For those of you who were sad to miss the previous Shun deals, do not worry because ya knife enthusiast boi found something good. Some of you may have heard of Tojiro/Fujitora as I have been a proponent for that brand for a few years, but now I found you something better:
Yaxell is a very well known knife brand in Japan, older than Global and make high quality hand-crafted japanese knives. I noticed Kitchen Warehouse started stocking these a few years ago. The Mon line is quite similar to the Tojiro/Fujitora, however I believe that the handle is more comfortable, and the fit and finish is a lot better (edges on my Tojiro are still a bit sharp for my liking). The Zen line would be ideal for those of you wanting something a little more "special". Without needing to be said, either are better than Global knives.
These knives are handmade in Seki, Japan.
These deals are noteworthy from Kitchen Warehouse:
Yaxell Mon 4pc Knife Block Set $197.40 or $182.40 with coupon
Includes: knife block, 20cm Gyuto, 12.5cm Santoku, 8cm Paring
Yaxell Mon 6pc Knife Block Set $347.40 or $332.40 with coupon
Knife block, 20cm Gyuto, 16.5cm Santoku, 23cm Bread Knife,12cm utility knife, 8cm Paring
Mon Specs:
Steel: VG10 Super, Clad on both sides with stainless (Total 3 layer)
Hardness: 61 Rockwell
Handle: FDA-approved Canvas-micarta
Construction: Full Tang
Yaxell Zen 4pc Knife Block Set $257.40 or $242.20 with coupon
Includes: Magnetic Board, 20cm Gyuto, 12.5cm Santoku, 8cm Paring
Yaxell Zen 6pc Knife Block Set $467.40 or $452.40 with coupon
Includes: Magnetic Board, 20cm Gyuto, 16.5cm Santoku, 23cm Bread Knife,12cm utility knife, 8cm Paring
Zen Specs:
Steel: VG10 Super, cladded in 18-layer Damascus etched pattern (total 37 layers), Hammered for easy food release
Hardness: 61 Rockwell
Handle: FDA-approved Canvas-micarta
Construction: Full Tang
Watch Ryky (from Burrfection) visit the Yaxell factory here
Watch Mon Review here
Grab it while it's a STEE(a)L
Thanks OP.
I'm unfamiliar with the brand, but with a Rockwell rating of 61 degrees, they appear decent and your thorough description is appreciated.
The Zen range look particularly impressive, but I think that both of the Mon range in your link come with a knife block rather than the magnetic stand.
Wonder if these were originally on the 30% off ebay sale until Kitchen Warehouse pulled all their listings yesterday?