MASAMOTO CT Japanese Gyuto Chef's Knife 8.2" (210mm) Made in JAPAN, Kitchen Chef Knife, Sharp Japanese Carbon Steel Blade, Rosewood Handle, Brown

This is an excellent chef's knife. I have owned it for nearly 10 years, after originally purchasing in Tokyo. Amazing that it can be had here for only a small premium to what I picked it up for in 2009. The knife is well balanced, stays sharp with regular honing and occasional sharpening. I use it for chopping, slicing, dicing of everything from vegetables to cheeses. It's lighter and more workable than the chef's knives you would buy from the quality German manufacturers and a good value for a carbon steel gyuto of this size. Note that it is not stainless steel so if don't want to keep your knives dry and clean, especially after any use with citrus or other acidic foods, then this is not for you. Also, it does develop a patina.