Been in the market for a Japanese knife for over a year.  Searched high and low, and held many different knives in my hand.....and the winner is Miyabi Birchwood!  I was first drawn to the aesthetics, but quickly became a fan of the traditional D shaped Japanese handle, and the SG2 steel which is high on the Rockwell scale, ensuring sharpness and edge retention.  The knife is perfectly balanced and extremely comfortable in the hand.  Looking forward to adding to this collection.