Fake Knives ???

Not quite sure what a "fake knife" is. I've seen truly awful knives, certainly. But how do you make a fake knife?

 

Ohhhh -- like fake Rolexes. I thought you meant fake knives --- things that look like knives but somehow aren't. Gotcha.

 

Global had a big problem with counterfeits being sold on E-Bay. 

I don't know of any major manufacturer which has any of its quality lines made OEM in China or elsewhere in Asia except for Japan.  And, as usual, Japan is different, complicated, and impossible to explain to people who don't already understand it even by people who understand it well -- which I don't.

BDL

 

As far as I know there's no significant risk of counterfeiting for any of those three knives. 

I've used the plain, stainless Sakai Takayuki a few times, but never tried the hammered one myself.  The plain Grand Cheff sharpened so easily and so well, I thought about buying one for myself.  For a lot of reasons though, I never pulled the trigger.  In terms of price and value it's in the same league as Mac Pro, Masamoto VG, Hiromoto AS, and several other knives.  It has an excellent reputation, by the way.

Unfortunately, the hammered knife with the desertwood handle is not considered so highly.  The handle is regarded as small and uncomfortable; the blade is thought to be thick especially at the heel; and it isn't considered to be a good knife.  But as I said, I never tried one myself.  Do yourself a favor and join Fred's Cutlery Forum (on Foodie Forums) and/or the Knife Forum and ask there. 

Takedas are Takedas.  They are about as different from a basic German knife like a Zwillings or Dreizack as you can get and still cut carrots.  They're exquisitely thin, very light, san-mai with an Aogami Super hagane, have a very flat edge, and of course have that very rustic, black-from-the-forge (called kurouchi) look.  Presumably you're aware that even though the kurouchi finish is some protection against rust, they aren't stainless or anything near it.  

The best places to buy Takeda are from Chef Knives To Go, or directly from Takeda in Japan (here's a link to their online catalog, unfortunately only available in English and Japanese and unfortunately a clunky process).  I don't believe there are significant discounts available on e-bay, and highly recommend purchasing through CKTG.  In addition, you'll find Mark, the owner, an excellent source of information.

The best e-tailer for Sakai Takayuki (probably in the entire world) is Paul's Finest, located in Quebec (which actually still is Canada.  Sort of).  In addition to raising your Sakai Takayuki questions -- especially about the hammered finish knife -- in one of the knife fora, ask Paul himself.  He's very knowledgeable and can draw from the experience of many customers.    

Both Mark and Paul sell Moritaka knives.  Depending on what you want from a Takeda you may get all of it and more for a lower price from a Moritaka.  They're not my type of knife, but those whom I know who have tried Moritakas have been more satisfied.  Again, ask Mark, Paul and at the other fora.  You probably won't find that knowledge here at CT. 

One last thing.  The Grand Cheff (made with Uddeholm Steel's AEB-L, by the way), the Takeda, and all of the knives within their general, respective classes get extremely sharp.  Sharp is good.  However, they dull like any other knife and you'll have to sharpen to get and keep them sharp -- and I don't mean with a steel (rod hone), or sending them to a service once a year either.  You're going to need waterstones, an Edge Pro, a service you can afford to use three or four times a year, or a Chef's Choice electric machine (and the Chef's Choice is a distant, barely adequate, fourth choice).    

Good luck,

BDL

 

I know there was a problem a while back with fake Globals going around.  Mostly I think they were sold on e-Bay and, going by what I've read, were shoddy enough that only a real neophyte would have been fooled.  I guess it makes sense that you'd choose a brand like that to counterfeit- why fake 1000 Kikuichis when no one has heard of them?

 

Mark Richmond of CKtG once said his spam filter diverts about 100 valid inquiries per day into the junk mail folder.  The solution is to send him a PM at Knifeforums.com or to call him at the number on their website.  He takes most of the calls personally and will help you out.  I've found CKtG to be among the best companies of any kind I've ever dealt with.

 

The ebay seller, My Japaneeds, is legitimate.  The brand, Yoshihiro, is legitimate as well. 

The look of the knives -- wa-handled tsuchime/damascus is quite popular now and several "manufacturers" are selling knives of very similar appearance and construction.  That's common business practice in Japan and not restricted to these knives.  In this case, because their appearance is so striking the similarity is very easily observed.  Whether or not that means that none, some, a lot, or nearly all of the work for Takayuki and Yoshihiro (and others) was done by the same OEM maker(s) is an open question. 

I want to like every knife I try, but never really warmed up to the "17 layer" hammered "Damascus." Most of my reasons though aren't what you'd call generic.  How are you enjoying your knives? 

BDL

 

Have not placed an order as of yet, but service and response has been spot on so far. Have received answers either same day, or following morning. Tops!

 

Thanks for the kind words KP.  They mean a lot.  Yes to perfecting your pinch, and learning to "claw" and "cut and retreat" with your offhand.  Take a look at the "Guillotine and Glide" piece on my blog about a classic "rock chop" action. 

While you're there read the post on "Getting a Good Grip."  Learning to keep a straight line from tip through wrist to elbow will help you handle a long knife "instinctively."

BDL

 

Sorry if my post offended you etc as I was only trying to reinforce the point that something unusual may have happened, and to share my personal positive experience so that you would be able to potentially benefit from it. 

Hope that helps

 

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