I've always known Japanese made knives were sharper due to their thinner blade, but the downside was the knives were prone to chipping.  However, after visiting with a sales associate at a kitchen retailer I learned this knife is made from a chip proof steel and should hold up well for kitchen tasks.  It has not disappointed.  The extreme sharpness allows me to get thin slices when cutting beef, chicken and vegetables or fruit.  Comfortable handle, feels like slicing through butter when I'm using it.