Yaxell Super Gou 8" Chef's Knife - Made in Japan - 161 Layers SG2 Stainless Damascus

SG2 micro steel. Normally that would say all but let me add;I was a C.I. professional chef, own a lot of knives.... out of the box this was RAZOR sharp. The 1st second I used it, off went a tip of a fingernail and fingertip. I had grown careless over the years with not-so-sharp knives. If you consider this knife, which I heartily recommend, realistically evaluate your knife skills.I haven't needed to sharpen it yet. So there's that.And it is a very thin knife....SG2 is NOT cheap steel.But slice nano-thin.....you betcha.Go through tough cuts like a laser: Check.Pretty? Yes. Well made: seems so.There, now you know what I know. Good Luck.

It is a really nice knife if you are a starter to really high-quality knives, though it is machine-made and there are options for handcraft Japanese black smith knives available for the price, this is still a good knife. Super sharp, cuts paper like tofu.

While we are not professional chefs, just everyday home cooks, this knife is awesome. razor sharp, excellent chopper and slicer, beautiful throughout. a touch on the heavy side...just a smidge. Would buy a 1000x over without hesitation.

This brand may not be very well known in the USA and that may make some people hesitate on buying it. But, this is a legit japanese manufacturer that makes OEM knifes, yaxell and Enzo branded knifes..This knife is well made, very sharp and good quality. The R2 steel used is great and a good choice for people who want a sharp knife, but not wanting to deal with rusting issues. I'd say they are just about the same quality as most shun and miyabi knifes..This knife looked great, fit and finish was great and it was razor sharp from tip to heel.. it did not snag at any part of the blade when I tried to cut a piece of paper.The Damascus finish was pretty good, but a tag "foggy" in certain places, but nothing bad or deal breaking. My shun knifes have that same foggy look in areas too.The handel is nice, and more a western style shape, so it will probably feel better in most peoples hands then a traditional japanese handle would. The handle was well polished and no issues with rivets not being sanded smooth, or gaps near the bolster, and the end cap was fitted well and polished.The balance of the knife was right at the start of the bolster taper nearest to the handle. It feels good in the hands and the weight seems just right for a knife like this..All in all, this is a nice knife, made with quality steel and made well. This isn't some fake brand or one of those knifes that looks good, but uses junk metal like so many knifes on Amazon use. This knife is very well made and could last a very very long time with proper care and cutting techniques. The only issue with this japanese knife, is that it's not hand forged and gets alot of hate from people who are japanese knife snobs, because this knife falls in line with more modern knife makers like wusthof, shun, zwilling then traditional hammered forged knifes from small family knife makers in Japan.

Excellent product! Thanks Yaxell! Recommend!

Seems to be what I expected. Haven’t used it yet. Packed it in luggage for my extended stay travels where too often a chef’s knife is inexplicably missing from the compliment of kitchen utensils one expects to find in a contemporary high-end kitchen.I notice it is 50% more expensive if trying to purchase while staying in France, probably due to French tariffs but this is a guess. I had to wait the balance of my most recent 1 year stay in France before I could obtain the knife at fair price once back in the US. Nine months had passed without being able to cut carrots or onions, despite photo-appealing images of fancy kitchens and descriptions of their being fully equipped. I was determined to have a sharp knife that would cut hard carrots and onions. Done.

I have a lot of knives, both German and Japanese. I think this Yaxel, for the price, is excellent. Seems to be holding its edge, though I do take impeccable care of my knives. I’m picky about the grip and I very much like this one.