I first got to try the Shun (think it was a 10" instead of the 8" that I purchased) in a cooking class at Sur La Table a few years ago. I also got to handle a Wustof brand. I liked the rounded handle on this one better in the cooking class. It felt better, and it cuts everything great. In fact, until you fully adjust to the sharpness of this blade, take your time using it, and you'll always be pleased with the results. Also, cut away from your hand and never put your hand in the path of the blade when you're carving something up with it. I keep the blade true, or straight, with a hone that I also purchased from Overstock. Our chef instructor said you'll eventually need to have the blade sharpened, but a hone can keep the blade cutting well for a lot longer before it really needs sharpening, and he had years of professional cooking under his belt to make that statement. He also said one good chef's knife properly handled can do nearly all the work the average home cook will ever need to do, so before you purchase an entire block filled with marginal knives, consider investing in one good one like this Shun. Also, stay away from the TV knives that never need sharpening. They are dangerous, wobbly, and you don't know if the blade will stay put, which is what you need a good, safe, and sharp cooking knife to do.

I had originally purchased a small Shun paring knife at a local store and was so impressed with the quality that I decided to get a larger knife and ordered through overstock. The price was terrific and it arrived in a timely fashion. It's a bit larger than I needed, but still a workhorse in the kitchen. Very high quality, good balance, great cutting edge.

This knife is fantastic. I originally bought a Henkels knife block set, which was not cheap, and the chefs knife rusted after one use. I returned that for this single knife and couldn't be more pleased. This is a top quality knife. It is sharp and aesthetically beautiful - well worth the money.

Nice and light in hand, very sharp.

This Shun Knife is the sharpest most durable Chef Knife I have ever had the pleasure to use. Cuts thru tomatoes, peppers ,onions and/or meat with the slightest amount of pressure. More work done with less effort. what could be better. It is comfortable to hold in your hand and beautiful to look at.