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

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

 

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.

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

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

 

I knew I forgot some:

Mike Davis
Randy Haas
Murray Carter
Ian Rogers

 

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.

 

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

-Andy

 

Always wanted to try a Watanabe.

 

Watanabe is worth trying. Its a unique knife.

 

What? No Mario Ingoglia love yet?

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

k.

 

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

 

why is it complicated ?

 

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

 

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.

 

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

 

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.