ronnie_suburban wrote:I am not but only because I just ordered one of these . . .

Sakai Takayuki 33-Layer VG10 Damascus Hammered Chef Knife(Gyuto) 240mm

It's about the same money, the same Rockwell (60) and slightly longer than the Misono you recommend (240mm), which is right in my comfort zone. I've never owned a VG10 knife before, so I'm looking forward to that aspect. Plus, I love the Damascus pattern, and the mahogany handle is stunning. But most importantly, being a lefty, I wanted a blade with a 50/50 bevel. The Misono is 70/30, so it's kind of a non-starter for me.
=R=

Hey Ronnie, If you don't mind me asking, what did you think of the knife you got, which shipping did you use, how long did it take to get here, and did you have to pay any import duties?

Xexo wrote:

ronnie_suburban wrote:I am not but only because I just ordered one of these . . .

Sakai Takayuki 33-Layer VG10 Damascus Hammered Chef Knife(Gyuto) 240mm

It's about the same money, the same Rockwell (60) and slightly longer than the Misono you recommend (240mm), which is right in my comfort zone. I've never owned a VG10 knife before, so I'm looking forward to that aspect. Plus, I love the Damascus pattern, and the mahogany handle is stunning. But most importantly, being a lefty, I wanted a blade with a 50/50 bevel. The Misono is 70/30, so it's kind of a non-starter for me.
=R=

Hey Ronnie, If you don't mind me asking, what did you think of the knife you got, which shipping did you use, how long did it take to get here, and did you have to pay any import duties?

Iirc correctly, it took a little over a week to arrive and whatever duty there may have been was paid by the seller and, I'm guessing, baked into their selling price. Freight-wise, I chose the cheapest option (may have been free) and the only issue was that the final carrier in the chain was the USPS. So, because I wasn't home when the delivery was attempted, I had to go to my local post office to get the knife. Not a huge big deal but moderately annoying. Perhaps, if I'd known, I could have requested a signature release but I'm not sure.

As for the knife itself, I really like it. On the plus side, the weight and balance point are great for me. It is stunning looking and even though I've come to prefer a Wa (Japanese-style) handle, this Yo (western style) handle is extremely comfortable for me. The blade has held a nice edge, though I haven't given it a ton of work, so there's nothing exceptional about that so far. And I do love the non-reactive VG-10. I still tend to rinse and wipe my knives down while I work but this knife doesn't really require that level of care in order to keep it in good condition.

Most importantly, though, the Damascus does not create any drag when cutting through food. I have a few Damascus kitchen knives and there's quite a wide range of drag between them. This blade falls through food quite nicely, which definitely distinguishes it as one of the top-performing Damascus steels in my blocks.

However, there's a trade-off for that. The one downside I've found is that food release is not a strength of this knife. Because the finish on the blade is so smooth -- and the grind is fairly flat -- the food I cut tends to stick to the blade at what I'd consider a higher-than-average rate. I'd hoped the hammering might mitigate the sticking but it's so high up on the blade and close to the spine that it's pretty much a non-factor. Again, this is not a major issue but it's the one downside I've found so far. My guess is that with time, more use and some occasional sharpening, it will diminish but so far it hasn't.

Would I buy it again? Absolutely, but looking now, it's going for around $170. At the time, I paid just under $150, which made it a much easier decision.

=R=

FYI, for anyone considering a J-Knife purchase, Chef Knives To Go -- my go-to source for virtually everything in cutlery -- has some great Cyber Monday deals right now and Hocho Knives is currently offering all sorts of discounts and deals, too.

=R=

ronnie_suburban wrote:Iirc correctly, it took a little over a week to arrive and whatever duty there may have been was paid by the seller and, I'm guessing, baked into their selling price. Freight-wise, I chose the cheapest option (may have been free) and the only issue was that the final carrier in the chain was the USPS. So, because I wasn't home when the delivery was attempted, I had to go to my local post office to get the knife. Not a huge big deal but moderately annoying. Perhaps, if I'd known, I could have requested a signature release but I'm not sure.

As for the knife itself, I really like it. On the plus side, the weight and balance point are great for me. It is stunning looking and even though I've come to prefer a Wa (Japanese-style) handle, this Yo (western style) handle is extremely comfortable for me. The blade has held a nice edge, though I haven't given it a ton of work, so there's nothing exceptional about that so far. And I do love the non-reactive VG-10. I still tend to rinse and wipe my knives down while I work but this knife doesn't really require that level of care in order to keep it in good condition.

Most importantly, though, the Damascus does not create any drag when cutting through food. I have a few Damascus kitchen knives and there's quite a wide range of drag between them. This blade falls through food quite nicely, which definitely distinguishes it as one of the top-performing Damascus steels in my blocks.

However, there's a trade-off for that. The one downside I've found is that food release is not a strength of this knife. Because the finish on the blade is so smooth -- and the grind is fairly flat -- the food I cut tends to stick to the blade at what I'd consider a higher-than-average rate. I'd hoped the hammering might mitigate the sticking but it's so high up on the blade and close to the spine that it's pretty much a non-factor. Again, this is not a major issue but it's the one downside I've found so far. My guess is that with time, more use and some occasional sharpening, it will diminish but so far it hasn't.

Would I buy it again? Absolutely, but looking now, it's going for around $170. At the time, I paid just under $150, which made it a much easier decision.

=R=

Thanks Ronnie. I'm possible going to order the 210 one. Not up to the longer knife, or at least I don't think so. As you mentioned in your follow up post, they have a sale right (through the 3rd?) now with, I think, free shipping. So it is $131 and change. I'm not sure reading the special offers, as their translator to English, well, it could be better. Of course, I don't speak Japanese, so they are ahead of me there.

Xexo wrote:

ronnie_suburban wrote:Iirc correctly, it took a little over a week to arrive and whatever duty there may have been was paid by the seller and, I'm guessing, baked into their selling price. Freight-wise, I chose the cheapest option (may have been free) and the only issue was that the final carrier in the chain was the USPS. So, because I wasn't home when the delivery was attempted, I had to go to my local post office to get the knife. Not a huge big deal but moderately annoying. Perhaps, if I'd known, I could have requested a signature release but I'm not sure.

As for the knife itself, I really like it. On the plus side, the weight and balance point are great for me. It is stunning looking and even though I've come to prefer a Wa (Japanese-style) handle, this Yo (western style) handle is extremely comfortable for me. The blade has held a nice edge, though I haven't given it a ton of work, so there's nothing exceptional about that so far. And I do love the non-reactive VG-10. I still tend to rinse and wipe my knives down while I work but this knife doesn't really require that level of care in order to keep it in good condition.

Most importantly, though, the Damascus does not create any drag when cutting through food. I have a few Damascus kitchen knives and there's quite a wide range of drag between them. This blade falls through food quite nicely, which definitely distinguishes it as one of the top-performing Damascus steels in my blocks.

However, there's a trade-off for that. The one downside I've found is that food release is not a strength of this knife. Because the finish on the blade is so smooth -- and the bevel is fairly flat -- the food I cut tends to stick to the blade at what I'd consider a higher-than-average rate. I'd hoped the hammering might mitigate the sticking but it's so high up on the blade and close to the spine that it's pretty much a non-factor. Again, this is not a major issue but it's the one downside I've found so far. My guess is that with time, more use and some occasional sharpening, it will diminish but so far it hasn't.

Would I buy it again? Absolutely, but looking now, it's going for around $170. At the time, I paid just under $150, which made it a much easier decision.

=R=

Thanks Ronnie. I'm possible going to order the 210 one. Not up to the longer knife, or at least I don't think so. As you mentioned in your follow up post, they have a sale right (through the 3rd?) now with, I think, free shipping. So it is $131 and change. I'm not sure reading the special offers, as their translator to English, well, it could be better. Of course, I don't speak Japanese, so they are ahead of me there.

Haha - at $130 I might even consider buying one as a gift for any number of unnamed relatives but the Takamura Chromax Gyuto 210mm is effing awesome and it's $10 cheaper. And with CKTG, you'll likely have it in 2 days or less.

=R=

ronnie_suburban wrote:FYI, for anyone considering a J-Knife purchase, Chef Knives To Go -- my go-to source for virtually everything in cutlery -- has some great Cyber Monday deals right now and Hocho Knives is currently offering all sorts of discounts and deals, too.

=R=

Be very careful at Hocho. Poking around there, it's pretty clear that some of their prices are seriously jacked up. Not sure if this is designed to offset their Cyber Monday deals or if it's just their SOP. I've bought some reasonably priced items from them in the past but I guess you have to exercise caution and pick your spots.

=R=

ronnie_suburban wrote:Be very careful at Hocho. Poking around there, it's pretty clear that some of their prices are seriously jacked up. Not sure if this is designed to offset their Cyber Monday deals or if it's just their SOP. I've bought some reasonably priced items from them in the past but I guess you have to exercise caution and pick your spots.

=R=

Thank you Ronnie, for all your advice. I'll post pictures, in a different thread, when I get what I ordered. I think there is a thread about showing off your knives. I'm off to the knives thread to ask some questions. Hope to read you there.

We went with Wusthof steak knives.
Nothing fancy but good old fashioned steel and quality of the ‘Classic’ line.
The 200th Anniversary are being closed out on eBay and with some looking around, boxes of four are around $100+. So a set of 12 was about $360 while Williams Sonoma sells a set of 4 Wusthof for $180.
You can also purchase a set of 6 Classic Steak house knives with holder for $399. https://www.williams-sonoma.com/product ... x=0.0.2257
Not sure those are worth the price?
-Richard

Taking Gary's advice, I ordered the Misono Swedish Carbon Steel Gyutou 8.2" (21cm) from Korin. Got an e-mail today that they are out of stock and currently do not know when they will get more. Sigh, but they have my money! I hope they get them back in stock quickly.

No word from Misen on when they will ship, but lots of emails trying to get me to order more.

Xexo wrote:Taking Gary's advice, I ordered the Misono Swedish Carbon Steel Gyutou 8.2" (21cm) from Korin. Got an e-mail today that they are out of stock and currently do not know when they will get more. Sigh, but they have my money! I hope they get them back in stock quickly.

No word from Misen on when they will ship, but lots of emails trying to get me to order more.

This stinks as most companies don't charge until the order is fulfilled. But I've had nothing but pleasant experiences with Korin so I'm assuming they'll be helpful with this delay.

Xexo wrote:Taking Gary's advice, I ordered the Misono Swedish Carbon Steel Gyutou 8.2" (21cm) from Korin. Got an e-mail today that they are out of stock and currently do not know when they will get more. Sigh, but they have my money! I hope they get them back in stock quickly.

No word from Misen on when they will ship, but lots of emails trying to get me to order more.

My guess is that Korin would refund your money without hesitation. They're a reputable outfit. If not, take it up with your credit card company, especially if the item was not clearly billed as a pre-order.

I participated in the most recent Misen kickstarter for cookware and my items arrived yesterday. I mention this because it most likely means that your order will be on its way shortly . . . and because I just have to vent. The 3 pieces were so completely overpackaged, it was infuriating. Each piece was in 2 boxes and those 3 boxes were in another, larger box. So, 7 boxes for 3 saute pans. Just brutally wasteful, unless, of course, you're into Russian dolls.

=R=

ronnie_suburban wrote:My guess is that Korin would refund your money without hesitation. They're a reputable outfit.

I've been dealing with Korin for decades, never once had a problem. If they are out of stock of a popular item I'd guess it will not be a lengthy wait, but what's the hurry, that Misono will last you the rest of your life.

If you want your money back, were me I'd just wait, I can not imagine there would be an issue.

As an aside, I have noticed they do occasionally run out of product only to restock.

ronnie_suburban wrote:My guess is that Korin would refund your money without hesitation. They're a reputable outfit.

I participated in the most recent Misen kickstarter for cookware and my items arrived yesterday. I mention this because it most likely means that your order will be on its way shortly . . . and because I just have to vent. The 3 pieces were so completely overpackaged, it was infuriating. Each piece was in 2 boxes and those 3 boxes were in another, larger box. So, 7 boxes for 3 saute pans. Just brutally wasteful, unless, of course, you're into Russian dolls.

G Wiv wrote:I've been dealing with Korin for decades, never once had a problem. If they are out of stock of a popular item I'd guess it will not be a lengthy wait, but what's the hurry, that Misono will last you the rest of your life.

If you want your money back, were me I'd just wait, I can not imagine there would be an issue.

As an aside, I have noticed they do occasionally run out of product only to restock.

I didn't write that well. Just a bit frustrated. I am not worried about either company not fulfilling the orders, or, at worst, refunding my money. It's just that now that I've ordered my new toys, I don't want to wait.

Xexo wrote:

ronnie_suburban wrote:My guess is that Korin would refund your money without hesitation. They're a reputable outfit.

I participated in the most recent Misen kickstarter for cookware and my items arrived yesterday. I mention this because it most likely means that your order will be on its way shortly . . . and because I just have to vent. The 3 pieces were so completely overpackaged, it was infuriating. Each piece was in 2 boxes and those 3 boxes were in another, larger box. So, 7 boxes for 3 saute pans. Just brutally wasteful, unless, of course, you're into Russian dolls.

G Wiv wrote:I've been dealing with Korin for decades, never once had a problem. If they are out of stock of a popular item I'd guess it will not be a lengthy wait, but what's the hurry, that Misono will last you the rest of your life.

If you want your money back, were me I'd just wait, I can not imagine there would be an issue.

As an aside, I have noticed they do occasionally run out of product only to restock.

I didn't write that well. Just a bit frustrated. I am not worried about either company not fulfilling the orders, or, at worst, refunding my money. It's just that now that I've ordered my new toys, I don't want to wait.

I didn't mean to infer anything negative. I'm just used to buying knives from places where, when they go out of stock, they take a bit longer to come back . . . and I'm notoriously impatient.

=R=