Which of these knives?

[Julian]

Hi guys! Long story short, I'm in the market for a smaller gyuto or a petty, in the 150-180mm range, to complement a bigger chef knife. This knife will probably see almost daily use and I am more inclined towards a gyuto as more versatile but open to suggestions. Knuckle clearance is important and I would like for it to be thin and light. Maintenance etc is not that important.

I live in Switzerland and the offer is limited, Cleancut and others don't ship here plus hidden import charges make things difficult. My best bet is probably this local importer that I came across, they seem to carry more obscure brands but I could be wrong. Which of these if any seem legit and a good deal to you? My budget is 200 max, for some of the knifes they have the option of 10% off with the importer's logo which I don't mind. Lastly, if you come across better options on the site that I did not list, give me a shout.

Tokaji Aogami 2 Black Gyuto 185mm Magnolia
Tanaka Shigeki Aogami 2 Black Gyuto 185mm
Zakuri AS Wa-Santoku 170mm RO
Ashi Hamono Wa-Gyuto 180mm Shirogami
Konosuke GS Wa-Santoku 180mm
Moritaka Aogami Supreme Petit 150mm octagonal
Hiroshi Kato Wa-Gyuto 180mm AS Kurouchi
Katsushige Anryu Wa-Gyuto 180mm Hammered CO
Kohsey Aogami Super Santoku 180mm
Masakage Yuki Wa-Gyuto 180mm
Tanaka Shigeki VG-10 Nashiji Wa-Gyuto 185mm Keyaki

There are a couple of santokus in the list that are in the same ballpark.

 

[parbaked]

Tanaka Aogami & Ashi Shirogami are legit.
Ashi should have better fit and finish.
Note the Ashi runs a bit short @ 175mm x 40MM

Zakuri knives are nice but more rustic and thick, but good steel. I have a 210 petty that I really enjoy.

Konosuke is good choice for semi stainless so easy maintenance.

I'd be happy with any of the above...

 

[Stratguy]

I would get the Ashi.

 

[GorillaGrunt]

Tanaka Blue 2

 

[Elliot]

Assshhhhiiiii

 

[GoodMagic]

Ashi. Impeccable grind, finish and heat treat. Thin and wonderfully light.

 

[Julian]

Of course everyone is recommending the two knives that are not in stock I will ask how long it would take. In the meantime, any other recommendations?

The Ashi is Shirogami 2 monosteel, any special considerations with that? It does look very thin and light with 1.8 mm at the heel and 1 at the tip, I guess that is what you would call a laser. If the knuckle guard is only 40 mm I would be a bit concerned, it's the minimum I can live with.

 

[Matus]

In would seriously consider the Munetoshi 165 petty - which in fact is a small gyuto (40mm tall). Great little knife.

 

[Matus]

If you consider Zakuri, than have a look at the 165 funayuki (super blue or blue#2)

 

[Elliot]

Ashi is carried by a lot of places. Gesshin Ginga from JKI, Carbon Knife, several others

 

[mack]

A-S-H-I

What else?

Mack.

 

[Julian]

In would seriously consider the Munetoshi 165 petty - which in fact is a small gyuto (40mm tall). Great little knife.

Thanks Matus, that one is not available here.

 

[Julian]

Ashi is carried by a lot of places. Gesshin Ginga from JKI, Carbon Knife, several others

Thanks, none of those stores are an option here.

 

[Elliot]

Forgive me missing that.
Could you have a buddy elsewhere in the EU order and then ship to you? Lots of people do that type of thing.

 

[kayman67]

If you buy something from EU, there are taxes?

 

[mack]

https://www.japanische-kochmesser.ch/

The only shop in Europe that sells Ashis. And absolutly trustworthy, my deal with Mr. Röllin was a joy.

It's a pity this shop isn't in a country of the EU, I would buy lots of knives there.


Mack.

 

[mack]

If you buy something from EU, there are taxes?

If you live in Switzerland, which isn't part of the EU, there are taxes, yes.

Mack.

 

[kayman67]

Bummer. I would have expected some sort of agreement, like others.

 

[Matus]

No Switzerland wanted to keep its ‘special’ status. I am not sure how well is that working out for them.