- Joined
- Jun 2, 2006
- Messages
- 422
Thanks for the info. I found two different logos on Murray's blades. Do they stand for different grades?
I know this thread has been dead for a while, but I found it and wanted to answer this question as best I could. Kind of bored at work today.
Yes. He has several series of knives. They range from affordable to ridiculous. There should either be a W or an S on most of his knives. The The W represents the core steel is Hitachi White Steel, the S represents the core steel is Hitachi Blue Steel (Super Steel). Past that, the symbols represent different things that he explains in his catalogs, but I don't think any of them really relates to knife construction. In fact, in any of his higher series knives, they go away.
Essentially the series go in order as outlined below from cheapest to most expensive:
Muteki (He is discontinuing this line) - these are laser cut from stock sheets with Hitachi White steel as the core with stainless cladding. They come with riveted handles and partial tang. These are one of the best values in kitchen cutlery anywhere.
KU series - These are the start of the hand forged with either white or blue steel as the core and softer carbon steel as the cladding. They are left in a "as forged" state with the black coating (the Kurouchi) left in tact. These come with traditional Japanese handles with a black plastic ferrule.
SFGZ - Either come with Traditional Japanese handles or riveted handles (Denoted as SFGZ RH) with partial tang. This is, IMHO, the real starting point of Murray Carter's great knife skills. These are forged from either white or blue steel as the core, then clad with stainless steel. They are left with a semi rough surface from the forging. The traditional Japanese handles have black plastic ferrule's. You can upgrade this handle choice to include a buffalo horn ferrule.
HG - This is his high grade series. They are identical in construction to the SFGZ series, except you do not have the option (at least without asking) of the riveted handle. The blades are more buffed out and have an even finish and they come standard with the nicer, buffalo horn ferruled handles. The symbols (other than the W or S) are gone on this series and higher.
International Pro (No Bolster) - essentially the same construction as the HG series with a full tang and more options. These are basically where you can start to loose a lot of cash flow. Handle choices are endless, blade shapes can be completely customized, etc. This series is also where you can get damascus cladding (and even damascus core, or so he says, I've never seen him make a chef's knife with it yet) if you're willing to plop down $1,500 (and up) for one 9" knife.
International Pro - same exact construction as the no bolster version, but with a bolster.
He also makes a Japanese Pro series that I know little about.
