This knife is incredibly well made and finished, typical German quality. I give it four stars only because it is heavy compared to an Asian vegetable chopper with a thicker back more closely resembling a cleaver. I returned it and purchased the Milk Street version made by Zwilling as well. That was just the ticket. One note of caution. Both knives are very sharp on the top. Be very careful or ease the top edges and inside the lower bolster area.