Known as the Asian Chef's Knife, the Santoku excels at making paper thin slices of vegetables but can also be used on protein and for other prep. Now on their 8th generation of blade makers, the Nigara family have been forging knives, tools and swords for over 350 years. F or the Tsuchime Migaki series they've chosen to use Aogami Super Steel for the core of the knife. Super is a very popular and durable steel and used widely throughout the Japanese knife world so it's one that's easy to sharpen and retains an edge well so this is definitely a knife going to last when cared for. The hammered pattern is unique and industrial and the polished Migak i finish adds contrasting smooth simplicity . The traditional o ctagonal W alnut handle is durable, simple, and comfortable. Due to the nature of handcrafting and traditional blacksmithing, each knife is unique and may have some cosmetic distortion or irregularities. This is expected and normal. Because these knives are handcrafted, they qualify for a 3 month limited warranty for manufacturing defects only.