I bought this knife many years ago, in the early 90's. I had the worker bring out every santoko they had in stock, she was baffled. I wanted to pick out the one with the nicest handle, with the most unique coloring. Anyway, this is perhaps my finest knife. Its super thin, like a laser, I believe. Always, beyond super sharp! On a steel, it rings like a fine piece of crystal, the best steel of any knife in my kit. A pro chef for over 30 years, I know how to use a knife, yet, even with my fingers curled tightly, once, many years ago when it was new, it went right through my nail and my finger! Never even come close to happening with any other knife, not in my whole career! I tend towards the length of a 10in Chefs knife for the bulk of my work, but for anything delicate and for super fast and ultra thin precision, this knife is awesome. Hard to believe its at this price!!!! About the same as what I paid in 1993!!!