How do more expensive planes (like $600 - $1500, etc) compare to the ones that are $100-300? – James L.

During my visit to Uchihashi san, the blacksmith Keizaburo, last month, he shared his perspective on his favorite steel, likening different kanna blades to different mountains, each with its unique shape. The question isn't really which one is better or worse, but more like the question "which mountain do I want to hike today?"