The Spyderco Sharpmaker is easy to use and does a good job – just a little slow. Are you sure about your Sharpmaker’s inability to go down to 15o degree on each side? I have always under the impression that it can. Here:
"Die-cut into the base are keyed slots and holes fitted for the stones. They accurately set the stone’s sharpening angle at a 30° (15° each side) or 40° (20° each side) for knives and a 12.5° scissor setting. "
UX-10 is probably the best known series within Misono. You can even email Koki from JapaneseChefKnife. He is generous and will steer you toward UX10 or Swedish Carbon Steel based on your need. These two lines have similar geometries and similar steel hardness. The UX10 is slightly thinner and lighter (especially if you compare the 210 mm - 8.2 inch)
The Swedish Steel one you were looking at is much cheaper, only ~$110 for the 8.2 inch Gyuto, whereas the UX-10 one will be ~$180.
All and all, if you really want to able to handle a knife before you buy, then call up a few kitchen supply stores near by. You are unlikely to find these knives in any big retail department store. If you don’t care about touching a knife before you buy it, then I think there are similar knives which you can also consider.
If you don’t mind a stainless steel knife and really want to hold a knife before buying, then I do recommend you to try the Miyabi Kaizen II 8" chef’s knife which is on sale for $100 right now. You will able to test drive it at a nearby Sur La Table which I am sure you have one nearby. I have written a short review if you want to take a quick look:
http://www.surlatable.com/product/PRO-2403251/Miyabi+Kaizen+II+Chefs+Knife
Most importantly, you will get to test it if you want to.
As for the 15% off sale, that is a short term thing. I have visited their sites on and off. They have sale here and three, but rarely a sweep sale for ALL knives. If you have to wait, then you have to wait. 15% is a small price to pay to get a suitable knife for you.
