Yasuda Kotetsu Seki Flanged Santoku Knife (180 mm, Silver)

For the price, this can compete with knives twice as expensive. Beautiful three layers of metal. The edge is hard carbon and very sharp straight out of the box. The grip very comfortable and sleek to hold. Like all Japanese knives, it requires some care. Do not use on hard surfaces or cutting bones. These blades are for precision cutting, but it can a take the load of normal kitchen work very well, provided it is cared for. It will form a nice patina towards the edge because of the carbon steel clad. This is a desired effect and actually retains the edge very well. So far it did not require sharpening on the whetstone, only some stropping is enough to maintain the edge. The only con so far, is the that balance is tilted more towards the handle. I would have preferred a blade heavy knife, but the sharpness and edge retention more than makes up for this. product was delivered before time and seamlessly by seller Unboxjapan, so no complaints there either. A real good knife in the $100 range.