After using my Birchwood Chef all the time, I decided that i wanted another knife in the collection. went back and forth between the Santoku and the Nakiri for days, I am so happy with this choice, nothing wrong with the santoku ( will probably get that next) but the Nakiri cuts so beautifully! the balance and the feel of the handle have made this my new favorite knife. It looks so impressive and I'm amazed that they were able to keep such a sharp, lightweight, knife and maintain the 101 layer Damascus. You need this knife now!