Artago
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Various levels
Got a half decent Santoku a couple of decades ago, and I`d argue your friend is right in many ways. Eye opener.
On the European side some areas/brands provides a number of levels where entry level can be quite different from the good stuff. For instance, Sabatier isn`t protected, thus anyone can label a knife Sabatier, and some Sabatier brands like Rousselon have production both in France and in Asia. Some are fully forged, some are welded. In my opinion the following would be a decent spot for a first dive into French kitchen knives +++: www.sabatier-shop.com
It would be wise to do some research before going Japanese as well, as a lot is sold by the style yet made elsewhere, but your friend would know what you should look for. Before going Japanese, do a bit of research on keeping them, sharpening, wet stones and so forth. It is a bit different to Solingen/Thiers.
Forge de Laguiole folding knife: The Rambaud 223
Stephane Rambaud is a master knife smith, working for and with Laguiole. Here is one of his creation, the Rambaud 223, blending Ebony, high polish and hand chiseled bee and spring. We often mention pens, but there is another very dangerous slippery slope:...
We have some Forge de Laguiole steak knives
They have just simple olive wood handles and standard blades. Very nice to use. You just need to be sure to buy the real thing as the majority that is offered is not made in France or even Europe… Great knife you show is by the way! Dirk
That's a beauty.
I'm not a knife collector but if they are all that handsome maybe I should be M4
Knives, did someone say kinves ?
Certainly a big fan of custom knives here. Very beautiful Laguiole, with a Damascus blade and detailed file work on the lock and spine! I remember purchasing a much more pedestrian Laguiole in Paris many years ago; still love it ! In a different style, he...
Sure!
It's a small desk knife by custom maker, Yukio Nibe. For this piece, he collaborated with a Japanese swordsmith who provided him with a section of forged Tamahagane ("sand" steel traditionally used in the creation of samurai swords). Mr. Nibe then fashion...
Amazing
That is truly a piece of art. What do you use it for - actually, I think I would spend my day admiring it.
Anyone found him?
Tried to find him so I could see some of his other work, but so far, have not been able to find contact or anything else.
I got it about a decade ago, so I'm not sure if he's still active.
I'm also not sure if links to retail sites are permitted, but you can see some of his work here... yamashita.ocnk.net
Thanks, Tom!
I can't say that I put the Tamahagane blade through any rigorous paces... : ) Opening letters and, in the old way, sharpening pencils !
Contact for Yukio Nine?
Do you still have a contact for him? Would love to get some work done for myself and my mother. She is very old fashioned with letters and this would be a wonderful gift.
Sorry, I'm afraid I don't...
He'll probably be exhibiting his new works at the large, annual Knife Show in Seki City, Japan in 10/2024. FYI, on the off chance you might be passing through. Good luck on your gift to your mother and yourself!
Direware…
They make EDC that are semi practical but I consider them a 2nd tier for display only maker. I have 10 pieces from them…the next step up for me would be a commission for 10-20k from a top tier maker….
Wow, a true piece of art,
one of the most beautiful knives I have ever seen. While from the other end of the price spectrum this knife is also from France and one of the most frequently used items in my kitchen: It has a very nice patina, similar to an aged watch dial in some ways...
That's true, they are magnificent workhorses,
especially the "rusting" carbone steel versions.
Amanico, don't try Japanese knives...
I used to swear by Made In Germany knives. Solingen, Solingen, Solingen. So one day, I'm helping a classmate of mine settle into his new home. He's a surgeon and he's just moved and I have been given a budget to outfit the home. When it comes to the kitch...
Careful, with that endorsement, there will soon be a waiting list.
Your endorsement on watches often creates a waiting list. Who knows, one day you may be an influencer in knives!
Various levels
Got a half decent Santoku a couple of decades ago, and I`d argue your friend is right in many ways. Eye opener. On the European side some areas/brands provides a number of levels where entry level can be quite different from the good stuff. For instance, ...
Thanks
I would stretch it as far as "there`s no point buying" great Japanese knives without having proper size and quality wet stones in the house, the knifes will be wrecked otherwise.
It is...
A close friend of mine makes knifes and we have had a few discussions about sharpening and rescuing damaged knifes. He is 80 years old, and is still experimenting to master it, which makes me well aware I know nothing. He is also very particular about sel...
You are right
I picture them (Rousselon in particular) as direct competitors to Wusthof and Zwilling... Let me put it this way: I bought a budget (Asian) Sabatier kit to a friend who prepares great food with lousy knives. And told her that I will replace them with good...
Ahh! Clever!
I did the same for my friend who had the awful Sabatier knives. He was a great cook, and prepared delicious dinners, so in order to thank him, I bought him a set of 8-piece Henckels "4 Star" knives. Umm, I don't think he's taking great care of the new kni...
Just happened to have these on my desk in preparation for an overnight stay in the country
CRK the slip joint is custom-made for me by Dan Morrow. ...
Seriously beautiful.
... kind of enthusiastic about Goyon Chazeau, the Le Thiers peeling knifes in particular. They have some nice cutlery sets and pocket knifes at different levels too. en.goyon-chazeau.com en.goyon-chazeau.com Anyway, just a pointer for thos...
It is a great area for knives
Find Thiers a nice mix of old family/industrial brands and emerging independents + artistic that have understood they need each other, and I believe we need really need that community thriving. Will stick to Japanese for a Santoku, Goyon Le Thiers for sma...
Probably sufficient to become happy with my own choices, but there is a lot to explore beyond that. Thankfully.
You started off with a lecture in harmony and detail, magnificent in every way. Guess that`s why I enjoy being a guest at this forum so much. The revelations, the education, the beauty, and the affection. Highly appreciated, thanks!