Kai Corporation Shun Premier Santoku Knife, 6.9 inches (175 mm) KAI Shun TM0702

Love it. Clean cut with all meat even as an amateur cook

I bought this back around Christmas 2011 when it was on an Amazon holiday deal for $100. If you find it for that price nowadays, I'd pretty much try to yell through the computer screen at you to get it. :D At the current prices of ~$150 (depending on seller), I'd still say it's a good but not great value. Cost aside, it is a very nice knife. Aesthetically, the blade is simply exceptional. The polished hammered top half combined with the layered bottom half are beautiful. The pakkawood handle is also attractive, but I admit to not being as enamored with it as I was years ago. For some, the lighter weight may not be a preference, but it can be a real bonus when using this for a while because I think it helps prevent my arm and wrist from getting as tired as when I'm using my heavier knives. The build quality is outstanding. Of the four Shun knives that I've purchased, I've had one (a more expensive Reserve model) with an issue on the handle. Both of the Premier models that I bought (this and a paring knife) are perfectly made. The handle lines up just right with the blade, and there are no imperfections anywhere that I've noticed over years of use. Sharpness may go without saying, but I'll still say it :) - yep, it's sharp. It's not like cutting with this was a whole new experience for me. My less expensive Anolon knives are also pretty sharp - but I like using this knife more. Shun for me is more than just the functional value - it's the aesthetic value. It works great and looks great, and I like using it. There's something to be said for treating yourself or someone else now and again with a product that is just a cut above (sorry...no pun intended), and this is a knife that will stand out in most people's kitchen collection and make them feel good. I've attached some photos of this that hopefully convey some of the aesthetics. I think it's far more beautiful than the stock image here on Amazon conveys. Two big thumbs up from me for this knife.

For a person who loves knives, and owns more than I will ever need in 3 lifetimes, the Shun brand is one of my all time favourites. The consistency, the standard of quality. Never any surprises in workmanship or quality. Having said all the above. This knife being the Premier line is a bit heavier with a slightly larger handle than the equivalent from the standard line. I also have this santoku knife in the 5 1/4" size in the Premier version and standard version, which do to it's smaller size blade also has proportionally sized smaller handles. The smaller version is extremely comfortable for both myself and my wife. This one (7" santoku), the handle is too big for her, and I will say that the size of handle for me is something I am still getting used to. Balance of course is terrific, and the profile is pretty spot on for a Japanese Santoku knife. Blade is excellent as to be expected. And the Premier version does have a aesthetically beautiful finish.

Recommended by a friend, I fell in love with the design and ergonomics.

Very good quality knife. Very sharp. Cutting is amazing. 7 inch blade is perfect for most kitchen cutting work.