I have to say, I am extremely please with everything about my experience buying the Hounen Kihan Oborozuki Ginsan Nashiji Santoku from Hasu-Seizo. I needed to upgrade the last of my knives, and through a few weeks of surfing, I found the Hasu-Seizo website. It has comprehensive information on Japanese knives - types, materials, use, and care -that helped me select a knife that would meet my needs in the kitchen. This knife is beautiful, comfortable and versatile. It is so sharp that it feels like it slices vegetables all by itself. It makes a fine companion to the nakiri that my parents brought back from their time living in Japan in the early 1960s. As much as I like my western style knives, this santoku will be my go-to knife for so many tasks.
I also must say, the personalized packaging, along with a hand-written note and band-aid were delightful. I will definitely recommend Hasu-Seizo to anyone looking for a knife of excellence.