While many on KKF are chasing their unicorns and the higher end and pricier knives, I've been dabbling in finding the lower priced hidden gems. I've had a very positive experience with these Hiragatake SLD's:
Epicurean Edge: Japanese and European professional chefs knives
Epicurean Edge: Japanese and European professional chefs knives
The 180mm was supposed to go to our vacation condo for when I occasionally make a meal, but I liked it so much I'm keeping it home. It fits well between the 165mm and my 240mm Kurosaki R2 gyuto. After reading many forum posts about Ginsan steel, I went in search for a 210 gyuto and found this:
Tsunehisa G3 Ginsan Gyuto 210mm
Came in the mail today and so far I'm liking it. Wicked sharp out of the box, the only thing fit and finish wise was the spine was a little bumpy, not uncomfortable but not smooth. 5 minutes on the belt sander it was smoothed and rounded. Not bad for $140. It's relatively thin at 2mm at the spine so it's no WH. A choil shot will be posted tomorrow once the sun comes up. First use will be this weekend, looking forward to it. BTW does anyone know if this knife is the same, looks almost identical and I almost bought it until I found the Tsunehisa for less.
Hitohira Futana S3 Nashiji Gyuto 210mm Sakura Handle
Epicurean Edge: Japanese and European professional chefs knives
Epicurean Edge: Japanese and European professional chefs knives
The 180mm was supposed to go to our vacation condo for when I occasionally make a meal, but I liked it so much I'm keeping it home. It fits well between the 165mm and my 240mm Kurosaki R2 gyuto. After reading many forum posts about Ginsan steel, I went in search for a 210 gyuto and found this:
Tsunehisa G3 Ginsan Gyuto 210mm
Came in the mail today and so far I'm liking it. Wicked sharp out of the box, the only thing fit and finish wise was the spine was a little bumpy, not uncomfortable but not smooth. 5 minutes on the belt sander it was smoothed and rounded. Not bad for $140. It's relatively thin at 2mm at the spine so it's no WH. A choil shot will be posted tomorrow once the sun comes up. First use will be this weekend, looking forward to it. BTW does anyone know if this knife is the same, looks almost identical and I almost bought it until I found the Tsunehisa for less.
Hitohira Futana S3 Nashiji Gyuto 210mm Sakura Handle