Looking for info/opinions of these knives...

[brewcitymike]

I've been seeing these knives online and in every catalog from BudK to AG Russell ranging from $20-189. Generally they run about $89 and I really like the way they look. I'm wondering if the more expensive ones are actually decent products and am hoping maybe somebody has owned one and can give me a little info. They come in a few different but similar styles and several say they're handmade. The ones online say they're made of 'smith steel' whereas the one in the AG Russell catalog said it was made of 'white steel' which I've seen on a lot of Japanese knives. I've been checking the site canadaknives cuz they have a bunch of them but I'm hesitant to go with the mystery 'smithing steel' or smith steel. I know the 'white steel' used in japan on some seki knives, etc is high carbon and made by Hitachi metals and is supposedly good quality. If you have one I'd like to hear your opinion, or if you know any FACTS about them let me know. Please don't post a bunch of 'I hate cheap imports' opinions, thats not what I'm looking for. If you own/ed one and it didn't even perform basic tasks or broke easily, thats the kind of stuff I'd like to hear. Other than that thanks for any info you can provide, its much appreciated.

 

[marcinek]

I hate cheap imports.

 

[Bob W]

I have two similar knives that were purchased from AG Russell. If I remember correctly, one of mine is Hitachi white steel and the other is blue steel. These are among the sharpest factory edges I have ever received. Quality is good too.

Here is some information on one maker of similar knives. http://www.japaneseknifedirect.com/Saji.html
At least some of the knives sold by AG Russell were made by him. But I doubt he is responsible for the $20 knives you've seen though.

 

[enderwiggin]

You can expect A.G. Russell not to do you wrong. Not sure I'd say the same about BudK.

That said, the Japanese Hunter (bottom pic) is well-reviewed, and I kind of like the butcher knife looking one 2nd down. You'd probably get better results posting links to where you found the photos so we can see the specs.

I have two similar knives that were purchased from AG Russell. If I remember correctly, one of mine is Hitachi white steel and the other is blue steel. These are among the sharpest factory edges I have ever received. Quality is good too.

I believe the Japanese Hunter above is the Kanetse Hunter in Hitachi Blue Steel. I've also heard they're very sharp out of box with good edge-holding.

 

[brets-ftw]

A Japanese hunter on YouTube under the name virtuovice has done several reviews on knives similar to these, several or which are comparasions between the sizes etc quite good I'd suggest looking Into it