TamahaganeSan SN-1109H - 3 1/2 inch, 90mm Paring Knife

Tamahagane San SN-1109H - 3 1/2 inch, 90mm Paring Knife Holy cow! This is a large knife (as noted by the first reviewer). Although it is advertised as a 3.5-inch (90 mm) knife, the overall blade length (from tip to bolster) is actually 4.25 inches (110 mm). Whenever I lift it, I must remind myself that it is supposed to be a paring knife. It actually appears to be a small chef's knife.It is a beautiful knife, and it arrived with a very sharp cutting edge. The craftmanship is exquisite. As the first reviewer also noted, the blade can emit a brittle creaking sound, when it is stressed or twisted. However, I am not concerned by this sound, because I have also heard this sound in other thin-bladed high-hardness Japanese blades, none of which actually broke or sustained damage.For most users, I think the best use for this knife would be for cutting on the cutting board, in the style of a mini-chef's knife, and using a pinch grip (with thumb and forefinger gripping the blade). However, I have discovered that I can actually use it off the cutting board, (for coring strawberries or cutting up hand-held plums, for making jam), by holding it with all of my fingers and thumb grasping the blade.

Tamahagane is one of the best Knives avalible Love there knives!

The appearance is very nice. It is large for a paring knife. I'm 6ft 3in and this knife fills my hand. The blade is very sharp and when necessary, the blade sharpens quickly and well. The steel feels brittle causing me concern.Should anyone have a paring knife they are simply mad about, please let me know.***************************Updated Review***************************************I've used the Tamahagane paring knife for sometime now and i wish I could say I was happy with it. Recently, I was in a department store and purchased a Zyliss paring knife for under five dollars. The Zyliss paring knife functions better than the Tamahagane! The Zyliss grip has a wonderful, no slip, plastic/rubber, design and the blade is razor sharp. This is a serious consideration when working with tropical fruits like Kiwi and mango. The Zyliss packaging made reference to VictorInox (Swiss Army Knife) as the parent company.If you are trying to impress your friends get a Tamahagane or better yet, secure financing for a "jim Kramer" knife selling for roughly the same price as a used Toyota. If you are looking for a well designed paring knife to simply get the job done, consider Zyliss.If anyone wants to buy my Tamahagane, let me know. I put the Tamahagane back in it's box and it is in as new condition.