This is my first time trying Asian style blades so I started off with a name I trust at the lower end of the price spectrum. I was not disappointed. Works better than my standard blade chef's knife for cutting through something. I had previously purchased a Henckel's knife sharpener which can handle either kind of blade so I have been able to stay on top of care for the edge of the blade. I use the larger (longer) knife more often than the shorter knife.