869117&psc=1&mcid=4187c2c5009e3a76b081065482fef991&gad_source=1

TOTAL: $390


THE DARE TO BE DIFFERENT KIT #2:
- JCK Original Kagayaki Basic ES 180 Santoku: $105
https://japanesechefsknife.com/coll...agayaki-basic-series-kg-3-santoku180mm7inch-1

- Victorinox 4in Paring: $10
https://www.amazon.com/Victorinox-4-Inch-Classic-Paring-Straight/dp/B0067VLYOM/ref=sr_1_1?crid=DOEEIQP40VS6&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.1pItJS38I98XIzA_cXeDrV3S5ioMmcbJJHHc36kBIKiXncAwuWaJf0HifgtAVd_8_8NRQ9fMz9BLyRU_d7FGRZK1Ur2SrJvi2u2VuuqQARpWqWQUNuledGCmjz3dAY5yes_hDhjrHU9A7G3d0sjMyomRA94FJooX-moMDj80pA9Usmhsn_A9jg3dU8pmt7vPPKmXlufVi_kLpPmlLvcJIXnas9EgXJJlDseT3gTyz9sRggiWV8oujRTUPfVgrMK2yuMKGfb95jqaf7pfnsUrLD4p_4ilbMGB506Jvum1Xi4.Jh8a8w4z15OsYZKmSzXlsbJjkB6pyu7OkmU0a2uPY_k&dib_tag=se&keywords=victorinox+4in&qid=1717884359&s=industrial&sprefix=victorinox+4in,industrial,143&sr=1-1

- Sakai Kikumori Nihonko 240 Sujihiki: $115
https://carbonknifeco.com/collectio.../sakai-kikumori-nihonko-carbon-sujihiki-240mm

- Shapton Glass 500: $50
https://www.amazon.com/Shapton-Glass-stone-500-HR/dp/B0034YXW5Y

- Shapton Glass 2000: $70
https://www.amazon.com/Shapton-Glass-stone-2000-HR/dp/B0034YXW7W/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2N2G13KQWXUTK&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.zmnJ40wbHIuROIPJ0MkEef-PHsQVfZsTt_dc7GLWC3kOj8UvxDqpuBCxJ3c33mu5bePPUYxjU9Aq_sZBAWK7Jei39W4bLQ1thVGMw4xPnOElnKKkXKPKqLau1nkTqjA45pZZIPOyb-0FLx8O5JIulKw1SaW9orsD__wK5KwmqneVCNt0Gej8hGoQjuf5vChdM6WgyJXH0cVZWYCdHTLVKjFxvcpXhkcLvHXyR3-pSaPbaDtjzrtwvs5Kf3-P7yZohK5A9OwhaexcRMQ2pcuUGmGBdS0ARBe6G-nHzxFhuXw.NmMGN96Vf7_uFPt0Aj3T7Ra2f_of96sd_78Mwau5NA8&dib_tag=se&keywords=shapton+glass+2000&qid=1717884484&s=hi&sprefix=shapton+glass+2000,tools,195&sr=1-2

- Chef Knives To Go 140 Diamond Plate: $30
https://www.amazon.com/Atoma-Diamond-Sharpener-Coarse-Grade-＃140/dp/B00BN32EXY/ref=asc_df_B00BN32EXY/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693071387887&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14812655349868458684&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9033786&hvtargid=pla-370325869117&psc=1&mcid=4187c2c5009e3a76b081065482fef991&gad_source=1

TOTAL: $380


Of course there's a ton of offerings and options I haven't listed so let's see what you come up with. Folks could always look at our ideas and then do a mix and match of their own.

And yes, I know you can just recommend a Victorinox 8" chef's knife but this is about taking a step up but still not breaking the bank. It's harder than you might think. Get creative. I mean, we at least need a cleaver option.

 

[HumbleHomeCook]

THE MASTER OF ONE KIT:
- Munetoshi 210 Gyuto: $175
https://www.japanesenaturalstones.com/munetoshi-kurouchi-gyuto-210m

- Victorinox 4in Paring: $10
https://www.amazon.com/Victorinox-4-Inch-Classic-Paring-Straight/dp/B0067VLYOM/ref=sr_1_1?crid=DOEEIQP40VS6&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.1pItJS38I98XIzA_cXeDrV3S5ioMmcbJJHHc36kBIKiXncAwuWaJf0HifgtAVd_8_8NRQ9fMz9BLyRU_d7FGRZK1Ur2SrJvi2u2VuuqQARpWqWQUNuledGCmjz3dAY5yes_hDhjrHU9A7G3d0sjMyomRA94FJooX-moMDj80pA9Usmhsn_A9jg3dU8pmt7vPPKmXlufVi_kLpPmlLvcJIXnas9EgXJJlDseT3gTyz9sRggiWV8oujRTUPfVgrMK2yuMKGfb95jqaf7pfnsUrLD4p_4ilbMGB506Jvum1Xi4.Jh8a8w4z15OsYZKmSzXlsbJjkB6pyu7OkmU0a2uPY_k&dib_tag=se&keywords=victorinox+4in&qid=1717884359&s=industrial&sprefix=victorinox+4in,industrial,143&sr=1-1

- Shapton Kuromaku 220: $45
https://www.amazon.com/Shapton-Shar...ix=shapton+220,garden,177&sr=1-1-catcorr&th=1

- Shapton Glass 500: $50
https://www.amazon.com/Shapton-Glass-stone-500-HR/dp/B0034YXW5Y

- Shapton Glass 2000: $70
https://www.amazon.com/Shapton-Glas...i&sprefix=shapton+glass+2000,tools,195&sr=1-2

- Atoma 140: $55
https://www.amazon.com/Atoma-Diamond-Sharpener-Coarse-Grade-＃140/dp/B00BN32EXY/ref=asc_df_B00BN32EXY/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693071387887&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14812655349868458684&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9033786&hvtargid=pla-370325869117&psc=1&mcid=4187c2c5009e3a76b081065482fef991&gad_source=1

TOTAL: $360

 

[ian]

CCK 1301
Tanaka Ginsan 150
Shun paring
SP 2000
Some sandpaper.

(Ok, maybe what I’ve done here is just list the knives that I use most often, besides the ones I ground.)

 

[chiffonodd]

Clarification: should this kit be considered for a high volume/fast paced commercial environment, or the leisurely home cook?

 

[HumbleHomeCook]

THE DARE TO BE DIFFERENT KIT #3, LASERS & GEMS:
- JCK Original Kagayaki Basic ES 180 Santoku: $105
https://japanesechefsknife.com/coll...agayaki-basic-series-kg-3-santoku180mm7inch-1

- Sasaoka Hasami 165 Nakiri: $105
https://knifejapan.com/sasaoka-hasami-nakiri-165mm/

- DMT Dia-Sharp Fine (25 micron): $60

- DMT Dia-Sharp Extra Fine (9 micron): $55
https://www.amazon.com/DMT-D8F-Dia-...i&sprefix=dmt+diasharp+,tools,151&sr=1-3&th=1

- Belgian Blue Whetstone: $70
https://www.bestsharpeningstones.co...name=Belgian Sharpening Stones&product_id=225

TOTAL: $390

 

[HumbleHomeCook]

Clarification: should this kit be considered for a high volume/fast paced commercial environment, or the leisurely home cook?

Your call. I was thinking the home user but no reason you can't make a commercial kit and name it as such.

 

[instantramen]

The JKI fanboy minimalist set:

1. Gesshin Stainless Set from JKI (240mm gyuto and 150mm petty) -- $275
https://www.japaneseknifeimports.co...roducts/gesshin-stainless-set-150mm-and-240mm

2. Gesshin 1000/3000 combo stone -- $45 (I actually like this stone a lot)
https://www.japaneseknifeimports.co...d-combo-stones/products/1000-3000-combo-stone

Total: $320

Put the rest in your Takada Suiboku savings fund

 

[chiffonodd]

I think that the most complete kit really needs four knives: (1) main chef knife; (2) a petty/utility knife; (3) a paring knife; and (4) a bread knife.

So, for either pro or home use, to get everything at $400, I'd go with:

Misono 440-series 240 gyuto: $183 (JCK)
Misono Moly-series 150 petty - $70 (JCK)
Tojiro ITK Bread - $64 (CKTG)
Victorinox 3.25 parer: $13.05 (Amazon)
King KDS 1K/6K Combo stone with Stone Holder and Nagura: $69.95 (Amazon)
-----------------------------------------
Total = 400.00 even

Ideally you would also include something for lapping at some point, but how about some sandpaper glued to a flat backing for negligible additional cost?

 

[Just a DK]

Jesus you thought a lot about this…

Suehiro 1k/3k - $36.45 from amazon
CKTG Flattening Plate - $29.95 cktg (can't link)
Tojiro 3 Piece DP Set - $174.95 cktg
Shindo square + handle $113 Tokushu
Mercer bread knife - $20

$374

 

[Vertigo]

Home Kit:

Misono Sweden 240mm gyuto ($167)

Misono Sweden 80mm parer (because this challenge needs two knives) ($68)

King 1k/6k combo (the newer full size ones that cost the same as the old ones) ($30ish)

Drywall screen and piece of ceramic tile ($5ish)

Total $270 give or take, spend the rest on a bread knife or bottle of scotch idk

Pro Kit:

Misono Sweden 270mm gyuto ($200)

Tojiro DP 210mm petty ($96)

Same stone and flattening setup ($35ish)

Total $331

Spend the rest of a bread knife or a cheaper bottle of scotch idk

 

[AT5760]

Tosa Twosome

Zakuri 165 Bocho ($95) - https://knifejapan.com/zakuri-tosa-gata-bocho-165mm-aogami-1/

Tosa Tadayoshi 240 Gyuto ($155) - https://bernalcutlery.com/collectio...40mm-tosa-style-wa-gyuto-aogami-1-oct-ho-horn

King 800 ($30)

Suehiro Ouka 3k ($40)

$80 left for a bread knife and parer if you really want to round it out. (Opinel at $12 and Tojiro F-687 at $64)

 

[Taurahe]

I'm gonna combine home cook and commercial ..... With budget , I am also going to assume entry to mid level experience with both sides.

Probably gonna be the oddball here , but let's see....

Takamura Chromax santoku $115
MAC chef 5.5 utility $47
Tojiro 270mm bread knife $64
Chef sac Travel knife roll $30.
King 1k/6k combo $30
Shapton kuromaku 320 $40
Fine grit ceramic rod $30

This will do 98% of anything a home cook or mid tier commercial cook will need to do with out specialized or specific knives, IMO. Sharpening and maintenance is covered , and a decent knife roll to keep them in for the commercial folk.

Total is $356 , leaving a handy budget for some other essentials such as a good peeler , instant read thermometer , good measuring spoons and whatnot.

Can you go fancier ? Absolutely. But this kit focuses on maximizing performance at a reasonable budget ,and covering the needs of the cook. Everything can be upgraded easily as time goes on, but as a starting point this is a rock solid kit .

 

[M1k3]

Before I answer let me ask a question.

Size preferences?

 

[Vertigo]

I'm gonna combine home cook and commercial ..... With budget , I am also going to assume entry to mid level experience with both sides.

Probably gonna be the oddball here , but let's see....

Takamura Chromax santoku $115
MAC chef 5.5 utility $47
Tojiro 270mm bread knife $64
Chef sac Travel knife roll $30.
King 1k/6k combo $30
Shapton kuromaku 320 $40
Fine grit ceramic rod $30

This will do 98% of anything a home cook or mid tier commercial cook will need to do with out specialized or specific knives, IMO. Sharpening and maintenance is covered , and a decent knife roll to keep them in for the commercial folk.

Total is $356 , leaving a handy budget for some other essentials such as a good peeler , instant read thermometer , good measuring spoons and whatnot.

Can you go fancier ? Absolutely. But this kit focuses on maximizing performance at a reasonable budget ,and covering the needs of the cook. Everything can be upgraded easily as time goes on, but as a starting point this is a rock solid kit .

I take a little exception to you suggesting I slice prime rib with a 270 bread knife. You're not *wrong*, I just don't like it xD

 

[HumbleHomeCook]

Before I answer let me ask a question.

Size preferences?

All you.

 

[M1k3]

I take a little exception to you suggesting I slice prime rib with a 270 bread knife. You're not *wrong*, I just don't like it xD

Now, bread sword. YASSS!!

 

[gentiscid]

Masahiro VC 240mm: $95
Takamura SG2 210 mm: $175
Naniwa 400: $65
Naniwa 3k (Gouken Arata): $55

Total: $390

 

[M1k3]

The SwampDonkey:

Shindo 210mm Gyuto $130
Shindo SRK8 Tall Nakiri $145
Shindo 120mm Petty $100

Norton India fine + paper strop

 

[M1k3]

The Tostadas:

(Slightly over budget)

Okubo 250mm "Nakiri" A K.A. A moderately sized @BillHanna Cleaver

Okubo 180mm Nakiri

 

[Jovidah]

I would lean to throwing most ofmthe budget onto a gyuto..so something like an Ashi Ginga 240 in stainless, whether wa or yo is optional.
I would recoup budget by optimg for utilitarian stuff in other categories. Performance wise there isn’t a ton of difference between cheap Victorinox paring knives and higher end options...similarly a Victorinox 26 cm pastry knife will fulfill all serrated needs for years. If yoh want a cheap option for processing proteins (fillleting fish, trimming meats) I'm partial to the very affordable Mora Companion Fishing Comfort Fillet 155 (stupid name, great knife).
Other gyuto options that come to mind are the cheaper Sukenari options or Shigeki Tanaka...if you can find either in stock.

For cost-down options I'd gravitate towards JCK's lineup of home brands and stuff like Fujiwara Kanefusa.

 

[Ochazuke]

Deep impact 180mm gyuto $140
Ashi ginga w2 240mm suji $250

 

[Jovidah]

Could also just go with a Henckels 10 inch chef knife and a Ken Onion Work Sharp.
Or a 240 Kanehide TK and a tiny stone for in-hand sharpening and a bunch of old forgecrafts.

More seriously, if someone prefers small stuff I'd put a Robert Herder K5 into consideration.

 

[Taurahe]

I take a little exception to you suggesting I slice prime rib with a 270 bread knife. You're not *wrong*, I just don't like it xD

I didn't really suggest that .... I wouldn't want to do it either. But they are handy for slicing tomatoes , peppers etc.... As well as bread.

 

[HumbleHomeCook]

Deep impact 180mm gyuto $140
Ashi ginga w2 240mm suji $250

I like the sentiment but sharpening gear is a requirement.

 

[Jovidah]

To break out an old classic: if you can afford to spend 400 on these kind of things, you can afford 500. If you can afford 400 but not 500 you really shouldn't be spending 400 to begin with.

 

[cleanfil]

Fantastic thread. Cant wait to see what people post and what people snag up.

Eyeing the Okahide Kitchin Mini for general purpose already so my other utility one has a friend.

 

[HumbleHomeCook]

To break out an old classic: if you can afford to spend 400 on these kind of things, you can afford 500. If you can afford 400 but not 500 you really shouldn't be spending 400 to begin with.

Nah.

 

[HumbleHomeCook]

Fantastic thread. Cant wait to see what people post and what people snag up.

Eyeing the Okahide Kitchin Mini for general purpose already so my other utility one has a friend.

I use mine a lot.

Michael of KJ also said it's his travel knife.

 

[Dave]

I think aesthetics are just as important as performance so here's my kit:

Shapton Glass 500 - $44
Shapton Glass 2000 - $56
Shiro Kamo AS 240mm Gyuto - $192
Shiro Kamo AS 135mm Petty - $107

Total = $399 or so, depending on currency exchange rates.

...and you can buy the Atoma 140 later

 

[xsmx13]

Setup 1:

240mm S. Tanaka ginsan Gyuto $193 @ KnS Au
150mm S. Tanaka ginsan petty $110 @ KnS Au
3" Robert Herder paring $28 @ Bernal Cutlery
Naniwa Chosera 400 $50 @ the Evil Empire of Immediate Gratification
Total: $381

Setup 2:

210mm Shindo Gyuto $130 @ CKTG*
150mm S. Tanaka ginsan petty $110 @ KnS Au
3" Robert Herder paring $28 @ Bernal Cutlery
270mm Tojiro Bread Slicer $64 @ the Evil Empire of Immediate Gratification
Naniwa Chosera 400 $50 @ the Evil Empire of Immediate Gratification
Total: $382

*I'd rather buy from Tokushu, but for a budget package the CKTG handle is preferable