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Knife Brands I should look for, and ones to keep away from

Discussion in 'The Kitchen Knife' started by James, Feb 24, 2014.

  1. James

    James smarter then your average duck Founding Member Gold Contributor

    So as I window shop around and follow posts around here some names come up, but there are plenty of others I have seen as well. Was wondering what knife smiths out there you guys have and trust, and if there are any others I should maybe keep away from. and if you want to uber up your post, your thoughts on the knives would be pretty killer as well
     
  2. John Fout

    John Fout Founding Member

    Most of this is YMMV and can even vary knife to knife. If you get it from Jon Broida (Japanese Knife Imports), Korin, Japanese Chefs Knives, etc You should be happy with what you get. Miyabi and Shun get a slightly bad rap but they are sold in the big box stores. They have some funky shapes to the blades but some people like them. They are also gateway knives so why hate? :)

    Custom makers... I can't comment on. Maybe some day. :D

    I like my Tojiro ITK- others hate them while loving the DP line. I also like my Richmond Laser in AEBL. I do not care for the Richmond Artifex line. A bit chunky but they get the job done and are a decent gateway knife for someone who has only ever used house knife (restaurant owned) and are sturdy enough to take some abuse from said restaurant people.
     
  3. Lefty

    Lefty Founding Member

    Just a few great "brands" to look at:

    Shigefusa
    Konosuke (Fujiyama is even better, in my books)
    Sakai Yusuke
    Misono (in my opinion)
    Masamoto

    Makers:

    Shigefusa (family, so in both categories)
    Heiji
    Kato
    Itinomonn
    Pierre Rodrigue
    Butch Harner
    Devin Thomas
    Marko Tsourkan
    Will Catcheside
    Michael Rader
    I know I'm missing other great ones...

    As for who to avoid...I dunno. It's complicated.
     
  4. Wagner the Wehrwolf

    Wagner the Wehrwolf Founding Member

    I really like Ashi/Ginga.

    I also like Nenox/Nenohi. Most will tell you you get more bang for the buck with other knives for example Ginga, but that doesn't make them a bad knife.
     
  5. cheflarge

    cheflarge Founding Member

    You really can't go wrong with Jon Broida @ JKI. Two of my favorite makers are local to the area: Randy Haas @HHH Knives & Mike Davis @ Davis knives. IMHO two of the finest knife makers around.
     
  6. Bill Farrell

    Bill Farrell Founding Member

    Haven't seen Takeda mentioned yet, which is a knife I like. The maker knows what to do with aogami super. There's been a recent smear campaign aimed at them, so hopefully there will be more of them available on the secondary market. :)
     
  7. Taylor

    Taylor Professional Craftsman Founding Member

    It honestly depends on what you are looking for out of a knife. Top makers in my opinion would be Devin Thomas, Michael Rader, Bill Burke, and Marko Tsurkan. When spending a decent wad on a knife, I like the idea of it not losing too much value as the years go by. Also, buying a knife where the seller stands behind the product 100% is ideal. Mr. Broida hands down takes the cake for customer service, and I would not hesitate buying anything from him.
     
  8. timthebeaver

    timthebeaver Founding Member

    Some personal favourites include: Yoshikane, Itinomonn, Mizuno Tanrenjo, Watanabe, Sugimoto.

    Would love to try: Jin, Gesshin Hide, Kato, Catcheside.
     
  9. Lefty

    Lefty Founding Member

    I knew I forgot some:

    Mike Davis
    Randy Haas
    Murray Carter
    Ian Rogers
     
  10. XooMG

    XooMG Founding Member

    I think the reasonably reputable makers are easy to find, and obvious junk can easily be avoided. There are however quite a few makers with little reputation whose characteristics ought to be better understood.

    I'd love to hear more about Asai, Murata, Takamura, Saji, Kumagoro, Monzaburo, and the list goes on.
     
  11. Andrew

    Andrew Have Pen Will Travel Founding Member

    Hiromoto Tenmi-Jyuraku Aogami Super Steel (AS) Series... so I hear.

    -Andy
     
  12. MattS

    MattS Founding Member

    Always wanted to try a Watanabe.
     
  13. Squirrel Master

    Squirrel Master Founding Member

    Watanabe is worth trying. Its a unique knife.
     
  14. mr drinky

    mr drinky Founding Member Gold Contributor

    What? No Mario Ingoglia love yet?

    I agree with most the other recs, and Lefty is correct, the 'avoid' category is complicated.

    k.
     
  15. gunnerjohn

    gunnerjohn Founding Member

    The only uncomplicated thing about the avoid category is that Cutco and Ginsu should be at the top of the list :BF
     
  16. James

    James smarter then your average duck Founding Member Gold Contributor

    why is it complicated ?
     
  17. Taz575

    Taz575 Founding Member

    I have several Tanaka's, one of my favorite brands!
     
  18. panda

    panda Founding Member

    every one of my knives are from a different brand (not intentional), i have no brand loyalties i just seek out knives that suits me the best and each person is going to have different preferences.
     
  19. Baker_Rat

    Baker_Rat Founding Member

    Other than the Cutco and Ginsu, there's not a single name/maker listed here I've ever even heard of... I am *so* far in over my head on this forum... lol
     
  20. XooMG

    XooMG Founding Member

    It's cool; I think many of take for granted just how tough it can be for new members to get around all the names and styles. It's not too hard to pick up, but it can be tricky to pick a starting point.
     

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