An experimental knife of my own. And Phil Wilson was nice enough to complete it to my wild specs. just 1mm thick blade is a super cutter. CPM 3V steel at 62HRC performs very well, even in the blade which is that thin. I have only positive comments on its performance, and that scalpel surprised me more than once. Cutting ability is pretty much astonishing. Edge holding ability is very good too, not that I ever had complaints about Crucible CPM 3V steel, but at 62HRC this little knife really shines in that department too.
Monday, June 7, 2010 22:15:01
Very cool looking knife, with western handle, which I like a lot. Light, thin, just as gyuto should be. First test session this weekend. Then another in a week, plus casual use during those 2 weeks. After that passaround on KF. Once again, thanks to Henckels Japan for providing the sample for testing. I took few photos today, they can be seen in the gallery.
Monday, June 7, 2010 18:34:51
Just arrived: Fredd Haakonsen's Vanadis 4E small knife and Henckels Miyabi 600D Fusion Morimoto Edition 270mm Gyuto. I have my had full for the weekend again. I figure Nenohi test will have to wait for the following weekend.
Monday, June 7, 2010 11:31:52
I am sooo disappointed. 2 hours of sharpening, 3 hours of cutting straight, and no real improvement in performance and edge durability. What is that anyway. I'll post more details tomorrow, and I am too pissed off today to write something not very cranky. In the middle of the whole thing I felt like putting it up for sale right there and then. Well, I figure, it's better to wait until I chill out.
Sunday, June 6, 2010 23:31:11
Phew. Spent 1.5 hours sharpening on the stones and another 20 minutes or so on leather strops. The blade is way beyond hair popping sharp. Push cutting through the thin newsprint is a breeze. After failing first two tests miserably, well miserably for the knife of that kinf of reputation and price, otherwise it's fine, consensus on KF was to give it a brand new edge. So be it, there's a new edge and 10lbs of veggies waiting for it. Let's see how it can handle the task this time.
Sunday, June 6, 2010 16:23:50
This is my last attempt to make this knife work according to its price and hype. I already know from previous sharpening sessions and its hardness 60-61HRC, it is relatively soft and easy to grind. Therefore, I'll start with 500grit and then go all the way up to 0.25 micron diamond loaded strop. Test material, which is about 10lbs of veggies is waiting to be cut.
Sunday, June 6, 2010 13:36:12
Definitely, one of my favorites. Well, as far as utility slicers go, this is my current favorite. I love everything about this knife, size, make, fit and finish, design and above all, general cutting performance. Like all other knives form Phil Wilson, this one is a dedicated cutter too, optimized for cutting performance. CPM M4 does live up to its reputation, at least when heat treated by Phil. At 64HRC is doesn't show any signs of chipping. Detailed usage report later, I need to accumulate and compile more data.
Sunday, June 6, 2010 13:07:08
Wow, that didn't take too long :) I've posted on BF today and in a few hours Larrin, yes the same Larrin who helped with many other steel related topics for this site provided the info. Interesting steel BTW, unusually high Nitrogen 4.20%, Chromium 21.20% and Vanadium 9.00% content. There isn't much iron left in the alloy. Here - Vanax 75 steel composition. I'm really interested in the knife(ves) from this alloy.
Saturday, June 5, 2010 19:27:26
I won't have much time to test it this weekend, but at least I will measure, weigh and catalog it properly. Also, if all goes as planned, I will take edge micrographs tomorrow, as a starter point, and later we can compare what does the edge look like after some use. I have very serious doubts about their claim - This knife will be as sharp on day 500 as on day 1. After all, it's the same zirconia based ceramics used in Kyocera OK-45 4.5in Utility Kitchen Knife, and that didn't even last 3 months before it needed sharpening. I'm not entirely sure whether or not I should rub that Yoshi blade on the grooved butchers steel, it's clear the blade will chip, and will not "reduce the steel to dust" as yoshiblade claims, but I dont'want to ruin the knife too soon. May be later, once I am done testing.
Saturday, June 5, 2010 16:43:29
Nice little paring knife, made from X50CrMoV15 steel. Not the super steel by any standards, but works ok for the paring knife. Build quality and the edge were very good. one of the best I've seen. Suffice to say, the out of the box edge on Meridian Elite paring knife had a better edge on in than much more expensive Nenohi Nenox S1 honyaki gyuto.
Saturday, June 5, 2010 11:52:03