EnsoHD Hammered Damascus 8-inch Kiritsuke Knife

Hair shaving sharp out-of-the-box (tested on my arm hair)Other knives I've purchased usually need some sharpening before using them.This is actually my second Yaxell, the first being my favorite paring knife (the Dragon).Pros:1. Shape - extremely functional cutting shape makes it easy to cut (I do mostly pull/push cuts)2. 61 HRC - Edge should last a while between sharpening3. Cuts extremely well and most foods don't seem to stick to the side too much.4. Tsuchime finish aesthetic5. Demascus aesthetic6. western handle for those who don't know how to use traditional style handles without breaking them7. handle is a composite material so it's okay to get wet and easy to cleanCons:1. (preference) western handle - I prefer the eastern style (wa-) handles and their blade weight2. This knife is a little on the heavier side (mostly the handle)3. Handle was a little uncomfortable at first, probably because of the taper near the choil. It's a bit thin and uncomfortable for a pinch grip, but you get used to it after a while.4. Too shiny? The entire knife has a mirror polish and while I don't mind the aesthetic it's blinded me a few times in the kitchen when I was cleaning it under the kitchen lights. As a side note, I do generally like shiny but maybe more of a matte finish on the side with a mirror edge could be a cooler looking design. It might just be the lights in my kitchen though.Overall RecommendationIf you don't mind the western style handle, slight weight, and mirror polish, buy this knife.This is an amazing knife for the price and is my #1 recommendation for a Japanese knife that you can buy on Amazon. Second only to my recommendation for a Japanese knife with wa-handle.

This is my favorite knife that I own currently! It is perfectly balanced, exceptionally sharp and was a great value for the money!

This is the best knife I've owned by far. Literally as sharp as a razer blade. Love it.

Excelente cuchillo

I have owned several globals, and used on a regular basis manu shun knives. In a professional kitchen, having to mise very fine brunois or petit julienne the sword point to this style of knife and the slight curve make it a phenomenal blade. Enso is my new go-to for finesse. Haven't had it long enough to see if it will take a beating like a global (had mine 7 years) but so far it is worth every cent.

A beautiful knife! Very sharp. Looks nice. I don’t use it for food processing. I put in my collections.

Really really sharp

I've had this knife for almost 2 weeks and it is already my go to knife. It is extremely sharp out of the box and has not dulled one little bit despite daily use for all sorts of jobs.