Consider the handle size before buying
Unfortunately, I had to return this knife. This was meant to be one of my workhorse knives. I do have a small collection of Miyabi knives from the Birchwood and Black collection, and I love the quality and interest of the handle. Having a Miyabi birchwood chef's knife, I expected this santoku to have a similar proportion of handle to blade. However, the handle felt incredibly small for the size and utility of the knife. If you can try it out before you buy, please do. We don't have gigantic hands by any means, but this handle was not the right size for our hands. Everything else is spectacular of course (I LOVE this line of knives), but the handle was about the same as a paring knife I have from the collection, which is appropriate in proportion to the blade and its use.