Alan: You piqued my curiosity so I visited the site and found the ‘Joy Bauer’ 6 in. chef’s knife. It states that it is made of 440 steel but doesn’t say if it was forged. Do you know if your’s is ?
Just got this at Tsubaya Knives in Tokyo. It’s a 210 Gyuto made by Osamu Yoshida. Blade is ZDP 189 and handle is ebony and buffalo horn. Have only used it probably 5 or so times and only on steak. Love the feel and how it cuts.
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That is a beautiful knife! Is zdp189 steel new to you?
I posted this in another threat but should probably ask the question here. I’m visiting Japan in November and want to order a custom knife (yanagiba). I’m also left handed so they’re harder to find/make and cost more. I’ve inquired here: https://japaneseknifenakamura.com/ but if anyone has recommendations I’d appreciate it.
Blue steel #1, mirror polished both sides and some kind of custom handle (interestingly my inquiry was for the exact same materials as above (ebony/buffalo horn)). I think I’m cutting it close and may have to have them ship it if they can’t finish by the end of November.
Yes, ZDP 189 is new to me. I have looked into sharpening. There is a local guy who can do it, but I also just got a HORL3. Figure it will be a while before I need to sharpen, and in the meantime, I can try the HORL3 on some other knives with blades not as hard. Will see how that all goes.
No suggestions, but it was valuable to me to hold the various knives. I ended up having them ship, which was more cost, but in terms of the overall cost, it was fine (arrived the day after I got home). We were not checking in luggage, and wife did not want us delayed on arrival to get my checked in luggage just for the knife.
I’d be surprised if you can get a solid edge on ZDP189 on the Horl. It borderline needs diamond stones.
Don’t know.
I ended up ordering a 300mm Yanagiba from Kaishin in Chiba. The order process was great and they’re doing everything exactly to my specs.
I may also order a deba from Takadoro Hamono. They’re significantly less $ for a custom made knife and highly spoken about on forums. I’d have to wait about 8 months though, for blue steel #1, or get one with white #1 while I’m visiting.