[cheflayne]

The title "Beer" for this thread is completely irresponsible and a punk wisealec thing to do.

It worked as far as getting me to look at this thread to figure out what the hey. It didn't work as far as getting any useful input from me. :~)

 

[rick alan]

Handles that are bulbous up front like the Tojiro shiro are about the only thing that erks me. Other than that just use the pinch grip and realize that the ring and pinky fingers are your power fingers, and keep everything else relaxed in the cut.

Were you given any idea on the wait for the Masamoto? Some have been waiting a couple years at this point as I have been led to believe.

Wakui and Watanabi are 2 very nice blades in white 2, one a little less expensive and the other a bit more.

 

[Iceman]

The Tojiro has a standard "D"-shape Ho handle. It very easily gets very sharp. It is however considerably reactive. I realize that is not a condition accepted by everyone. I'm not sure where your "bulbous" comes from. Maybe you could enlighten Me about that? I only included myself in that "enlightenment" idea because I'm sure nobody else here is going to question anything from you. ... I find it very interesting that the OP goes from a "garbage-but-flashy" $99 knife right to a "Sold-Out" $328 knife.

 

[rick alan]

Not question anything from me, with the number of times I've managed to misstate the facts?

Well you know the OP came here looking for help getting started with jknives, moving on from original considerations is usually the way here, and always nice to see someone who can start from zero and make up there mind quick.

 

[benuser]

As you're coming from German knives I would suggest a Western handle. Enough other changes to get used to: thinner, lighter blade, forward balance, flatter profile, harder steel, some asymmetry. Perhaps a Misono Swedish Carbon or 440. Anyway, I would choose a 240mm gyuto. You will quickly get used to it.