Wanted a Japanese knife and ended up purchasing the Artisan Rocking Santoku based on  the recommendation of my best friend who is a professional chef.  Originally tested the 7" Santoku, but ended up switching to the rocking after the sales associate showed me the advantage.  The shape of the blade allows for great up and down chopping using the rear of the blade, and also works really well using the rocking motion because of the dip in the front of the blade.  This feature is so unique and makes this knife so versatile.