KYOKU 8" Chef Knife with Non-Stick Koi Scale Pattern, Japanese VG10 Stainless Steel Chef's Knife with Sheath & Gift Box, Shogun Koi Series Full Tang Professional Kitchen Knife with Camphorwood Handle

I gave it a 5 for it's looks and presentation. Knife is nice, leather sheath is nice, and even the box is nice. My wife said it is sharp but really has only used it once. Will probably have to update this review for any accuracy. But, at least it didn't arrive with a dull blade or looking like trash. Keeping it.

Don't meddle over the metal. A gold medal rating, like in the special olympics.Visually, it's everybody's favorite.No awkward edges/lips where metal meets wood.Holds an edge real well. Consequently, it takes a little more time getting to that perfectly sharp edge.Not sure how it started, but now it's sharp enough to shave with. The arms at least. I don't have the balls to try shaving my no no areas.Fits real well in my hand. Comfortable and balanced.It's really easy for rockers like myself with the curve on its large belly. Slightly more curve than other chef knives I've used. Not sure how that would affect the "whack-a-mole" cutting style.My current most expensive knife, but worth each and every penny.

I sold cutco knives and own a set, have them sharpened or replaced when needed... they work well. I saw a chef on tv using this knife and thought the blade was beautiful, so I bought it to show off when guests are watching me in the kitchen...tried it out on arrival and was amazed how easily it sliced through everything. Meat, lettuce, tough carrots, tomatoes, potatoes, asparagus stems....truly a beautiful and sharp knife. If you cook, you know how important a good knife is, so the cost, while higher than others that look similar, should not stop you from getting the best.

PRO's:- nice weight- sharp blade- love the shape and angle of the blade- leather sheath is very well made- box is niceCON's:- there were 2 rust stains out the box (I think it's just from storing it in a humid warehouse; buffed right out with a light sponge)- the bolster is oddly shaped. If you are a pinch gripper on your knife, it may get awkward to handle- and also it's full tang, but the bolster looks glued on, just an odd design choice in my opinionOverall a good knife, especially for the value. It's good enough to be a daily knife even in a professional kitchen. It has a unique design and I prefer it as a less expensive option

Loved the bladed but the handle started cracking at the knots after 3 months. The customer service team replaced the blade with no hassle. This really is a 5 star knife.

I own a kyoku shogun series. Awesome knife one of my favorite they I own. This koi edition is not anywhere near the quality or craftsmanship of the shogun series. It had rust on the blade and the handle looked like cheap plastic. Do not waste time or money

It has a slight flex to it and love the scale pattern on the blade. I bought this knife because I needed something to use for gutting, drawing, and fileting whole fish at summer camp and it did not disappoint. BTW I do only use it as a filet knife.

Truly, insanely sharp and very beautiful. Superb craftsmanship.