Shun SWT0706 Kanso 8-Inch Chef's Knife Kanso is a design principle influenced by Zen philosophy; It means "simplicity", but simplicity achieved by eliminating the non-essential 8-inch chef's knife for versatile slicing, chopping, dicing, and more Full tang construction for balance and strength; blade is made of Japanese AUS10A steel-an upper-end, highly refined steel that takes and retains a razor-sharp edge 16-degree cutting angle on each side is razor-sharp and cuts cleanly and helps preserve food's freshness and best taste Handle is made of Tagayasan wood (known as iron sword wood) notable for its denseness, durability and beauty; angled for a chef's grip and precision cutting