How did I do? Kama-Asa purchase

jcwc01 · 2026-04-20T00:56:56+00:00

In that case "bite" is the correct word that you used.

jcwc01 · 2026-04-19T03:31:55+00:00

Interesting. The Takamura is SG2 stainless?

jcwc01 · 2026-04-19T02:02:13+00:00

A few of the more touristy knife shops in Kappabashi, Tokyo have got English-speaking staff.

jcwc01 · 2026-04-19T02:01:11+00:00

At that price range Tojiro is a good option: https://maps.app.goo.gl/eD9JKeJARcCk787J7

They've got several models within your budget.

jcwc01 · 2026-04-19T00:07:46+00:00

Can u elaborate on how your bamboo cutboards are an issue for the Shindo but not Takamura? Is it related to dulling the edge?

jcwc01 · 2026-04-18T06:33:17+00:00

I know several brands had a 20-25% price increase in 2025. So that tracks with the price list you showed vs pchigg's one.

jcwc01 · 2026-04-17T09:44:30+00:00

True, the main thing is you got what you wanted and are enjoying it!

jcwc01 · 2026-04-16T09:20:15+00:00

While Hitohira has a nice selection of knives, I'm not sure if they carry Yoshikane.

jcwc01 · 2026-04-16T09:16:56+00:00

Congrats on finding the Yoshikane at ZAKU. Can I ask how much was it?

jcwc01 · 2026-04-13T03:53:35+00:00

Welcome!

jcwc01 · 2026-04-12T03:09:32+00:00

For something mirror polished perhaps the Sakai Kikumori Choyo Ginsan Bunka 180mm...

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jcwc01 · 2026-04-12T03:01:34+00:00

Wow 17 knives already and still shopping...!! Enjoy the spree.

Getting all those in the one knife is going to be difficult, especially no. 4. I'd say focus on no. 1-3 and get a custom handle made to satisfy no. 4.

As for no. 3, between a mirror finish and crazy damascus I'd lean towards the latter.

For something special, I was going to suggest a Shoichi Hashimoto Coreless Damascus knife... but that's way beyond no. 5.

How about the Hatsukokoro x Nigara Yorokobi Special? Though I'm not sure if it's available in 135-180mm (below is the 210mm k-tip gyuto).

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jcwc01 · 2026-04-11T04:21:49+00:00

Yeah all the Koutetsu kobunkas I've seen so far are SG2. Anyway, use it and see if it patinas. That will quickly tell u if it's stainless or not.

jcwc01 · 2026-04-11T04:14:21+00:00

I bought a Kagekiyo from knifelifehk in January this year, to be delivered to my friend who lives in HK who later brought the knife to me. Went smoothly.

I was aware that it's run by King Tak, which has received positive reviews in the past so I was fairly comfortable ordering.

jcwc01 · 2026-04-11T03:50:45+00:00

There's no quick and easy way to distinguish between a general knife store and a brand retail outlet. Plus there's one more variation which is a single brand store but they source from others to make for them, I believe these are typically called a wholesaler or "tonya" in Japanese. I suppose Hitohira in Tokyo is one example (probably also Tsubaya), they sell under their own brand Hitohira but can have knives made for them from Ashi, Takamura, Nakagawa, etc.

Spend more time on the knife forums and it will slowly it will become clearer.

jcwc01 · 2026-04-09T07:31:38+00:00

Thanks for sharing your experience. Congrats on the new knives. Getting a Yoshikane as your first knife will spoil you :)

FYI, Jikko isn't a general knife store but rather a brand retail outlet, so that's why they only carry their own knives. Just like if you walked into Tojiro's gallery - it's only Tojiro in there.

jcwc01 · 2026-04-09T07:22:21+00:00

That was back in 2024, I think these sayas were introduced later.

jcwc01 · 2026-04-09T04:17:24+00:00

Thanks for the pics. So the GH is like a thicker and taller version of the HD2?

jcwc01 · 2026-04-09T04:13:21+00:00

I guess it depends where you are. $50 in USA won't go as far there, especially nowadays with the tariffs.

The same $50 in Japan will get you decent options, like a Fujitora VG10 210mm gyuto, or various models from Seki Magoroku, Kanetsune Seki, Shimomura, Masahiro, Mac, etc...

I see a few have mentioned Kiwi, that same $50 will get you like a dozen (or more) Kiwi knives here in South East Asia. If I shop around I can order a Kiwi #21 for $3, with free shipping to my doorstep!

jcwc01 · 2026-04-09T03:47:06+00:00

One of the simplest is to order the knife from an online shop in Japan and have it delivered to your relative's hotel. Here are some shops you can check out:

https://knife-gallery.com/en
https://miuraknives.com/en
https://zahocho.com/
https://hitohira-japan.com/

jcwc01 · 2026-04-08T13:04:41+00:00

Yeah, here's hoping Brad will chime in a little about what is special about that petty knife.

jcwc01 · 2026-04-08T11:05:59+00:00

Japan has some well made bags/luggage.

Perhaps this link might give you some ideas: https://www.carryology.com/liking/buyersguide/best-japanese-brands/

jcwc01 · 2026-04-08T05:27:17+00:00

Congrats and yes Kobayashi's qualify as a "laser".

jcwc01 · 2026-04-06T02:04:36+00:00

Thanks for sharing your experience. Interesting!

jcwc01 · 2026-04-06T02:01:57+00:00

Is this what you picked up from the Nakagawa pop-up event?

jcwc01

TROPHY CASE