WÜSTHOF IKON Blackwood 6" Chef's Knife - Premium German Kitchen Knife for Professional Chefs & Home Cooking - Perfect for Slicing, Dicing & Chopping Vegetables, Meat & Herbs

I spent a great deal of time researching and reviewing knives before I settled on the flagship of the Wusthof line. I dont have the kind of money to go around buying $200 knives that I dont intend to use for the rest of my life; it took me a very long time to save up to buy this sucker, and I wanted to make sure I got the perfect one for my needs.It was worth the work I put into the purchase. I have been delighted with this knife in every way. Ive been working with it for a while now, and even as a fan of knives in general it still continues to amaze me what a difference working with a very high-quality knife makes. Sometimes this knife makes me think there's no such thing as friction.The balance is perfect. The feel of the wood handle is amazing. I specifically wanted the genuine Grenadill (African Blackwood) handle because of the feel and the texture of it it in my hand, and I am so glad that I went for that. It makes an enormous difference, and using this knife is pure joy. It makes it easier for me to use and vastly improves my grip and control.If you've been wanting a really good cook's knife, there is simply no way you can go wrong with this one. This is a German blade, not a Japanese blade, so if you're a fan of Japanese blades, this one won't be your best choice. It's a heavy knife, heavier than any Japanese blade I've used. But it's one of the best, if not the best, non-Japanese blades you can buy, so if your preference is for the German blade, as mine is, this is the one you want.I love my Santoku, and I will eventually get a good, high-end one to replace my midrange workhorse Mercer. I have a few other knives that I use regularly whenever I cook; utility and slicing and paring. But this Wusthof cook's knife is my go-to blade for all occasions. I dont see that ever changing. This is the kind of thing you bequeath in a will, along with your precious cast iron.If you love to cook, amateur or pro, this is the knife you want. Go for it. You'll make up the cost in a year, because it's such an excellent knife you'll actually *want* to cook every meal, just so you can use it.