I used the search feature and couldn't find much about Kanetsune knives... Are there any owners out there that can speak as to the quality of these knives? Any comment on the steel used (described as "15-layer damascus blue steel" by online vendors), what type of grind, overall appearance, etc?
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any Kanetsune owners out there?
- Thread starter Metric
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I have a 4 inch ( appx) utility/hunter made of the blue steel. It's forged, but not layered. The workmanship is excellent, the steel is excellent, and the price was decent. I like mine very much, and it takes an excellent edge and holds it pretty well. I've come to like the steel better than 1095,52100,5160. In some ways it sort of reminds me of a forged o-1 blade. Good luck with it. JL
Thanks Mastiff, I'm going to order one of their smaller blades (sub 4" blade) that might be able to perform the fixed blade equivalent of "every day carry" (i.e. not exactly "every day", but only when clothing options allow for discrete carry). Its a bit of an experiment for me... I'm glad you like the quality of their knives, steel etc. They are definately something of an unknown for me.
One additional question, was your example convex ground with a rolled edge?
Interestingly, almost all online vendors use the same crappy low-res images of these knives -- it is difficult to judge what they look like. I found an exception here: http://www.japaneseknifedirect.com/images/Img728.jpg
The smaller one (3.75 inch blade) is the one of interest to me, and I will probably write a small review in due time.
One additional question, was your example convex ground with a rolled edge?
Interestingly, almost all online vendors use the same crappy low-res images of these knives -- it is difficult to judge what they look like. I found an exception here: http://www.japaneseknifedirect.com/images/Img728.jpg
The smaller one (3.75 inch blade) is the one of interest to me, and I will probably write a small review in due time.
Daniel Dorn
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- Apr 21, 1999
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I've seen several of their knives in A. G. Russell's catalog. They do not carry junk, so I take that as a testimony to their quality.
I saw a few on my last trip to A. G.'s store, and they looked very nice. I'm pretty tempted to get one.
Daniel
I saw a few on my last trip to A. G.'s store, and they looked very nice. I'm pretty tempted to get one.
Daniel
- Joined
- Apr 21, 2006
- Messages
- 5,611
Yes, it is. That looks like a nice one you have picked out. It's all very traditional. Notice the handmade sheath. The blade comes wrapped in paper to protect it. Mine was ground very well, and sharp. The steel is pretty fine grained ( with tungston added), and clean. I like it better than the "White" plain steel, which is also very good. Clean with little impurities, they both take excellent edges, but the Blue steel holds it longer under most circumstances. If you store it for any length of time use something good for rust prevention.( I use Sentry Tuff cloth Marine). Good luck. Joe
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- Oct 18, 2005
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I recently bought a Kanetsune Takumi-Yari from Japanese Knife Direct. It features a 15layered Damascus blade forged from Blue Steel (so does the Shinobi). I cordwrapped the handle and will make a Kydex-Sheath for it soon.
Fit and Finish are not perfect, but way better than I expected for 67$. The sharp edges of the handle troubled me but it was easy to smooth them out with a file.
The ergos of the knife and its overall performance are simply great. It seems to be very tough, came shaving sharp out of the box and has held its edge until now. For a blade that is 3 mm thick at the spine but only 2,2 cm wide it cuts very well. Although the knife has no guard it can be used for stabbing without problems because of its ergos. I didn't expect this since the handle is rather slim (3mm) and was surprised to find how well it fits my hand. The focus of this knife is really on performance. It offers all I'm looking for in a user.
I like the reduced style of this knife very much and surely will buy another Kanetsune in the near future, possibly a Shinobi, too.
Fit and Finish are not perfect, but way better than I expected for 67$. The sharp edges of the handle troubled me but it was easy to smooth them out with a file.
The ergos of the knife and its overall performance are simply great. It seems to be very tough, came shaving sharp out of the box and has held its edge until now. For a blade that is 3 mm thick at the spine but only 2,2 cm wide it cuts very well. Although the knife has no guard it can be used for stabbing without problems because of its ergos. I didn't expect this since the handle is rather slim (3mm) and was surprised to find how well it fits my hand. The focus of this knife is really on performance. It offers all I'm looking for in a user.
I like the reduced style of this knife very much and surely will buy another Kanetsune in the near future, possibly a Shinobi, too.
