This is an amazing santoku. The handle is very comfortable for long term use with the wide D shape. The blade is very sharp. The high carbon steel stays sharp for a long time and is easy to maintain. The acute angle of the blade allows for thin accurate cuts and slices. There is a lot of artistry to this knife as well. The mosaic pin and gold and red embellishments on the handle set it apart from so many other knives. The hammering and sand blasting on the blade are very unique. It is even sharpened in the traditional Japanese Honbazuke method and there is a watermarking above the blade edge just like traditional Katana blades.