7-inch santokus are workhorses. I use it almost exclusively. Great for chopping vegetables and meats. And this line, the Professional S, is terrific line of knives. They feature a traditional straight bolster and a slightly smaller handle. As a result they are a little lighter than the new Pro line. I have owned one of these knives for years (more than 10). It has performed year in and year out, and I cook a lot. I sharpen it maybe twice a looks almost new.