Haiku Kurouchi Gyuto Chef Knife, 8 1/2-Inch, one size, Steel

This thing is a masterpiece of craftsmanship! When I bought it, I also purchased a Yoshihiro brand knife. I quickly regretted spending as much as I did on this one, the Haiku Kurouchi but... I thought I'd see how it worked and return it if it did not wow.Wow'd is an understatement. This knife sings. I have owned all the German brands and a few Japanese ones, all highest quality. There is a magic in this knife that I can not describe. It comes so sharp that it taught me what a master can do with great steel (in comparison, the Yoshihiro barely took a few hairs from my arm mind you). It also is nimble (thin blade), light and exceedingly well balanced. It is not for the timid though, it is so sharp, and so smooth, it honestly stands in a class by itself compared to all the other top end knifes in my block. Originally thinking it would go back, I have decided the Yoshihiro will be returned and I am looking at other models made by these same masters.The only words of warning... this is a carbon steel blade, wood handled, hand crafted masterpiece. It can not go in the dish washer, and requires cleaning and a great drying after each use - some people even oil it with vegetable oil or whatnot. Having said that, even with great care, it will still "patina" and change tone from the original color it showed up in over time. It will also quickly rust if left to water, and the devices of nature - it is not the typical stainless blade we have became accustomed to. It also holds it's edge and sharpens better than any of the stainless blades most of us know. If you are looking for a treat for your culinary adventures, this one stands out singularly, and is the best this user has ever tried to date.

I'm neither a professional nor an expert, but I have several chef's knives. Bought purely out of curiosity. Pros: it sharpens easily (I use a simple fiskars sharpener, and it works fine) and the sharpness is very good and durable. Cons: The blade tends to oxidize, sometimes spring down a bit of black on the cloth used to wipe clean. Now it's my favorite knife.