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Andrew RomigIncredible value. I very, very, very strongly recommend buying this version with the improved handle because it's a steal for just $18 more than the Ho-Wood/Plastic Ferrule version unless you're planning on doing a custom handle yourself. In the quick look video above, Steve notes that the lack of forward chamfering on the handle doesn't quite work for him and that he intends to relieve it a bit, but for my hands which are either a tight Large or a loose XL glove size it's a phenomenal fit as-is (and I just love octagonal handles in general). Likewise, I know the sharp upward rake of the tang isn't for everyone but it's very comfortable and controllable for me.
The other most striking aspect of the blade at a glance is what I'm (probably incorrectly) referring to as a rebated choil - that part of the back of the blade that comes rearward under the choil a little bit. At first I thought it was just a really cool cosmetic flair but given that the balance point is basically right there, it affords you a very secure and controllable pinch grip.
OOTB factory edge is very good - there's some room for improvement from the stones on my example, but it's more than good enough that I haven't felt the need to do so yet. The blade was very straight and true on my example with very even grind lines.
I put this thing to work slicing up some apples and initially encountered some minor wedging trying to start the cut at the rear of the knife, but quickly discovered that using the front half of the blade was much smoother given the distal taper. I could slay apples all day like that with ease and precision if I chose to.
On paper, SKS93 appears to split the difference between White #2 and #1 and my (admittedly limited) experience so far has been totally in-line with that. After half a dozen apples and green peppers, I observed no appreciable edge degradation and quite honestly, my knife skills aren't the best - so while that's not saying a lot, it is saying *something*.
Thanks to the stainless cladding, I observed zero reactivity of any kind (VERY surprising considering how readily my carbon and iron-clad blades react, but I'll admit this is my first stainless-clad carbon blade so there may be some element to that I don't understand). Do be aware, however, that the warning on the product page about light scratches on the stamped side of the blade are valid. In my case there are about 4 such scratches, most roughly half an inch long. It's one of those things you can only see in the right light and soft stainless cladding picks up scratches easily in use anyway, but if you're a perfectionist that aspect may drive you nuts. It doesn't really bother me; my knives are users, not drawer queens.
The final thing I want to point out is that as I see it, this knife can effectively double as a petty better than any other Santoku or Bunka I've yet encountered. The close to flat edge profile affords very precise slicing on the board or in hand, and the combination of being exceedingly lightweight along with the unusual handle rake and rebated choil afford a closer, tighter, more controlled grip than most knives of this general class seem to offer. This one gets a BIG two thumbs up from me. I'm not sure it would be suitable as someone's first and only kitchen blade, but it brings A LOT of versatility to the table you wouldn't expect and would, in my opinion, be all you'd need in tandem with a 210mm+ Gyuto or double-bevel Kiritsuke.Was this rating helpful to you?
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