ZWILLING J.A. Henckels Professional 8-Inch Chef's Knife - High Carbon Stainless Steel Kitchen Knife for Precision Cutting, Slicing & Dicing - Perfect for Home Cooks & Professional Chefs

This has been my go to kitchen knife for 3 years now. It comes beautifully sharpened and the edge lasts for a long long time. Sharpening again makes it like new and the steel is thick enough that you will be able to sharpen it many times over its lifetime.I’m not sure why all the bad reviews. I ordered this knife to replace one in the set I’ve had over 30 years. It arrived and was HUGE but I love it. I knocked the tip off of the one I lost, and it seems it’s not even made in that size now. This was more than I’d bargained for but I have no regrets! Just be aware, as all good knives, it’s sharp as heck!Many henckel knives and cutlery are made outside of Germany now. This knife is still made where they originated from. I am happy with it but do not by their knives made anywhere else.I am a typical home cook without any formal training. I thought it would be a waste to spend a lot on knives, but this knife completely changed my philosophy. This knife is excellent. After the first use of chopping vegetables for a stew, I have wanted to cook more. I also look forward to trying new recipes and ways to put my knife through its paces.This workhorse knife feels powerful in my hands, and makes me feel confident in my meal preparation. I can see the difference a knife makes in efficiency and quality of preparing meals. I have not had any problems with keeping it sharp. The knife is heavy enough for serious chopping, but light enough for extended use. I did not want to spend a lot replacing all my knives, but after experiencing the quality of this chef's knife, I have added the other Henckels versions of the Santoku, utility, paring, and bread knives to my wish list.One word of caution: This knife is huge. I received it as a Christmas gift, and even though I asked for an 8" chef's knife, I was given this 10" beauty. I am not complaining, but I have found it to be larger than what I am accustomed to using. Sometimes it can chop into other foods nearby. I figure trained chefs likely do not have concerns, but duffers like me will find this knife slightly larger than optimal for their needs. I also put the Henckels 8" version on my wish list, and once I get it, will use this 10" knife for large cutting jobs and for holiday carving of hams, turkeys, and prime ribs.This was a gift for a person with a small apartment, who asked for "something small." I've had one of these knives for several years now, plus I have a sharpening steel; the knife is my "go-to" knife and I love it! If it gets a little dull, I use the sharpening steel. It's a wonderful, sharp, strong knife.The blade length is absolutely perfect for me, the bolster protects my fingers and the rounded handle is very comfortable. My favorite knife for general prep and processing.Just the perfect knife. I use it at work every day! Perfect balance, light to medium weight. Super sharp. The German steel is incredibly hard! I have owned this knife for over a year and have not needed to sharpen it on a stone yet. I hone it on my steel, but have never sharpened it. Grip is very comfortable, fits hand, does not slip.Incredibly well designed and manufactured. Just the perfect knife.This Henckel (4 star twin) makes a great gift for a person that is not a knife person(my daughter), while it is not a Pro S it is so much better than the average knife found in the average home. I've read that it is the same steel as the Pro S so I assume that it will hold an edge as well as a Pro S. Before I gave her the 4 Star I bought a 6-inch 4 star and tried it for over a year and never found anything to complain about. I've also given her an 8" as well as a 4". My son-in-law seems to have a greater appreciation of the knives than my daughter but i hold hope that one day she'll realize just what these knives are. Also let me say that the 6" chef's knife felt a little too small in my hand, I use an 8" as well as a 10" chef's knife and love them both.Had to wait a year for it to become available to purchase but well worth the wait.Received it promptly. Excellent quality