Thread: Japanese Kitchen Knives

Originally Posted by thehekler

Like the title says which yanagiba should I buy? I want a sushi knife and am looking for a fairly high end, hand made, Japanese style (single bevel) knife in the 270mm to 300mm range. My only previous experience with decent (not great) knives is my shun collection, but I want one knife that's very nice. So far I have found these two that I am interested in: 11-3/4" Yanagaba Sashimi Right Hand - Shigefusa <!S-Y-ST300> - The Japan Woodworker Catalog
And Sakai Takayuki White Steel Dragon Yanagi 300mm

I like the history behind both manufactures and would be looking for something similar from any other manufactures I considered. So basically I'm looking to see if anyone has any information on either of these knives or any other makes that I overlooked. Both of these are at the top of what I'd be willing to spend and if there is something of equal quality for a lower price or if either of these knives are available for less from other sources I'd love to hear from where. Also I was wondering what the difference between 'blue' and 'white' steel in terms of hardness, performance, durability, and manufactoring process? Thanks for the help hopefully I'll get some great responses.

if you want top notch craftsmanship go with Shigefusa, another traditional make is Yoshikane there a few of his yanagis for sale @ Aframes tokyo right now:
Yanagiba
bottom of the page.

I'm very fond of Santoku (three uses: slicing, dicing, mincing) and gyoto. I accuatly forged a gyoto for my sister. She turns 25 this summer and I wanted to giver her something extraordinary.

Butteriron and C145 W2 (the steel)
hardness: can easily scrape a wine bottle. about 63 RHC
Edge finish: 8k waterstone.
The body finish: rough ground on water grinder (LARGE stone wheel!) and hammered finish.

Not stamped with my mark yet.. but it's the Y I uses as my profile pic.

Blade length: 18 cm

I am considering purchasing some knives from So at Japan-tool.com. He is offering some discounts on knives right now in the wake of the earthquake/tsunami. I figure it is a way to ensure these craftsmen can survive and continue this craft in hard times. Hand up vs a hand out if you prefer.

Just wanted to add that I ended up purchasing the Shigefusa 11 3/4" yangnabi along with a 7" Shigefusa wy gyuto (japanese chairs knife) I'm second in the list for the yangnabi so I'm expecting to wait a year plus before it arrives the wy gyuto was in stock (the main reason I picked it up) and is on it's way now. I'll be sure to post pictures when it arrives as I am sure it is a work of art. I ended up going with Shigefusa because of the history trained under Iwasaki, he and his two sons build every knife 100% by hand. Story goes they had one piece of machinery but quickly found that he could do it better so the machine has sat unused for decades. That's the kind of back story I appreciate and if I have to pay a little extra for something I know is unique I will. Plus the fact that I could sell either for a slight mark up on the pre-owned market if I don't like them makes it a fairly safe investment.

Originally Posted by Pyment

I am considering purchasing some knives from So at Japan-tool.com. He is offering some discounts on knives right now in the wake of the earthquake/tsunami. I figure it is a way to ensure these craftsmen can survive and continue this craft in hard times. Hand up vs a hand out if you prefer.

I sent So an email trying to get some info about some of the knives he had after two weeks without a response I sent another.... It's been a month since, no word I ended up going with japan woodworker but hopefully you will have a better experience. I can respect what he is doing and with the small operation he has set up I'm sure it's easy to miss some things, but if I'm gonna be waiting more therm a year for the life I want I want to be positive I have great communication with the seller. That said I may look to him in the future for stones for the knives I ended up getting.

Originally Posted by thehekler

I sent So an email trying to get some info about some of the knives he had after two weeks without a response I sent another.... It's been a month since, no word I ended up going with japan woodworker but hopefully you will have a better experience. I can respect what he is doing and with the small operation he has set up I'm sure it's easy to miss some things, but if I'm gonna be waiting more therm a year for the life I want I want to be positive I have great communication with the seller. That said I may look to him in the future for stones for the knives I ended up getting.

you do not have to wait a year if you know where to look.
take a look at this palce:
　Hide's Export　　
it is operated by DrNaka, a member here, I got my Gyuto in 3 months, and I have a suji in order that is ~1 month away from complete.

I have thought it over and been convinced that getting a carbon steel blade is probably more work than I'll put into it. I plan to get some of his stainless blades. I just love the look of the Heiji stainless he has there.

Originally Posted by Pyment

I have thought it over and been convinced that getting a carbon steel blade is probably more work than I'll put into it. I plan to get some of his stainless blades. I just love the look of the Heiji stainless he has there.

itis not stainless it is semistainless, it will patina abit but not going to need as much attention as carbon.
you can order direct from Heiji and avoind maying premium for using a middle man.
here the site
Japanese traditional knives and Kiridashi which is made by Nakaya-Heiji
Heiji right now is not taking orders because the shop was severely affected by the resent events in Japan, but he is steadily recovering and probably will be taking orders soon.

EDIT:
actually it looks like you can send inquiry for ordering blades now. Cool thing is you can also order customized blades to your specifications.

Originally Posted by mainaman

you do not have to wait a year if you know where to look.
take a look at this palce:
　Hide's Export　　
it is operated by DrNaka, a member here, I got my Gyuto in 3 months, and I have a suji in order that is ~1 month away from complete.

Thank you I wish I would have known about Hide's site before I ordered. That said I will not need to wait at all for my gyuto, it was in the mail minutes after I got off the phone with the nice women at japan woodworker. I don't know how long the wait for my yangniba will be I am only guessing based on other peoples experience. I do know I an second on the list for that knife. It is neat that Hide is able to pick the finest examples of work from each artisan and has a small degree of customization ability for knives ordered through him. I am sure that this does come at a price though so I will just have to be content waiting, and using my gyuto ;-).

Originally Posted by thehekler

Thank you I wish I would have known about Hide's site before I ordered. That said I will not need to wait at all for my gyuto, it was in the mail minutes after I got off the phone with the nice women at japan woodworker. I don't know how long the wait for my yangniba will be I am only guessing based on other peoples experience. I do know I an second on the list for that knife. It is neat that Hide is able to pick the finest examples of work from each artisan and has a small degree of customization ability for knives ordered through him. I am sure that this does come at a price though so I will just have to be content waiting, and using my gyuto ;-).

Prices are the same no increase for custom spec knives. Shigefusa makes probably the best knives out there, full hand made no tools used in forging or shaping the blade. The blades are perfect in any way, and the steel is the same swedish steel Iwasaki uses for his razors, it is specially made to be as close as possible to the properties of tamahagane. Heiji also uses the same swedih steel.