Cheap 210mm Carbon Gyuto for beginner?

[andeez]

Hi all, this is my first forum post. In summary, I'm looking for a carbon core gyuto with good performance that is not too expensive. I will be messing around with stones and might make some mistakes, so I don't want anything too fancy. Mainly I'm trying to spend as little as possible without giving up too much on the quality of the grind or the steel.
1)Pro or home cook?
Home cook

2)What kind of knife do you want? (Gyuto, Santoku, Petty, Paring, Sujihiki, etc.)
Gyuto, although open to recommendations for a Nakiri as well. Probably my next purchase after a gyuto.

3) What size knife do you want?
210mm

4)How much do you want to spend?
$50-$120ish. Really I want to spend the minimum required to get a well ground, well heat treated carbon core blade.

5) Do you prefer all stainless, stainless clad over reactive carbon, or all reactive carbon construction?
I want to try a carbon core, don't care much about the cladding. I can take care of reactive steel.

6)Do you prefer Western or Japanese handle?
Japanese

7)What are your main knife/knives now?
Mercer Renaissance 8in chef knife, MAC professional series Santoku, a cheap KAI 180mm gyuto

8)Are your knife skills excellent, good, fair?
Good. I am slow but precise, getting faster with the chopping. Still a novice.

9)What cutting techniques do you prefer? Are you a rocker, chopper or push/pull cutter?
Mainly chopper but all of the above to some extent

10)Do you know how to sharpen?
Yes, I am a long time folding knife enthusiast.

[Qapla']

I haven't used these myself, but this one seems to fit your descriptions:
https://www.chefknivestogo.com/okwh2gy21.html

Depending on what sort of "clad" you're referring to, this might also be a valid choice:
https://japanesechefsknife.com/collecti ... yuto-210mm

[gladius]

Greetings and welcome to the forum. Take a look at the Harukaze AS Wa Gyuto 210m. Very high value: good price and very good performance.

https://www.chefknivestogo.com/haas21gy.html

[Emieloss]

Hey there, welcome

This one is for sale atm. Looks like a very nice handle and great steel. (My first knife was a blue #1 as well)
https://www.chefknivestogo.com/kabl1gy21sa.html

This one is a little over budget but it's a great looking blade and handle.
https://www.chefknivestogo.com/kobl2nagy21.html

If you really want a cheap knife with great heattreat and steel and don't mind F&F lacking, you could also go with one of these. A great knife where you can learn on, make some mistakes, fix your mistakes, try out some thinning, rehandling, sharpening, force a patina, remove a patina, etc.
https://www.chefknivestogo.com/toitkshwa21.html

[Jeff B]

Greetings and welcome to the forum. Take a look at the Harukaze AS Wa Gyuto 210m. Very high value: good price and very good performance.

https://www.chefknivestogo.com/haas21gy.html

Excellent knife for the money that I've recommended many times.

[taz575]

I have a 210 Tanaka Blue #2 clad knife for sale with a handle I made for it several years ago. I reground and thinned the whole blade so it was more like the Sekiso series grind.

https://www.chefknivestogoforums.com/vi ... 16&t=13977

[Jeff B]

If you don't mind sticking with a Yo handle the - Minamoto Nashiji Blue #2 Gyuto 210mm - is and excellent entry level carbon too and closer to your price range.

https://www.chefknivestogo.com/minamoto1.html

[ChefKnivesToGo]

This is a really good knife and it has some attributes that are right up your alley. I recommend it for you.

1. Flat profile for easier sharpening.
2. Good carbon steel that is easy to get wicked sharp.
3. A sturdy handle that we improved recently (stabilizing them now).
4. Nice looks and good fit and finish.
5. In your price range.
https://www.chefknivestogo.com/giwh2sa.html

[lsboogy]

Check out a Tojiro ITK

https://www.chefknivestogo.com/toitkshwa21.html

Daughter has a couple from the line. They are easy to learn to sharpen on and are very good bang for the buck knives. I have given several of them to younger set, and they are all getting great knife skills for young folk with them.

[andeez]

Greetings and welcome to the forum. Take a look at the Harukaze AS Wa Gyuto 210m. Very high value: good price and very good performance.

https://www.chefknivestogo.com/haas21gy.html

Thanks, after looking things over I think I'm going to go with this knife. Its a little more than I wanted to spend, but it seems like the performance and steel is what I want. I guess I'll take the plunge!

[Ut_ron]

You won’t be sorry

[Jeff B]

Greetings and welcome to the forum. Take a look at the Harukaze AS Wa Gyuto 210m. Very high value: good price and very good performance.

https://www.chefknivestogo.com/haas21gy.html

Thanks, after looking things over I think I'm going to go with this knife. Its a little more than I wanted to spend, but it seems like the performance and steel is what I want. I guess I'll take the plunge!

Excellent choice! Think you will be pleasantly surprised by this one.