Almost unheard of a decade ago, the Asian-style santoku is now one of the most popular knives in American kitchens. Similar to a Western chef's knife, the santoku rocks, chops, minces, and slices vegetables, fish, and meat. This 6-1/2-inch santoku is a member of Shun's fabulous Elite collection. The knife features a sleek black PakkaWood handle, made of a hardwood-resin fusion, which showcases an inlaid traditional Japanese emblem and fine rings of copper and brass near the bolster. A distinctive flourish, called a "hamon," along the edge of the blade recalls the samurai swords once made in Seki City, Japan, where Shun Elites are handcrafted. Any chef would feel honored to receive this exceptional, gift-boxed knife.