The chef's knife is a kitchen staple, with a wide straight edged blade ideally suited to cutting and chopping fruits and vegetables, herbs, and so on. Some may find the 10" length too awkward and unwieldy, and for those people we recommend this slightly shorter knife. R. H. Forschner is a division of Swiss Army Brands, Inc, renowned for the Victorinox Swiss Army Knife. These knives are specially ground and tempered so that they can be resharpened over and over again, keeping a sharp edge throughout their lifetime. State of the art technology blended with old world craftsmanship produce cutting instruments of excellent quality, at reasonable prices. Forschner Victorinox Fibrox knives have earned high marks in a well-known cooking magazine which stringently tests kitchen products.

The small chef's knife is handy for mincing shallots, slicing radishes, and also for working on larger foods, especially if the sous chef has small hands and finds a big knife hard to manage. R. H. Forschner is a division of Swiss Army Brands, Inc, renowned for the Victorinox Swiss Army Knife. These knives are specially ground and tempered so that they can be resharpened over and over again, keeping a sharp edge throughout their lifetime. State of the art technology blended with old world craftsmanship produce cutting instruments of excellent quality, at reasonable prices. Forschner Victorinox Fibrox knives have earned high marks in a well-known cooking magazine which stringently tests kitchen products.

In fewer than five years, Rachael Ray has radically changed the way America cooks dinner. Her perky-girl-next-door swagger, her catchphrases for techniques, and her dinner ideology of simpler, less expensive and just in time have sold billions of books and placed her at the top of the talent heap of food television personalities.Furi knives have long been recognized for their outstanding performance and terrific value. The Gusto Grip collection was developed in conjunction with popular chef Rachael Ray, who loved the professional qualities of F??ri, but desired a convenient non-slip grip in her favorite color, orange. The result is a knife that appeals to home chefs and professionals alike. The Gusto Grip handles feature "Furi Guard", antimicrobial inhibitors incorporated directly and permanently into the Gusto Grip handles. This is done during the manufacturing process, giving the handle an added safeguard against microorganisms that can degrade the handle material over time. The East/West Knife measures 7-in. long and is the perfect knife for vegetables and meats alike. The high-carbon, stainless blade is highly durable and offers precision cutting and lasting edge retention. For best results, F??ri knives should be sharpened regularly, hand washed and dried thoroughly before storing.Introduced in the U.S. by Matfer, F??ri knives originated in Australia, designed by engineer

The straight edge and wide blade of this knife make it ideal for chopping and cutting vegetables, fruits and some other foods. R. H. Forschner is a division of Swiss Army Brands, Inc, renowned for the Victorinox Swiss Army Knife. These knives are specially ground and tempered so that they can be resharpened over and over again, keeping a sharp edge throughout their lifetime. State of the art technology blended with old world craftsmanship produce cutting instruments of excellent quality, at reasonable prices. Forschner Victorinox Fibrox knives have earned high marks in a well-known cooking magazine which stringently tests kitchen products.

This 8-in. all-purpose Chef's Knife is Global's most popular knife. Your top choice for slicing large quantities of vegetables, fruit and meat quickly and effectively. Loved by professional chefs around the world, Global knives are an excellent choice for the serious home cook. The thin and razor sharp Global blade allows the cook to cleanly slice through foods, preserving the integrity of the ingredient and maximizing its flavor. The majority of Global knives are ground to a straight point rather than the western style of beveling the edge. To balance their knives Global uses a hollow handle that is filled with just the right amount of sand to create the correct balance. The handle has its own unique darkened dimples for a non-slip grip. Because the knives are very light weight they reduce hand fatigue. Global knives have a smooth contour and seamless, all stainless construction that eliminates food and dirt traps. Global knifes are forged in Japan from CROMOVA 18 Stainless Steel, a blend of 18 percent chromium for good stain resistance plus molybdenum and vanadium which gives excellent edge retention.

High tech from tip to handle, Global knives from Japan created a sensation when they burst onto the world's culinary stage as an alternative to traditional European-style cutlery. Blades are made of hard molybdenum/vanadium stainless steel and "face-ground" with a long taper rather than a short bevel so edges remain sharp longer than even the best high-carbon stainless-steel knives. Edges also are ground at a more acute angle than traditional European-style knives and arrive from the factory razor-sharp. Although Global also makes a "heavyweight" line for cooks who prefer hefty knives, its original knives--of which this 8-inch chef's knife is an example--have thinner blades and are lighter than traditional European-style knives. Global also dispensed with bolsters on its original knives to reduce weight. Balance is achieved by injecting a precise amount of sand for a particular blade style into a hollow handle. To ensure balance is continuous, the sand flows inside the handle as a blade is maneuvered. A finger notch between blade and handle provides safety.

Stainless-steel handles are Global's most striking feature. They're molded to fit the hand and dimpled to resist slipping. Smaller around than many European-style handles, they're easy for small-handed cooks to grasp and seamless for sanitation. Global recommends using a ceramic sharpener or a diamond steel instead of a metal sharpening steel for its knives, supplemented by a synthetic whetstone, a ceramic whetstone, or a Shinkansen sharpener. Global also makes a Sharpening Guide Rail so blades can be honed on a whetstone at the proper angle. Global knives should be hand washed to protect edges. They carry a lifetime warranty against defects and breakage. --Fred Brack

Precision-crafted for over 100 years in Switzerland, Victorinox continues to be the symbol of innovation, functionality and quality.The 5" Mini Chef's knife is great for chefs with smaller hands. Just as a traditional 8" knife, this smaller version is st

A good chef's knife becomes your daily kitchen companion. It's used for everything from prepping steaks for the grill to finely mincing onions, and chances are you'll reach for it every time you cook. The 8-inch blade length is the most practical for multipurpose use, and regular sharpening will keep the stainless-steel blade razor-sharp. It's only minimally flexible, which makes it a great choice for vegetables such as potatoes and turnips.

A good chef's knife becomes your daily kitchen companion. It's used for everything from prepping steaks for the grill to finely mincing onions, and chances are you'll reach for it every time you cook--so it better be good. This lower-priced line from Henckels is a great value: excellent quality knives with their standard lifetime warranty. There's good balance, and the handles are a shade heavier than other lines, which some cooks will prefer. The 8-inch blade length is the most practical for multipurpose use, and regular sharpening will keep the stainless-steel blade razor-sharp. It's only minimally flexible, which makes it a great choice for vegetables such as potatoes and turnips. While it's dishwasher-safe, unless it needs sanitizing after use with raw meat, it's often easier to hand wash. --Jill Lightner

This colorful, high-carbon stainless steel santoku knife has a high-tech resin handle, detailed with miniature cutouts that depict common food objects like carrots and mushrooms. As you might guess, this knife is intended for fruits and vegetables, helping to prevent any possible transfer of bacteria from one food group to another. To complete this set, other knives in this collection are sold separately. An innovative approach in cutlery, this santoku knife has a special fluorinated-resin green coating that won't rub off when following these cleaning recommendations: handwash in warm, soapy water then completely dry by hand - never use a steel scouring brush or cleanser.

Measuring 6-1/2 inches in length, the straight-edged blade of Komachi's santoku knife comfortably chops, dices, and slices produce of any variety. Slice fresh pineapple and melons, shred cabbage, or julienne carrots for your favorite stir fry. The knife hides a whimsical, fish-shaped cutout beneath its handle.

This unique collection--by renowned blade manufacturer KAI in Seki City, Japan--offers practical kitchen cutlery in cheerful colors. Durable, high-carbon, stainless-steel blades featuring a fluorinated-resin coating offer hygienic food handling. The lightweight knife does not have a bolster but feels balanced thanks to the full tang. Clear, Ionomer-resin handles in coordinating hues are ergonomically designed and fit comfortably in hand. Made in Japan and measuring 11-1/4 by 2 by 3/4 inches overall, this vegetable knife is dishwasher-safe but hand washing is recommended. -- Amy Arnold

Kyocera Ceramic knives are a unique alternative to metal-based versions with a resin handle for a highly controlled grip. Unlike a forged metal blade, which is soft and susceptible to chemical corrosion, the Kyocera zirconium oxide blade resists wear and holds its edge for months to years without sharpening. Stain and rust-resistant, the blade is impervious to food acids, which discolor steel products. No metallic taste or smell will be transferred to your food, and the non-stick ceramic surface makes cleanup easy. This terrific knife comes with a five year limited warranty against breakage.

Color-coded to highlight its specific function, this allover pink knife is made for handling meat. Packed with personality and performance, this meat knife is constructed with a high-carbon stainless steel blade that provides a razor-sharp edge, while a fluorinated resin coating keeps food from sticking during preparation and helps resist bacteria for super-hygienic cooking. Limited lifetime warranty.

Measuring 6-1/2 inches in length, the straight blade with a slightly curved tip of Komachi's chef's knife comfortably cuts meat of any variety. Whether cubing beef or dicing chicken, the sharp blade handles tough and moist pieces with ease. The knife hides whimsical, animal-shaped cutouts beneath its handle.

This unique collection--by renowned blade manufacturer KAI in Seki City, Japan--offers practical kitchen cutlery in cheerful colors. Durable, high-carbon, stainless-steel blades featuring a fluorinated-resin coating offer hygienic food handling. The lightweight knife does not have a bolster but feels balanced thanks to the full tang. Clear, Ionomer-resin handles in coordinating hues are ergonomically designed and fit comfortably in hand. Made in Japan and measuring 11-1/2 by 2 by 3/4 inches overall, this Chef's knife is dishwasher-safe but hand washing is recommended. -- Amy Arnold

Made in the ancient city of Seki, Japan, Shun knives rely on extremely sharp blades, made of Japanese VG10 steel clad with 32 layers (16 on each side) of a proprietary blend of high-carbon stainless pounded so thin, it delivers precision slicing, cutting and chopping that is unprecedented by any of its German competitors. Imagine, a knife made the same way as ancient Samurai swords, handcrafted still today. Sharper out of the box than other knives, the Shun Classic maintains its sharpness longer, since the finely-polished blade edge has a natural tendency to remain straighter, yet when required, it can be honed using a standard steel or sent to the factory for free sharpening. The wavy, Damascus-look pattern on the blade creates minute air pockets that offer stick resistance, so food releases easier and prep time is reduced--plus it's rust-free. The ebony Pakka wood handle, a highly durable combination of layers of white birch wood and resin, is designed in a ???D??? shape to fit firmly and comfortably in the hand, with the bonus of being dishwasher safe and NSF approved for commercial kitchens. You don't need to be a Japanese sushi chef to appreciate the precision and lightness of this 8-inch Chef's knife. The long, slightly curved blade allows the home or pro chef to work in the efficient rolling motion for chopping and dicing, especially ideal for dense vegetables and fruits. Th

Made from VG-10 stainless steel, Shun knives are specially constructed to be harder, less brittle, but also more flexible than traditional steel formulations. The VG-10 core is then clad with 16 full layers of SUS410 high-carbon stainless steel on each side, for a total of 33 layers. These layers not only protect the VG-10, they create an exquisitely-detailed surface reminiscent of Damascus or pattern-forged steel, the kind once used for Samurai swords. As a result, the knives are simply stunning to look at--much like antique Damascus knives but without their tendency to rust. As an additional benefit, the slight patterning helps slice rather than crush delicate foods and keeps cut food from sticking to the blade.

The large 8-inch blade of this Shun chef's knife makes it ideal for versatile slicing, chopping, dicing, and more. Like many Asian-style knives, the knife's handle is especially suited to smaller users. In contrast to the traditional round profile, however, Shun's are D-shaped to prevent the knife from twisting in the hand, providing extra stability and a firm grip. The handle is made from ebony-colored PakkaWood, a fused blend of hardwood veneers imbued with waterproof resin that combines the warmth and traditional look and feel of wood with the strength and durability of plastic. The offset stainless steel bolster is designed for ergonomic comfort and maximum safety, while a stainless-steel end cap provides the finishing touch. As sturdy as it is lovely, the chef's knife is officially safe to put in the dishwasher--although it's so good-looking you might find yourself hard-pressed to do so. Shun knives carry a limited lifetime warranty. --Mary Park

J A Henckels Profession S Series 8" Chefs Knife 31021-203 - Henckels Professional 'S' knives feature the finest Henckels' blades, along with a two-piece handle held in place with three stainless steel rivets, for a sturdy, traditional look and feel. These knives are made in Solingen, Germany, and are forged, not stamped. Blade density is improved using the Henckels' FRIODUR ice-hardening process, which provides a sharper initial edge for easier maintenance over time. Larger knives are crafted using Henckels' exclusive Sinternal Component Technology, which fuses blade, bolster and tang into a single, seamless piece for precision, easy handling, and balance. Part of the Professional 'S' series, this knife is made of high-carbon stainless steel and precision-honed, with a laser-controlled edge, a balanced super-bolster, and a full tang that extends all the way through the handle. Made in Germany, Lifetime Warranty.

This is a classic French chef's knife, with a broad blade and a curved cutting edge for rocking through a chopping task. The 8-inch blade suits most cooks, though those with small hands might prefer a 6-inch knife, and those with bigger hands might choose a 10-inch one. Classic three-rivet handles distinguish Pro S from Henckels's other quality lines, TwinStar, Five Star, and Four Star. Pro S handles are heavier and its knives less weight-forward. The steel used in the Pro S line is identical to that of the Five and Four Star lines. High-tech welding of knives this size and larger combines three steel types into what appears to be a single piece, so a knife's parts have distinct characteristics: a hard edge; a strong, stain-resistant bolster; and a stain- and corrosion-resistant tang. Traditionalists insist on single-piece forging for strength, but Henckels says the invisible welds are actually stronger than the steel. While this chef's knife is dishwasher-safe, hand washing is recommended. --Fred Brack

From the Manufacturer

The J.A. Henckels Twin Professional S (or Pro S) knife series features trustworthy quality and classic three-rivet styling--it's a line of knives admired by both professional chefs and home cooks of all skill levels. The Twin Pro S line contains knives for all tasks, including the following open stock knife types: parer, bread, peeling, sandwich, utility, carving, steak, chef's, Granton edge slicer, santoku, and others. Twin Pro S knives are also available in a range of block sets and gift sets, to be sure that your cutlery needs are covered.

A Reliable Standard in Knife Construction

Twin Pro S knives are precision forged from a single piece of exclusive-formula, high-carbon, no-stain steel under the all-new Sigmaforge standard. As a result, Twin Pro S knives have improved quality consistency, lasting sharpness, and perfect geometry. Sigmaforge one-piece construction also provides high precision and improved stability of the blade and steel structure, thus improving cutting-edge retention for lasting sharpness. In addition, Twin Pro S knives use J.A. Henckels' Friodur ice hardening for corrosion resistance, a process that also contributes to cutting-edge retention.

An Ergonomic Handle for Easier Use

J.A. Henckels's Twin Pro S knives boast a comfortable, ergonomic three-rivet handle design that won't wear against the hand and helps to provide control when doing any cutting task. These durable Novodur handles are perfectly bonded to the full tang on each knife for stability and durability. The impeccably balanced super bolster provides weight and adds balance for safer and more professional cutting.

Features

• Sigmaforge one-piece precision-forged construction: Provides perfect geometry, high precision, and improved stability of the blade and steel structure, thus improving cutting-edge retention for lasting sharpness.
• Laser-controlled edge: Is sharper and stays sharper longer. Has a more consistent blade angle.
• Friodur ice hardening: Maximum no-stain properties and more blade strength. Improved resistance to corrosion and pitting.
• Super bolster: Provides weight, insures safety, and adds balance.
• Full visible tang construction: Provides proper balance and greater strength.
• High-carbon no-stain steel, an exclusive J.A. Henckels formula: Nonstaining, nonrusting.
• Precision honed: Is sharper and stays sharper longer.
• Triple-riveted Novodur handles: Durable, strong, and smooth, these comfortable handles are perfectly balanced.
• Dishwasher-safe: Easy care (though hand washing is recommended by J.A. Henckels).
• Full warranty: J.A. Henckels stands behind all its knives.

J A Henckels Knives Four Star Series 8" Chef's Knives 31071 203 - The Henckels Four Star line is made in Solingen, Germany, and are forged, not stamped. Blade density is improved using the FRIODUR ice-hardening process, which provides a sharper initial edge for easier maintenance over time. Larger knives are crafted using Henckels' exclusive Sinternal Component Technology, which fuses blade, bolster and tang into a single, seamless piece for precision, easy handling, and balance. Part of the Four Star series, this knife is made of high-carbon stainless steel and precision-honed, with a laser-controlled edge, a balanced super-bolster, and a tang that extends to the back of the polypropylene handle, which is permanently bonded for seamless accuracy. Made in Germany, Lifetime Warranty. High-carbon no-stain steel is non-staining and non rusting Precision-honing makes the knives sharper and helps them stay sharper longer Hygienic polypropylene handles are comfortable Knives are dishwasher safe, although not recommended Henckels offers a full lifetime warranty

The 8-inch blade on this knife features a curved cutting edge and a blunt back; chopping, dicing, and mincing duties are simplified--and made safer--by utilizing a quick rocking motion on the cutting edge. Part of the popular Four Star series, the hand-honed blade is made with Henckels' Sintermetal Component Technology (SCT), which allows three different grades of steel to be combined to form a single piece, fusing together the blade, bolster, and tang. What does this mean in layman's terms? It means a strong, high-quality knife that will last a lifetime.

Founded in 1731, the J.A. Henckels company is not only one of the world's oldest cutlery manufacturers, it's also one of the most well respected, creating bestselling knives guaranteed to last a lifetime. --Kim Harwell

From the Manufacturer

First introduced in 1976, the Four Star® Series is one of the world's most popular knife lines. Four Star® knives were designed and developed in close cooperation with renowned professional chefs. The result was a fully forged knife with a unique molded handle. The Four Star® line contains knives for all tasks, and includes the following open stock knife types: parer, bread, peeling, sandwich, utility, carving, chef's, granton edge slicer, santoku, and others. Four Star® knives are also available in a range of block sets and gift sets.

A Higher Standard in Knife Construction

Four Star® knives are precision forged from a single piece of exclusive-formula, high-carbon, no-stain steel under the all-new Sigmaforge standard. As a result, Four Star® knives have improved quality consistency, lasting sharpness, and perfect geometry. Sigmaforge one-piece construction also provides high precision and improved stability of the blade and steel structure, thus improving cutting-edge retention for lasting sharpness. In addition, Four Star® knives use J.A. Henckels' Friodur ice hardening for corrosion resistance, a process that also contributes to cutting-edge retention.

It's All in The Grip:

The Four Star® series features high impact polypropylene handles that are permanently bonded to the knife blades without any gaps. These comfortable handles are break-proof, sanitary, and colorfast. In addition, the super bolster provides weight, insures safety, and adds balance.

Features:

• SIGMAFORGE 1-piece, precision forged construction: Provides perfect geometry, high precision, and improved stability of the blade and steel structure, thus improving cutting edge retention for lasting sharpness.
• Laser controlled edge: Is sharper and stays sharper longer. Has a more consistent blade angle.
• Friodur ice hardening: Maximum no-stain properties and more blade strength. Improved resistance to corrosion and pitting.
• Super bolster: Provides weight, insures safety, and adds balance.
• Full rat-tail tang: Provides a proper balance and greater strength.
• High-carbon no-stain steel, an exclusive J.A. Henckels formula: Non-staining, non-rusting.
• Hand, precision honed blade: Is sharper and stays sharper longer.
• Bonded polypropylene handles: Comfortable molded handles and food safe
• Dishwasher safe: Easy care (Although hand-washing is recommended by J.A. Henckels).
• Full warranty: J.A. Henckels stands behind all its knives.

This 5.5-in. Vegetable Knife has a unique blade shape that encourages the cook to perform a slicing motion. A great all purpose knife for those with small hands or those that feel more confident working with shorter blades. Loved by professional chefs around the world, Global knives are an excellent choice for the serious home cook. The thin and razor sharp Global blade allows the cook to cleanly slice through foods, preserving the integrity of the ingredient and maximizing its flavor. The majority of Global knives are ground to a straight point rather than the western style of beveling the edge. To balance their knives Global uses a hollow handle that is filled with just the right amount of sand to create the correct balance. The handle has its own unique darkened dimples for a non-slip grip. Because the knives are very light weight they reduce hand fatigue. Global knives have a smooth contour and seamless, all stainless construction that eliminates food and dirt traps. Global knifes are forged in Japan from CROMOVA 18 Stainless Steel, a blend of 18 percent chromium for good stain resistance plus molybdenum and vanadium which gives excellent edge retention.

High tech from tip to handle, Global knives from Japan created a sensation when they burst onto the world's culinary stage as an alternative to traditional European-style cutlery. Blades are made of hard molybdenum/vanadium stainless steel and "face-ground" with a long taper rather than a short bevel so edges remain sharp longer than even the best high-carbon stainless-steel knives. Edges also are ground at a more acute angle than traditional European-style knives and arrive from the factory razor-sharp. Although Global also makes a "heavyweight" line for cooks who prefer hefty knives, its original knives--of which this 5-1/2-inch knife for precisely slicing and chopping vegetables is an example--have thinner blades and are lighter than traditional European-style knives. Global also dispensed with bolsters on its original knives to reduce weight. Balance is achieved by injecting a precise amount of sand for a particular blade style into a hollow handle. To ensure balance is continuous, the sand flows inside the handle as a blade is maneuvered. A finger notch between blade and handle provides safety.

Stainless-steel handles are Global's most striking feature. They're molded to fit the hand and dimpled to resist slipping. Smaller around than many European-style handles, they're easy for small-handed cooks to grasp and seamless for sanitation. Global recommends using a ceramic sharpener or a diamond steel instead of a metal sharpening steel for its knives, supplemented by a synthetic whetstone, a ceramic whetstone, or a Shinkansen sharpener. Global also makes a Sharpening Guide Rail so blades can be honed on a whetstone at the proper angle. Global knives should be hand washed to protect edges. They carry a lifetime warranty against defects and breakage. --Fred Brack

Precision forged entirely by hand from a single blank of high carbon, no-stain steel, this fine blade is perfectly curved for effortless mincing, dicing, chopping. A wide bolster provides heft, balance and safety in handling. Carries Wusthof guarantee.

The indispensable workhorse of any cutlery collection, a cook's knife performs a wide variety of cutting tasks, from fine chopping to dicing and slicing. The heavy 8-inch blade of this definitive model provides enough heft to allow the knife rather than the cook to do the cutting labor, but is more maneuverable than larger models. The length of the cutting edge makes quick work of all slicing jobs. If you don't yet own a cook's knife, or want the best investment for your dollar, this 8-inch model, which combines size with ease of use, is the one to choose.

Part of the Classic series, this knife represents two centuries of unexcelled Wüsthof craftsmanship. Like other cutlery in the series, it's hand-forged from a single piece of stainless steel for maximum strength; the hand-polished blade is exactingly calibrated to be hard enough to resist dulling yet soft enough to take a keen edge when it's honed or sharpened. Dishwasher-safe and with a traditionally shaped, ergonomically designed handle that is triple-riveted for durability, this knife brings a guaranteed lifetime of low-maintenance cutting to any cook who owns it. --Arthur Boehm

An absolute triumph in cutlery design, master knife maker Ken Onion crafted this piece to feel just like a natural extension of the hand. Utilizing ultra-hard VG-10 stainless steel clad with 16 layers of high-carbon stainless steel on each side, this stunning knife boasts a total of 33-layers for an unequivocally sharp, curved blade bearing the beautiful striations unique to Damascus-style construction. The sleek riveted handle is resin-infused wood, raised for unrivaled comfort and control. Lifetime warranty.

Creating a new trend for knife design, this Shun chef's knife by Kershaw introduces some clever innovations for effortless yet accurate handling. The 8-inch Damascus blade features a generous tip, curved cutting edge, and wide surface area to easily handle any number of food prep tasks. The specially contoured bolster balances the blade while also releasing arm tension, smoothing movements, and maintaining optimal safety--perfect for a busy home chef. With forged VG-10 stainless-steel construction, the knife resists corrosion and rust and maintains an extremely sharp edge for years of use.

Adding strength and beauty, the Pakkawood handle casts a deep, warm glow as it displays a lovely line that invites the home cook to pick it up again and again. The reward is a well-balanced, highly maneuverable tool that feels wonderfully at home in the hand without slipping or rubbing. This versatile knife was created by Ken Onion, one of the world's top knife designers. A wooden holder suspends the knife just above the long base so it won't dull the blade. The set comes in a handsome gift box. --Kara Karll

Oxo, 8", Professional Chef Knife, Soft, Ideal For Chopping, Mincing, Dicing & Scooping Vegetables, Herbs & More, Sharp, No Stain Full Tang Blade, Hardened For Strength & Durability, Soft Comfortable Handle.

While a 10-inch blade can initially be intimidating, the amazing attention to balance and handle design combined with the lightweight blade makes this Chef's knife an ideal choice for the serious gourmet cook. Unlike its German counterparts, it will easily slice through tougher cuts of meat and dense vegetables like squash without hesitation, and still retain its sharpness for countless uses. Made in the ancient city of Seki, Japan, Shun knives rely on extremely sharp blades, made of Japanese VG10 steel clad with 32 layers (16 on each side) of a proprietary blend of high-carbon stainless pounded so thin, it delivers precision slicing, cutting and chopping that is unprecedented by any of its German competitors. Imagine, a knife made the same way as ancient Samurai swords, handcrafted still today. Sharper out of the box than other knives, the Shun Classic maintains its sharpness longer, since the finely-polished blade edge has a natural tendency to remain straighter, yet when required, it can be honed using a standard steel or sent to the factory for free sharpening. The wavy, Damascus-look pattern on the blade creates minute air pockets that offer stick resistance, so food releases easier and prep time is reduced--plus it's rust-free. The ebony Pakka wood handle, a highly durable combination of layers of white birch wood and resin, is designed in a ???D??? shape to fit firmly and co