Which Masutani to get?

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tostadas

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I'm about ready to grab at least one as a beater for friends and family, or maybe a wife knife. For those that have one, which model do you have, and what are your thoughts? I can see benefits for each of the gyuto, santoku, and nakiri.
 
Really good knives. I see them as a cheaper Takamura alternative. Not as good, but close enough.

Their VG10 is prone to microchipping, while their VG1 is much tougher. Don't know about the nakiri, but their santoku and gyuto shapes are very similar.
 
I have a Masutani santoku with a Western-style handle. It's made of VG10 steel. I really enjoy using it.
At the same price range, most Japanese knives with Western-style handles are welded. Only Masutani knives are non-welded, I really appreciate this feature.
I don't like welded handles, even though they can also meet the strength requirements.
 
We have had the red handled nakiri and santoku in VG1and they sharpen well, get very sharp and hold the edge well. They reside now with my kids and they are their favorite knives.
How did the two profiles compare in your opinion?
 
I started my knife journey with the Masutani V1 Tsuchime Gyuto, it now stays at my moms place.
Zero issues with chipping and she chose the profile over a takamura, I believe it is also ever so slightly taller?
Would be my #1 recommendation for a beginner/first japanese knife.
Aside from the length difference I honesty cant tell the difference between the santoku or gyuto.
 
I always prefer the tip on a santoku since they are so similar. I can scoop things fine on the santoku. My wife and daughter in law prefer grabbing the nakiri. Both would benefit from a little of your “spa treatment” since the spine and choil aren’t rounded, but, at their price, you’re not going to get that. They are great looking and hit far above their price. Like Takamuras, they have small handles, but, for most people, they like the western handles. There are some nakiris with Wa handles and I’d prefer one of those if available.
 
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