My kit of Japanese knives ... WIP

[Gadge]

After seeing mention of Watanabe knives in this thread I looked through the website and thought I'd like to buy an Gyuto. As their capacity is only 5 of these per month I emailed asking how long it might take to have one made. Unfortunately I didn't receive a reply. After that I decided to just order one which might get a better response. Still no reply.
Does anyone here know how to contact this maker? Any help would be appreciated.

Regards,
Gadge

[rsser]

How long have you waited Gadge?

(My order was acknowledged and filled within a few days).

These are the contact details I have for them:

Shinichi Watanabe
WATANABE BLADE
1 Inokobashinden, Sanjo-shi,
Niigata-ken 959-1151 JAPAN
Phone & Fax +81 (256) 45-2940 [email protected]
[email protected]
KITCHEN KNIFE | WATANABE BLADE

[Gadge]

Thanks for the reply rsser.
I first emailed about a month ago asking about lead time. Then emailed again a couple of weeks ago with the order. No replies to either.

Regards,
Gadge

[NeilS]

In my experience this is unusual, Gadge.

I have purchased a number of knives from Shinichi-san and the communications have always been prompt.

And, unlike most Japanese knife smiths, his English is quite good.

I would persist for a bit longer.

[rsser]

Agree with Neil.

Your experience appears to be unusual. Maybe try that other email address? As you'll have seen this is a family operation and family events might have taken precedence?

...

As an aside there's a local cafe with an open kitchen and a relieving chef had left his knife on the bench. Damascus steel. Spekky. Course we got chinwagging ... it was made by that Tassie guy.

And of course I picked it up and did the thumbnail test. Blunt as. Told him. He knew it. But he had all these Shun knives (chest beating). All needed sharpening.

So I made an offer: I'd sharpen his knives (any with chipping excluded) to #3000 for $10 each or to #8000 for $15.

Not interested.

[NeilS]

So I made an offer: I'd sharpen his knives (any with chipping excluded) to #3000 for $10 each or to #8000 for $15.

Not interested.

He would have been getting a bargain!

Dave Martel who has a sharpening service charges more, see Level I, here.

[rsser]

Yoiks!

Well, I've been charging $30 an hour for woodturning lessons and took that as a benchmark.

This guy was clearly all show.

With my own knives I've got good enough results with #1000 then #3000 with some care to build up a slurry. I haven't warmed to the #8000 from Stu cos of the wood mount but now have one of his #6000 unmounted so expect to work just with the 1k and 6k.

And despite expert instruction in freehanding I still prefer to jig, and that alone accounts for not warming to the wood-mounted stone.

...

The Kid, to back up aways, has had a go with the Petty knife. The blade is bent at the handle. (My jaws are clamped; not one critical sound will be heard. It's cheap learning all said. Might justify a Watanabe replacement for her Dad ).

[Gadge]

Rsser and Neils,

Thanks for the support. I emailed directly and had a reply within a few hours. I've placed an order for two knives. Apparently the Watanabe website email has been down for a few weeks. Bad timing on my part.

Thanks again,
Gadge

[rsser]

Happy to hear that Gadge.

...

Watanabe knives are sober in aesthetic terms but on the basis of one sample I'd say they over-deliver in performance terms.

Roaming the website again: there are some very tempting prospects.

[Gadge]

After not receiving a reply from Watanabe for a few weeks I took Rsser and Neils advice and contacted Shinichi directly as per our thread above. I ordered two knives last Wednesday and received both in Sydney today, Monday. Wow, that was great service!
Now I have a Gyuto and a petite 120 mm. Beautiful!

Regards,
Gadge

[NeilS]

Now I have a Gyuto and a petite 120 mm. Beautiful!

Gadge, any chance of a photo?

[rsser]

Good outcome Gadge.

Let us know how you find them?

[Gadge]

Ok rsser, I have been meaning to take a photo as per Neils post and will try to do it tomorrow. The photo won't be much different than the one on the Watanabe website though.

Regards,
Gadge

[Gadge]

I finally managed to take a shot of the Watanabe knives I bought. Not a great shot but should give an idea of the knives.

Regards,
Gadge

[rsser]

Loverly; thanks.

The understated aesthetic of these knives appeals to me.

...

Having done a boneless roast for friends recently and with good company and some nice reds I left my gyoto on the board after carving and yep, the blue steel stained. JIF as per Neil's advice got rid of most of it.

A sharpening session is warranted anyway so will wait for a 'zen' moment and try the new Sigma PS II #6000. And a non-zen moment for machine sharpening the Western knives.