Dalstrong Kiritsuke Chef Knife - 8.5 inch - Gladiator Series Elite - Forged German High Carbon German Steel - Full Tang Kitchen Knife - Black G10 Handle - w/Sheath - Chef's Knife - NSF Certified

So, I have used this knife for a few weeks now. A few pointers, this is German steel at RH of around 55. It means it will not hold edge as well as Dalstrongs Phantom or Shogun series blades that use harder Japanese steel (RC 58 and 62 respectively) but this is easier to maintain on a rod if you prefer that to wetstone sharpening. a few passes on a rod and its back to like new sharpness for your next escapade in the kitchen. speaking of sharpness, Dalstrong overhypes their out of box sharpness. I wouldn't call it incredibly razor sharp, its sharp enough to pass the paper test, but not quite shave hairs off your arm. A few passes on a wetstone or strop will fix that right up though. Otherwise the fit and finish of this knife is very good, and the steel quality seems right up there with the big boys in german steel. I especially like the shape and size of this blade, I its a very fun knife profile to use. I especially enjoy using this knife on proteins like chicken and steak. Dalstrong cutomer service is also top notch, so you are protected for the life of the blade. I heartily Recommend this series if you prefer German steel knives. I'm more of a Japanese steel guy, I like sharpening to scary sharp edges on wetstones, so I will more likely be getting phantom or shogun going forward.

This is a fabulous knife. The quality is top shelf, and customer service is a joy. However, this paricular knife may not be ideal for a home cook who doesn't have pro skills. (Like I don't) It's very large. Compared to a Santoku and a cheap 8" chef knife (see photos), it's absolutely huge. The tip is also very low, and the belly very flat. So although it's designed for push cuts, you must be aware at all times where that ultra-sharp tip is. Lest you dig into your board and break it. You can't really rock it, because of the flat belly. Keep this in mind if you do a lot of this kind of chopping. You can rock a little, but again, be careful you don't twist the tip. I fully admit, this was a pure vanity purchase. It just looks wicked cool. I figured a knife is a knife is a knife. I was very wrong. It feels cumbersome. It feels like a hatchet. But, it looks wicked cool, and is sharp enough to shave with. None of the perceived shortcomings of this knife are the fault of the knife itself, I think. Thus, I gave it 5 stars. It's well built, well packaged, well balanced, and well backed. I just need [a lot of] practice to get more out of it. You may be better off with a Santoku, or a more rounded Gyuto if you want the length. Dalstrong makes nice versions of these as well.

I'm an Executive Chef, and have been a culinary professional for over 20 years. I have used many different brands of knives. I will say unequivocally that I am in LOVE with the Dalstrong brand. I prefer German steel, so I went with the gladiator series. The knifes are well balanced, hold a clean edge for a good while with regular honing, and have a comfortable feel. I currently have brands such as Shun, Korin, Wusthof, and Henckel in my knife roll, but i am currently transitioning into all Dalstrong gladiator series. The sheath is well made and fits the blade perfectly. Just like wine, price is in no way reflective in the quality, and with Dalstrong you wont be paying high prices for high grade, well crafted, professional steel. Whether you fancy yourself to be an amateur cook, someone who enjoys cooking at home, or a seasoned culinary professional, you will fall in love with these blades just as I have. I will be diligent in purchasing the rest of my preferred series, and I strongly urge you to give Dalstrong a try. I have encouraged my cooks, professional peers, family and friends to purchase these wonderfully crafted gems. For the price, you really have nothing to lose. I know once you have, you will not be more satisfied with any other purchase then the one you made purchasing these essential kitchen tools. They really are such a joy to use.

This is a magnificent knife. It chops, slices, dices and so much more. The knife is easy to hold and grip. The knife's handle is strong and sturdy. The knife is very sharp and cuts easily. I have used the knife now several times and it works very well. The knife is also nice looking and made of top quality materials. The knife is very impressive, it comes in a large, slender well made box, so it would be perfect for a gift. I think this knife is a step above other knives that I have used. The knife also comes with a plastic cover to keep the knife from getting damaged and from anyone getting hurt by it's blade when it is not in use. When they made this knife they were thinking quality, quality, quality!! It has cut many different vegetables and fruits for me and done it very smoothly. I would definitely recommend this knife, You will not be disappointed.

The knife was really good to be honest, some people might not like the weight since it's kinda heavy and because of the size its like you are holding a hunting knif, for now i can see that the edge can hold quite well. Now, from my own preference, the knife is really thick so it makes cutting things finely thin a bit hard if you are not skillful enough. The flat belly is, for the most part, is good for push cut and tap chop but what i dont like is that it is now fully flat all the way to the bolster, near the bolster of my knife i can see a section that looks like it'd been sharpenned a liitle bit too much and made a strange tiny curve that ruined the flat profile and when i try cutting bell pepper i find that the edge did not catch on the skin of the bell pepper easily but it slides through the flesh part like gliding through air. Also, not very ideal for splitting tough plant roots, not because of the sharpness but because the edge is thick, harder to cut thru and might slam on the cutting board when you try to force it through the root. Overall, good knife, worth your money, has some minor flaws but not that severe. P/s: Dalstrong, guys, for such a good knife and sheath you guys make the worst pin ever, the needle falls right off when i try to pin it to my bag. At least it has collectible value.

good kitchen knife, long enough and nice shape, well made and very sharp, excellent

Very sharp. Not too heavy. Good all purpose knife. Cuts through a tomato like a breeze.

One of the best knife I ever used

Awsome knife, holds up as a professional knife in a large quantity setting. I will be looking into the rest of their line. I've been using it in a professional kitchen and it has been easily my go to knife. It's very versatile and the quality is top notch.

Very well made and beautifully finished and packaged. Good heft and balance. Great addition to my Gladiator knife block set.