Mom's Birthday

[Fisher1573]

I love knives, but I'm into traditional folders and I don't know anything about kitchen knives. My mom likes to use my CV Case Trapper in the kitchen, she really likes the patina that forms. She cleans and oils it when she's done so I know she'll take care of a nice culinary style knife. I'd like to get her a carbon steel knife for $250 or less, preferably around a 5-6" blade. Anyone have a favorite in that range? Brand names/knife names please.

[jimnolimit]

masamoto HC series petty (120mm or 150mm) would be a great carbon steel choice.

[bluntcut]

Kochi 150mm Kurouchi Wa-Petty - V2 steel. Could I suggest 180mm (7") knife, it's still very maneuverable in a small kitchen.

[Benuser]

Have a look at the Misono Swedish Carbon series. F&F are exceptional. Would you go for Masamoto, please ask Koki (from JCK) to have a look before sending, F&F are unpredictable.

[parbajtor]

I'm partial to kanetsune products, but they've gone more heavily into stainless damascus with Sandvik 12c27 cores

[jimnolimit]

Would you go for Masamoto, please ask Koki (from JCK) to have a look before sending, F&F are unpredictable.

i also read about some F&F issues, but those were from a few years ago. i picked up a masamoto HC 240mm gyuto last year (from korin) and the F&F is excellent.

[Benuser]

That's exactly why I said unpredictable: sometimes horrible, sometimes flawless.

[jimnolimit]

That's exactly why I said unpredictable: sometimes horrible, sometimes flawless.

all the reports of not so good F&F were from a few years ago, all the newer reviews that i have seen are good. maybe they had some issues that are now corrected?

but like you said, it's always nice to talk to the seller before hand to ask and double check.

p.s. i was fortunate to be able go to korin's showroom, so i had a chance to see and handle the knife before i bought it.