KENSHI 7 Inch Santoku Chef Knife with 67 Layer, Damascus Steel Blade with Japanese VG10 Core and Ergonomic Grip + Free sharpening manual

This knife is beautiful. There's nothing I like better than a good knife, and this is a very good knife. The blade is thin so chopping and slicing are very easy. I have yet to try it on meat, but I am looking forward to trying it later today. Our first experiment with this knife was on a banana. The different textures can make a wreck of a banana, but this was fabulous. Hard and soft fruits were next. The knife functioned easily. I also used it to shave hard cheese; very nice. The blade and handle are great for chopping. The balance of the knife is good. I tried peeling, but the handle was a bit awkward also the blade isn't the right shape, but you can't blame me for trying. The price/value is good. And, again, this knife is really beautiful: damascus steel and the pakkawood handle are prettier in person. I agree that this knife would make a great gift. This makes the work of chopping a delight.My only complaint is that my knife didn't come with the sharpening manual or other info about care. I would assume that it is a handwash item and sharpening is standard, but would like the documentation.

The blade does not stay sharp compared to less expensive calcephon 8". Would not buy again. I would not recommend.

I cook ALOT.  My husband was so fed up hearing me complain about our old blunt knives that he bought me this beautiful Kenshi knife as a present. Not very romantic, however it arrived in an elegant black box complete with silver logo.  I actually think it would make  a lovely gift for Christmas or any time of year for people who take their cooking seriously. Kitchen preparations have since become a pleasure. My 15 year old daughter had to make 3 pounds of Salmon tartare for her class project and I was pulling my hair out thinking of what that was going to be like cutting up all that raw fish into cubes! She managed to do it in about 5 minutes with this knife. Here she is in her pyjamas last night with the Kenshi cutting the salmon with her tiny hands!.... Incredible. The knife is light and very comfortable to hold, and it is fascinating to feel the effortless way the blade cuts through everything.  I just wish we had bought this ages ago.  I am already making a mental list of people I can gift this to!  Do not hesitate, its fantastic.

This is without question the best chef knife I have ever purchased. I have to admit that I am one of those cooks who is sometimes afraid of a big knife, and I don't like the weight and size of most chef knives since I don't have large hands. The Kenshi 7 inch Santoku combines the best of both worlds: a solid knife with a super sharp blade in a manageable size for any chopping task. My knife arrived yesterday morning, and I was anxious to test it out. The melon on my kitchen counter quickly became the first victim...The Santoku cut through the honeydew like butter with no effort whatsoever. It handled very easily in my hands and felt very substantial at the same time. I then chopped some onions, peppers and carrots. Every move of the knife was effortless. With the holidays almost upon us, I couldn't have ordered this at a better time of year! This is a great knife for the price and rivals those costing three times as much. Not only will you enjoy owning it, you won't want to share it with anyone!

I'm a bit of a Japanese knife connoisseur and usually purchase Shun and have also bought two knives while in Tokyo. This Kenshi knife feels superior to those. The blade is extremely sharp, but also the weight of the knife in your hand seems to do half the cutting work for you. I've so far sliced cherry tomatoes, celery, sweet potatoes and raw chicken - what joy! It's not inexpensive, but quality never is. I have a German knife from a well-known company that was around $60 and I never use it. If it doesn't make the task easier, it's not worth $10, in my opinion. In short, I would not hesitate to recommend this knife to friends and family. Just take care of a knife as good as this - only hand wash and keep it in it's plastic sleeve or in a knife block. Nothing ruins a knife faster than throwing them all in a drawer together.

I was skeptical initially. The price was too low, the picture was not clear enough to show me whether, for sure, the blade was stamped or forged (I suspected stamped).I received my Kenshi today, and I am ecstatic!This knife is one of the best deals ever.... it is, indeed, forged. It comes with a beautiful blade and handle. It is sharpened to a professional sharpness.This knife is more than the average home cook needs, but should want!Practice good knife skills and enjoy a great Santoku chef's knife.

Very well made Santoku knife, beautiful and sharp, the blade material is very hard, I try to round out the sharp 90 degree of the blade heel so when accidentally bump my index finger to it won't get cut, using a diamond rod took me more than 20+ stokes to dull the heel. a little heavier than my old cheap ceramic, but it's nicely balanced, cut through meat easily and will not stick on the blade when I slice them, same good craftmanship and cost 30% less than other brands

I appreciate this knife. It is very good looking! It does come with a manual that clearly teaches you how to sharpen your knife properly. Up to you on how you want to take care of your knife though. I am pleased with what I received, wish I could put a follow up review after a few months of hard core use. I'm sure it will hold up great. Thanks!