There Are Pandas, and Then There Are Pandas.
And this isn't either of them! The Pandas we're talking about here, are watches, not bears. And what got me thinking about them (again) was a link posted this morning by @cm.rook who pointed a few of us to the very attractive (and not terribly priced) Yema "Rallygraph" Panda which, in it's most traditional arrangement, looks like the one on the left, but can also be had in the version on the right: The model on the left is a true Panda, while the model on the right is called a reverse Panda. The reason for that distinction is clear--Panda bears, only come in the first arrangement. Now at this point, everyone should be thinking about the most well-know Panda, The Rolex Panda, which is actually a Daytona, and among Rolex Daytonas, the most famous of which is the Paul Newman Daytona, which was famous first, because it was Paul's, and second because it sold at auction for $17.8 million (US Dollars). The story of that auction is well-known so I'll only...
Nov 8, 2019
For carbon steel kitchen knives, I am a huge Japanese home (or cottage industry) forged knives. I prefer the French profile, which is flatter with less 'belly' than their German counterparts, of the Japanese Gyuto which is also thinner both at the spine and edge so it passes through food easier. The Japanese Gyuto will typically come with equal bevels on both sides of the edge set at 15 degrees, versus the 20 of European blades.
A Japanese Santoku might be worth consideration for a 'test drive' at a modest price point of Japanese carbon steel kitchen knives.
As a point of clarification, when I say 'carbon' steel I mean not-stainless (i.e. not rust resistant with Chromium), not high versus low carbon content.
I have a few of the Bob Kramer carbon steel collection, they are AMAZING. The only issue is the one that suttlaw and others have listed about keeping them clean. Rust spots can come extremely easy to them if not properly cared for. Wipe often when in use, wash and immediately hand dry when complete.
Bob Kramers aren't cheap but they will last and are incredibly well made. I was lucky enough to get some on clearance when SLT was rotating out their collection for the Damascus versions.
Today, I would consider the Tojiro Shirogami Santoku. A quick search turns up some delivered from ~$34. This is a Kurouchi finished (blacksmith finish) standard Santoku (right size, thickness, etc., not westernized) with a traditional Ho wood handle. Of the four common grades of Japanese Carbon steel, this one is the lowest level but, it will hold a great edge and resharpen relatively easy. If you like the Japanese blade profiles, I would step up in the future to a VG-10 Gyuto to complement this knife.
If a ~$70 price point is acceptable, I would strongly urge you to consider a VG-10 Santoku. While carbon steel may be technically superior, VG-10 is so close in performance that it is unlikely most home cooks would notice the difference except for the rusting differences when left wet or with acidic residue on them.
Also, it's likely that carbon steel will be "chippier" requiring better skill or discipline of the user.
As far as all these novices recommending the brand that they already ought or that they heard about, it's not really useful because there is no "best" knife. Only "best knife for you" based on your skill set, your discipline, your body shape, your cutting style. If you have them near you go to a REAL knife store (or a company like sur la table or Williams sonona), and try several models and bring in a bag of potatoes, 2 minue demo they give is NOT long enough.
If you're going to buy a knife "blind" without trying it. I recommend a german steel knife from Wusthof, Henckels (with TWO men, not the one with one man), Mercer, Messermeister, FDick, or Dexter. Thise are the brands that are well respected by professional cooks and the ones that most students use in culinary school. Avoid companies that are famous like Cuisinart or Kitchen aid. even though I use many of their kitchen electrics, they do NOT make their own knives, they license their brand to a variety of companies.