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aporigine 1 people found this review helpful
After clicking on the product page many times with envy in my heart, I bit the bullet and bought one. I already have and love two other Doi knives (gyuto). This one is right at home with those two stars. I’ve seen this knife also branded Genbu (a divine black tortoise; guardian of the north), which Sakai Takayuki use for their upscale knives with this geometry.
It is a beautiful knife, masterfully forged and heat-treated. The kasumi on the iron cladding does not look like it came off a Jnat, but is still very well-executed. Ootb edge is excellent, and so far I’ve only done touch-ups on a CBN strop.
It has a stout geometry. If you want a suj that will not flex, this is it. Nonetheless the grind is good enough to smoothly power through raw brisket with a thick fat cap or a boulder of pork shoulder — then shave thin even pieces off a rib roast in one smooth draw. This one’s a keeper, and a great showpiece if you’re carving for guests. This one exudes class without bling.
Two minor cosmetic issues: 1) the choil is not rounded but has simple chamfers that are not evenly-sized. One of these days I’ll get out a dowel and sandpaper and round and polish it.
2) the handle of yew is lovely, but the buffalo ferrule is a bit undersized. There’s a step between it and the wood. I’ve hesitated to sand it flush for fear of doing more harm than good.
Otherwise it is a pride&joy possession made by one of my favorite craftsmen, and I believe myself feeling a tiny bit of his soul deep into my hand when I’m taking it to anything from salmon to brisket. Was this rating helpful to you?
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