Kazan Ginsan Nashiji Gyuto 240mm

“$10 over budget but if you can stretch it, [this Ginsan line](https://www.chefknivestogo.com/hag3gy21.html) punches well above the price point. [Masutani](https://www.knivesandstones.com.au/products/masutani-vg10-damascus-gyuto-180mm-western-handle?variant=43988275298525) does some of the best work under $100 but he only goes up to 180mm / roughly 7 inches. Other stuff that comes to mind is [Fujiwara FKM](https://japanesechefsknife.com/products/fujiwara-kanefusa-fkm?variant=28871168131) / FKH (stainless steel or carbon steel, you can pick), Tojiro and [Yahiko](https://www.chefknivestogo.com/yavggy21ro.html) (basically Tojiro but nicer handles), and some of the other budget Tsunehisa / [Harukaze](https://www.chefknivestogo.com/hav1gy21.html) lines. Some of these are a tad over $100 so if you really can't stretch the extra $10-15 or so then more budget friendly alternatives would be Victorinox or [MAC](https://www.chefknivestogo.com/macchse8gy.html). Victorinox is cheaper, MAC performs better. Global also comes to mind but their 1 piece stainless handles are very polarizing on comfort and aesthetics.”