The Shun Narukami 8" Chef's Knife, also known as the "French" or "Cooks" knife, is the most important knife in the home or professional kitchen. Whether cutting, chopping, or slicing, no other knife is as versatile as the multi-purpose chef's knife because it is a designed to perform a variety of common cutting tasks rather than excelling at any one. The upward curve of the knife's edge allows for a rocking/chopping motion that allows for fast, fine mincing of small foods such as garlic, herbs, or ginger. The wide, flat blade is also excellent for pressing or smacking garlic cloves and popping them out of their papery husks. The chef knife's extra width also makes chopping larger vegetables easy because it keeps your knuckles off the cutting board. In a pinch, it will even work for slicing and carving tasks due to its length and fine balance. Narukami, “thunderbolt” in Japanese, brings you the sharp, edge-holding performance of Blue II carbon steel in a strikingly styled kitchen knife. Cut with this handsome knife and the feeling is simple and confident, yet it offers something others don’t: easier care. Shun jackets the core with a layer of beadblasted san mai stainless steel on each side, making these knives easier to maintain. The stainless steel protects the core, while the bead blasting hides scratches and helps food release. Narukami is lightweight and nimble so every meal you cook can be the best yet. Built to last, Narukami features full tang construction and riveted micarta handles.