Looking for a Gyuto and a Nakiri

Joined
Oct 18, 2012
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HI, I'm new here but have often benefited from the forum while lurking. I have a few questions about a Christmas wish list I'm developing. I've posted a similar request on cheftalk and CKTG

1) What in your opinion would be the best 240mm Wa-Gyuto currently available for under $400? I am leaning toward Blue #2/Aogami steel. I have the same question for a Nakiri.

I know the answer to the above depends on the user, so let me tell you something about my general skill level and background. I'm a 49-year-old avid home cook with good knife skills. I cook mostly French and Chinese. Most of my knives are German but I have a few Western style, thin-bladed Japanese chef knives that I bought at the Tsukiji fish market that I end up using most often, but they're nothing special. I also have a 240mm Masahiro Virgin Carbon. I'm a fairly good free-hand sharpener and have stones (Bester, King) ranging from 800-1000-4000, plus a Kitiyama 8000. I would have no problem with the additional care a carbon blade would require.

2) I love the Edgepro Apex for my existing knives. Should I also use it on a traditional Japanese knife like a Gyuto or a Nagiri, or do them freehand? Opinions about this seem to be all over the map.

3) Are Takedas as good as their cult following would suggest, or has their acclaim led to a slight dropoff in quality?

Thank you very much for your advice!
 
1)Honestly, blue#2 takes a stupid sharp edge very easily. It is more corrosion resistant than White Steel, but still isn't a stainless steel. If you wipe it dry and keep it clean it should be fine. If you want a knife you can neglect a bit, it might be worth looking at vg-10 laminated with stainless steel. Still takes a stupid sharp edge (not as easily, mind you) and less prone to rusting.

2) I use waterstones and Japanese knife sharpening techniques on all of my Japanese knives. I find I can get a nicer edge using a flat stone than I can using any of the 'systems'. Again, it is up to your personal preference. If you are happy with the edge pro and how it sharpens, it doesn't mean a shit what anyone else thinks. If you want to sharpen it on stones, then go for it. The edge pro is an excellent system. My only concern would be whether it does the correct angle or not.

3) I don't know much about Takedas, but I've never once heard a bad thing about them.

As for a knife recommendation... Have you looked at the Richmond Knife series from ChefKnivesToGo.com? My friend just purchased the Nakiri and the Richmond Addict. I have them both a good workout, and they are amazing. All I can say is...*drool*.

The Hattori HD (VG-10) series from japanesechefknives is amazing as well.
 
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