Shun Onion or Alton?

[shootist16]

Looking at a chef's knife. I've narrowed it down to the the Shun Onion or Alton. How is the balance on the knives? If you were to buy one which and why?

 

[uyotg]

I'd go for the Alton. As you know, though, you gotta try it out first.

As expected from Shun, the balance is at the bolster, but how you grip the Onion is forced on you as you can see from the shape of the bolster.

Personally I find the Onion awkward to hold and the Alton awkward to use on a cutting board. The Alton would work well if your cutting surface is low for you, though.

 

[myright]

I've only ever handled the Alton in the store, never actually cut with it. The angle of the handle seems not very natural to me. It appears that you'd almost be a little leaning forward over the knife in order to get a good cutting position. It also seems as if you are using a standard counter height that it would be very uncomfortable. I use Shun classis and are happy with them - I looked an Onion originally but couldn't justify the cost of it.

 

[Shotgun]

My dad has the onion and it's awesome in every way but one. I like to flip the knife over and scrape the food off the cutting board with the spine. Can't do that with the Onion. It's too curvy.