Messermesiter Oliva Elite Kullenschliff Santoku Knife - 7 Inches Just as versatile as a traditional chefs knife, a Santoku Knife is also known as a Japanese chefs knife. The Oliva Elit 7 Kullenschliff Santoku, has a thin taper for maximum precision when slicing vegetables, fish and meat. The kullens are the semi-circular hollows on either side of the blade, reduce adhesion and ease the cutting and separation of meats, cheese and vegetables. The blade and handle are compatible in width and weight, resulting in a well-balanced knife. The Oliva Elit knife collection by Messermeister boasts an exquisite natural, Italian Olive Wood handle attached to a hammer forged blade. The highly figured, beautiful golden-brown handle provides a secure ergonomic grip with an unsurpassed balance. Oliva Elit knives are of heirloom quality and simply one of the best original forged wood handled knives. Handcrafted in the historic cutlery capital of Solingen, Germany. The German 1.4116 high-carbon, stainless alloy blade resists stains and corrosion, exhibits toughness and durability, holds its edge retention, and is easy to re-sharpen to a razor-like edge. This knife line is one-piece, hot-drop hammer forged, which produces the strongest blade from heel to tip. The blades are heat treated and cooled to achieve a Rockwell of 57-58.