Greater GoodsChef Knife, Ergonomic Handle, Durable Kitchen Knife with Balanced Design (German Steel)

I received this knife yesterday. My review is based on preliminary use. I do a lot of cooking and cook many meals that involve slicing, chopping, dicing, mincing, etc. Having a good knife that feels like an extension of your hand is important. It makes these actions quick, precise and intuitive. The Nourish German Steel Professional Chef Knife feels like part of you. What really impresses me is the quality and craftsmanship you get for the price point. Though I wouldn't use this for mincing, I have used it for slicing, chopping, and dicing already -- yes, even though I've had it for just one day. So far, I am impressed. I recommend a brief sharpening with every use of a professional knife; just one or two swipes on each side. I would also recommend handwashing this knife, drying it, then immediately storing it in a wood knife block or a wood magnet hanging utensil.What my review cannot cover obviously is how it holds up with time. Should I have any indication that it would not do well over time, I will edit this review. Also, I have not used it for carving meat or for dissecting chicken etc. However, I believe this knife would be suitable for these uses as well.UPDATE: I have owned the knife for a few months. I can provide more information. It seems to hold up well. I recommend a few swipes on the sharpener between uses. You can easily cut through tomatoes, chicken, carrots, etc. It’s dynamic. I also impressed myself when I threw an orange in the air and sliced it perfectly in half. With a dull knife, the orange would have been knocked forward instead of chopped. Definately hand wash and immediately dry. Store safely because it’s very sharp.

Review of "Nourish Japanese Damascus Steel Chef Knife" (AKA VG-10)This knife is made with VG-10 Steel. This is a very big deal at this price point. I researched many high quality knives before buying this one, and found this one to be the best price (by far). VG-10 is used in Spyderco knives and high dollar professional hair sheers. The following are a couple points about VG-10.1. It has a higher carbon content than cheap knives (the ones generally labelled only as "stainless steel") This means that it is harder and holds an edge better. This also means that it chips more easily and rusts more easily. You should never leave this knife submerged in water, it will rust. You should always rinse it and dry it off after use, especially if you have been cutting acidic or salty foods (tomatoes etc). As long as you take care of it and don't abuse it, you shouldn't have any rust or chipping issues.2. If you want this knife to last, only use it on a soft cutting board. (I like soft wood). A soft cutting board will show extensive knife marking after repeated use. If your cutting board is not being damaged by the knife, then the knife is being damaged by the cutting board. Also, never put a wood cutting board in the dishwasher, it will warp and break.3. Do not ever touch this knife with the honing steel (long metal "sharpening rod") that came with your cheap knife set. Those rods are used to uncurl the edge on cheap, soft steel knives. VG-10 does not curl (it is harder steel). You will ruin this knife with that rod. True sharpening is done by removing metal from the edge. Usually with ceramic stones. Sharpening is a skill that requires good equipment and lots of practice. VG-10 does not need to be sharpened often, and the casual user would likely prefer taking this knife to a professional sharpener. Also, do not run this through the sharpener on your can opener, you will ruin the knife.4. For those of you that have never had a high quality knife before, understand that this is sharp. Very sharp. You can very seriously hurt yourself before you even realize it. Pay attention.5. The best I can tell from my research, "damascus steel" (the wavy pattern on the knife) is for the most part entirely cosmetic. The actual steel used (440a, VG-10, 9CR18, etc) is far more relevant. This knife does have the "damascus" pattern on it, and it is nice to look at.6. Having a "full tang" is also a characteristic of a high quality knife. (This knife has one)This really is a very excellent knife. I was about to say "for the money," but it is in fact a very excellent knife period. This shows that a good knife can be produced at a reasonable price.Update September 2024It appears Greater Goods no longer offers the VG10 version of this knife that I reviewed.

GREAT BALANCE right over the index finger. Good size and shape handle for larger hands (I wear large size gloves and my fingers are not crowded in the grip). Substantial (some might think too heavy, but not me). Very natural and organic feel that lets me easily transition from chopping to slicing to moving around the board. Nice curvature for chopping. Quick and precise to flip so that you can use the back to scrape your goods across the board and then quickly move/flip knife back across to chop more. Sharp from the box (arm hair test). I've owned many knives and this one has the makings to last a lifetime. Really like the blunt end handle (sometimes you need hammer strength). Pretty, but I wonder if they overplay the damascus a little. Hopefully it'll be a bit less dramatic with time and a patina. Make no mistake though-- for the price it will be hard to find better.