Yoshihiro Kurouchi Black-Forged Blue Steel Stainless Clad Santoku Knife

It's pretty but thats about it. Even given its prettiness theres fit and finish blemishes on the blade, which I did not expect from a handmade $200+ Japanese blade. however, The handle is beautiful and perfect. Overall, as a useful kitchen tool, it really comes up short. It gets an excellent edge with proper honing but looses it in a week of regular use, where my $40 Calphalon and Henckles blades don't. It rusts VERY easily, and I live in a dry/arid climate. I can not imagine how much maintenance it would take somewhere humid or coastal. Overall more work than its worth and is not a practical kitchen tool. Look elsewhere, maybe other yoshihiro blades don't have these issues.

It is the best knife ever! I like it. For the price I think you can't ask for more. Granted that there are better knifes out there, but at a higher cost. On the other hand I am not a professional cook, and this fits my needs well. I use it on everyday cooking. Cuts vegetables, meat, etc extremely well. As any knife of this kind you better keep it clean, so after I use it I clean immediately. Otherwise oxidation will take place. I chose this size because it fits my hands perfectly, so have this in mind when you purchase yours.

After taking this knife to a stone it has been the sharpest knife I own. It also holds the longest edge of any knife I own. The downside to blue high carbon steel is dealing with the patina. The blade oxidizes way faster than I expected. Extremely sharp but may not be practical if you're too busy to take care of it.

This is a piece of art, that has function. Made in Japan, so you know it's the real deal. Extremely sharp out of the box. An absolute pleasure to have in my knife bag. Yoshihiro excels in knife manufacturing, and you can definitely feel/see it. You'd be a fool to not have one of their knives in your repertoire of blades.

Excellent knife

We've found this to be an outstanding general-purpose knife for the kitchen. It is not only attractive, but can take a lot of punishment and remain sharp for the most challenging cuts.

Amazingly sharp. Cuts meat as it were a tomato. Handle much nicer than the picture.

I use these knives for sushi parties at home. They are excellent! Check out how they are made on YouTube.