This is my 3rd Katto, joining a utility and a nakiri. These 2 are really great knives, but the chef's knife is even better. My daughter 'borrowed' my Henkel chef's knife when she recently moved into her first flat, forcing me to buy a replacement. I cursed quietly at first, but am now secretly rather pleased! The Katto replacement is better balanced, has a better grip and holds its edge for far longer than the Henkel. And it looks fabulous with the birch handle option. Thanks Katto; looking forward to daughter visiting home and purloining something else, so I have an excuse to add a 4th....always fancied a santoku! ;-)