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Showing 1 of 17 conversations about:
Fearwater5
3
Jan 23, 2018
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I see a lot of discussion debated the quality of specific parts of these knives. Can anyone just give a general yes no to whether or not this is a good deal? I am thinking of buying it for someone who is relatively new to cooking and has never had a "real" kitchen knife before. Would the chefs knife be good for its price?
Shenanigans
175
Jan 24, 2018
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Fearwater5No. The fact that the core is carbon steel and the cladding is iron -NOT stainless steel means that there is extra care involved in maintaining it.
Carbon steel knives are really geared more towards serious enthusiasts and people who enjoy and are prepared to sharpen and maintain them differently.
Even setting aside some possible construction/ build quality, and design / ergo issues with these knives (addressed in other posts in this comments section), the price is on the high end for a first foray into traditional carbon Japanese knives. Best to start with something less expensive so it wont hurt as much if the knife is damaged from improper use or care. -it also makes it less intimidating to develop sharpening technique with. Good entry-level examples can be had for under $100 from www.japaneseknifeimports.com, or https://www.chefknivestogo.com. Both have excellent customer service (although IMO JKI is in a league of it's own) and could walk you through your options.
Unless your friend is REALLY excited about jumping in heads-first to the world of knife-knuttery, I'd recommend something with a stainless blade, synthetic handle, possibly a free sharpening service, and very good warranty. While Shun is not as popular with enthusiasts, they do check all those boxes and you can find some very good sales at williams sonoma.
Even setting aside some possible construction/ build quality, and design / ergo issues with these knives (addressed in other posts in this comments section), the price is on the high end for a first foray into traditional carbon Japanese knives. Best to start with something less expensive so it wont hurt as much if the knife is damaged from improper use or care. -it also makes it less intimidating to develop sharpening technique with. Good entry-level examples can be had for under $100 from www.japaneseknifeimports.com, or https://www.chefknivestogo.com. Both have excellent customer service (although IMO JKI is in a league of it's own) and could walk you through your options.
Unless your friend is REALLY excited about jumping in heads-first to the world of knife-knuttery, I'd recommend something with a stainless blade, synthetic handle, possibly a free sharpening service, and very good warranty. While Shun is not as popular with enthusiasts, they do check all those boxes and you can find some very good sales at williams sonoma.
sc_fd
48
Jan 24, 2018
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Fearwater5If you're interested in this style, Tosa made knives should be able to be found for almost $100 less than this Chroma offering. Typically has a rep of being quite rustic and roughly finished unless one mods it.
Kavik
5531
Jan 24, 2018
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Shenanigans@Fearwater5 110% excellent advice right there from Shenanigans.
Jon at JKI is an amazing guy to work with, if you tell to him what you're situation is he will sell you what you need, not what he can make the most money off of. Have bought both stones and knives from him and never been dissatisfied in the slightest
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