TeaChat

I also use #2 for my smaller kyusus. I'm left handed but so far only have right handed pots which work fine too. My 750ml is used on the stove top to brew chinese herbs and that one requires two hands and a mitt.

Guess I would have to say, all of the above. It depends on the size and shape of the pot. Mostly 2 and 3, sometimes 4, and occasionally 1.

I use #3 for smaller kyusu and #2 for bigger kyusu.

Sometimes it also depends on the height of the tea boat. #3 is more convenient for higher elevation and #2 for lower.

For my tiny Kyusu, I am going to switch from numbers 2 and 3 to number 1. Thanks for the tip!

#2 but the the thumb on the knob. Sometimes #4.

#1 The Fist






Something I just kind of happened upon with the fist. The grip is not uber tight, and I do not usually turn my wrist to pour.

Instead, the handle rolls between my fingers (index finger moving forward while the middle finger does not move) giving me ... micro or hyper control of the pour. My wrist remains in a fixed position and my hand remains perpendicular to the table. A byproduct of this is that the Kyusu moves very little, just turning on it axis, the handle.

There is really hardly any movement with this, you can see my index finger moving forward slightly, that is just about it. For some reason, I find this ... very interesting.

Used to be number 2 with spout facing me when I pour, shoulders and elbow down and relaxed closer to my body, using right hand

notice there has been a gradual shift to putting my left palm on the underside/side while my other hand is on the handle while I pour.
Right thumb is on the nob, left thumb is close to/or touching the rim of the pot, at 12oclock (in line with the right thumb and the spout).

This way feels more balanced, and very relaxing, basically the left hand supporting allows the muscles holding the handle to take it very easy and not strain at all. It also looks 'right' when everything is lined up like that to me, pleasant visual sensation, a straight line to the cup.

The added warmth from holding the kyusu with my left hand is a pleasant bonus too esp during winter!

Now that I have a kyusu ( ) definitely #2 is the most comfortable for me. Actually, my thumb lands on the edge of the lid, there's no way I could reach the knob! It's a bit big (~230mL) though I've been using it for 100mL brews, and it's simply too heavy for grip #1 and too big for the others.

Most definitely #2. The only difference is I place my thumb on the knob, not the lid

I only recently acquired a kyusu, and although my first instinct was #2, I looked at this topic and decided #1 is a little more practical for some reason. Maybe because it seems extra secure?

Maneki Neko wrote:I only recently acquired a kyusu, and although my first instinct was #2, I looked at this topic and decided #1 is a little more practical for some reason. Maybe because it seems extra secure?

You chose correctly.

For me, it depends on how high or low the surface I'm brewing on is. My current desk is on the higher side so I use the #3 grip. For lower ill use #2.

I have been brewing sencha with no lid for awhile. That, I guess would be a lidless no.4?

Otherwise, normally, 2 or 4.
Fun to see the other options!

I use all four -- which one depends on the pot. Most kyusu are so large in comparison to my hands that I have to go with #3. I have one that position #1 works for, but it is so tiny most people are afraid to even touch it.