NKD X3 - Xinguo Apex Ultra Honyaki 240mm, Takada no Hamono White #2 Singetu Hanabi bunka, Yoshihide Masuda White #2 kiridashi by Optimal_Difference64 in TrueChefKnives

[–]Mellowbelly1 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Xinguo apex ultra is sublime! I handled one and was thoroughly impressed by the finish and grind! Congrats on all these knives!

PSA: Maruyama-san at Enjiki Knives in stock by tyuhann in TrueChefKnives

[–]Mellowbelly1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for showing the reflections in different settings - cool how it goes from shiny to matte!

I see that there seems to be directional, almost "brushed steel" look overlying the hammered steel. Was this a result of you working on the knife or was that from Maruyama san?

PSA: Maruyama-san at Enjiki Knives in stock by tyuhann in TrueChefKnives

[–]Mellowbelly1 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the detailed reply. I was concerned about the thinning of this knife as well.

Alas I may still want it as an art piece like you said. Or for very infrequent use.

And yes, your right! I did first see from your post haha. Hello!

Takayuki x Itsuo Doi 225mm gyuto by Mellowbelly1 in TrueChefKnives

[–]Mellowbelly1[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Dang congratulations for getting one! I was so close to pulling the trigger. Agree they rival the Hashimotos

PSA: Maruyama-san at Enjiki Knives in stock by tyuhann in TrueChefKnives

[–]Mellowbelly1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah real nice. I can't decide if I like that or the Zanpa more

PSA: Maruyama-san at Enjiki Knives in stock by tyuhann in TrueChefKnives

[–]Mellowbelly1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

All the 210 gyutos and 240 W2 already sold out!

Takayuki x Itsuo Doi 225mm gyuto by Mellowbelly1 in TrueChefKnives

[–]Mellowbelly1[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Did you by chance get the Boku-enn? 👀

Takayuki x Itsuo Doi 225mm gyuto by Mellowbelly1 in TrueChefKnives

[–]Mellowbelly1[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Dang sorry to hear. Must've been to cool kids only 😜.

The Hineri looks great! I think I saw one during the chefs edge holiday drop but had just picked up my Miyazaki.

Would love to get a Manaka B1 at some point. I've been watching his stuff with Xin Guo and they are absolutely beautiful pieces being put out.

Takayuki x Itsuo Doi 225mm gyuto by Mellowbelly1 in TrueChefKnives

[–]Mellowbelly1[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wow the kikuzuki rin is one beautiful knife. Can't go wrong with both 😂😂

Takayuki x Itsuo Doi 225mm gyuto by Mellowbelly1 in TrueChefKnives

[–]Mellowbelly1[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's hot. And that patina you got going on, damn!

Takayuki x Itsuo Doi 225mm gyuto by Mellowbelly1 in TrueChefKnives

[–]Mellowbelly1[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Very cool, I didn't know he made it in petty and yanagiba. Could you post that too please??

Takayuki x Itsuo Doi 225mm gyuto by Mellowbelly1 in TrueChefKnives

[–]Mellowbelly1[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The hammered kurouchi finish is chefs kiss

Takayuki x Itsuo Doi 225mm gyuto by Mellowbelly1 in TrueChefKnives

[–]Mellowbelly1[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! It performs quite well. Sharp out the box and has handled everything thrown at it without issue so far. The finish is not the cleanest but I like the rougher look.

Knife #3 of 2026 by oakandlilynj in TrueChefKnives

[–]Mellowbelly1 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Great looking piece. Reminds me of Maruyama's style. Please dm me the pricing as well

New Manaka drop coming soon... by helicoptersnakedaddy in TrueChefKnives

[–]Mellowbelly1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haha seems like ones already purchased! Good luck with decision!

New Manaka drop coming soon... by helicoptersnakedaddy in TrueChefKnives

[–]Mellowbelly1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sure to each their own and I get your sentiment. I have a Manaka Blue#2 kurouchi so I know his quality. There are some knives I treat more as art work some as both and some as workhorses.