HENCKELS 8-inch Chef's Knife, Premium Quality, German Engineered, Informed by 100+ Years of Mastery, Stainless Steel, Dishwasher Safe, Black/Brown

I immediately went into buyer's remorse after clicking buy on this expensive knife. It wasn't until it arrived in the mail and held it in my hands and sliced the first veggie at arms reach that I immediately changed my mind!Not only is this knife gorgeous to look at, it is far sharper than any knife I have ever used before. The blade keeps its edge for longer than any of my other knives, and it's easy to sharpen and maintain. It is *seriously* sharp. I was able to cut a tomato into paper-thin slices with this knife quite easily, right out of the box.The blade has some slight texture to it from the alternating bands of metal, as other reviewers have noted. If you want a shiny-smooth knife, this one isn't it, it has a little texture. I actually like the feel of the metal, and the patterned steel doesn't tarnish as far as I can tell. The micarta handle also has a wood-like layered texture to it, and it also seems to be very durable.The knife is perfectly balanced at the center of the index finger slot and it is very comfortable to use.Overall, I like this one. I use it every day and it has become the new general-purpose knife for the kitchen.

If you know what it is you don't need to read a review. These Henckels are the Rolex of kitchen knives as much for status as for function. Other cheaper knives will work as well and hold their sharpness but if you appreciate the beauty of Damascus Steel ... well, ok. Be a snob blow the kid's inheritance.

I have other Kramer knives, but did not have a Damascus blade yet. This is every bit as comfortable and well made as the stainless and carbon steel knives, and lovely to look at. It does not hold a razor edge as long as the carbon steel blade, but it is a little easier to maintain. It holds an edge for a good long time, the handle is very comfortable (I have bigger hands, size XL gloves), the shape of the blade makes it great for prep work, rocking, chopping, and is very responsive when carving. If you can stomach the price it's a great investment.

Purchased the knife due to high reviews. Knife looks great and it feels sturdy, but the bend is noticeable on the spine. I am expecting to receive a flawless knife that is very expensive. Will be returning and buying from the directly from Zwilling.

Wow, what a knife. I love the Zwilling brand, and I was not disappointed with this beautifully balanced machine. 'cuz that's really what it becomes on the cutting board.Don't let reviews fool you about how sharp the knife is out of the box - that's up to the cook. I reshaped my blade to 15 degrees. That's MY sharp.Regardless, this is a joy to hold and feel and cut anything from veggies to thin sliced meat.Don't buy cheap crap. This is worth it. If you don't like the Damascus feel, buy the same shape in the plain steel blade.D

The blade keeps an edge, the folding pattern is beautiful. While I would prefer other options for the handle, it does not take away from how excellent a knife this is. As with any high end knife, you will also have to invest in a solid oil stone (water stones will work too but much harder to work with and do not use a sharpening rod on knives like these if you can avoid it). For the price, this knife is one of the best in it's category. With proper care and user technique, this knife will last over a lifetime.

The weight is perfectly balanced.The handle fits perfectly in my hand.Today was the first day that I used the new 8” Euroline Kramer by Zwilling stainless steel knife, and I found myself cutting thin, even slices, faster and better than I have ever been able to manage with other knives.I am not sure that there could be a better knife, though having heard about the original Zwilling’s I will be imagining for a long time.(I do know I sound like an informercial.)

After the knife for about 8 months, I can say that it’s not for me. It looks great, it’s comfortable and ergonomic. That said, it didn’t come very sharp, that’s whatever I can sharpen my knives. The “Damascus” finish on the blade is so matte or course that everything sticks to the blade and cutting through certain foods requires a ton of effort vs other basic knives. Overall, it’s a showpiece. Not worth the money. Get the carbon steel version.