Japanese Knife
by John
And, although I have never been a knife maker, I have been a frequent watcher of “how to” make knife videos. Who knows, maybe I will branch out into that hobby one day.
This post was prompted by my purchase of a new knife. Undoubtedly the sharpest knife I have ever used. At first glance, it has an attractive, basic shape, and I thought, “that will make a good kitchen knife”. It is long and slender, not for chopping sweet potato or pumpkin, but more for fine slicing of tomato, or coriander. (or meat/fish if you are a Neanderthal).
And sharp! It is sharper IMO than a surgeon’s scalpel. It passes the paper held at one edge slicing test with ease. I could shave with it, except with a 8″/200mm blade, that would be a bit terrifying. Even cutting up vegetables is an activity to be approached with caution. A touch on a finger would end up as a trip to the casualty department for stitches.
The knife is Japanese. Of unknown age. Probably handmade.
It was offered to me by GSMEE member Neil, who has a substantial collection. One glance at the photo he sent to me was enough for a “yes please”.
The wooden sheath is not Japanese. It was made by Neil, and the blade snicks perfectly into place. The pattern on the sheath is unique, and random. Looks the part, no? Considering the terrifying sharpness of the blade, the sheath is an absolute necessity IMO.
Japanese knives, chisels, saws and other implements are available from Tetsu, Ocean Grove, Victoria, tel 0403 549485. If you want a knife with a fitted wooden sheath (strongly recommended), contact Neil McMeekin at neilmcmeekin@bigpond.com. tel 0491 212 258.
johnsmachines 
Just as well my shed knife’s super sharp blade was only 10mm extended, (box Cutter with fresh blade) cos I slipped doing the bad thing = cutting toward self plus in awkward position. 5 sutures later after the Dr exhibited great needle skills I went back to finish the task.
Imagine what I could have done to my wrist with that blade?
Neil does do super good work with whatever he gets into.
LikeLike
I also am impressed with Neil’s output, and his knives are just superb!
LikeLike
Thanks for your support
LikeLike
Hi John, my apologies for being somewhat tardy with comments. Your work with casting and making the pieces for the RML are outstanding, I wish i could emulate your patience and skills – maybe one day when I am settled in to our new house, at the moment most of my shed is in boxes in a heap – what a mess!! not to mention the weight of my equipment.Why are we doing this? easy, our house is on top of a hill, seven steps up to the front door and even worse, 42 steps down to my shed. The new place is dead level, the shed is by the back door and we will have sweeping views across the harbour to Albany and the its port, so I envisage many relaxing hours watching the ships come and go. SWMBO chose the house and I welcomed the choice on purely practical grounds. We should be moving in on Sept 3 and I look forward to setting up the workshop. Wish me luck !!!
LikeLike
Sounds wonderful. I have a 20 minute drive to my workshop, but since it involves driving past the ships and leisure boats on Corio Bay, it is always a pleasant part of the day. Sea views from a house and/or workshop would be lovely. Good luck? Sounds like you married it!
LikeLike
Great blog
LikeLike