Review on Superior Sasaki Takumi Japanese AUS-10 8-Inch Chef Knife: Premium Stainless Steel Blade with Locking Sheath, Enhanced Performance in Black by Kathleen Ledoux

If that doesn't bother you then don't worry, but if you're looking for a Japanese knife made in Japan using traditional Japanese methods, this isn't it. This is a Chinese knife made in China from Japanese steel and Japanese style packaging. The packaging really doesn't lie. It doesn't say anywhere that it was made in Japan, and it's marked (in the fine print) as made in China, but it seems pretty obvious that they're aiming to sell it as a Japanese knife. (The art names "Takumi" and "Sasaki" are also clearly Japanese.) I like Japanese knives and would never buy them. However, if it was a good price or you got it as a gift, then there's nothing wrong with that. I usually use classic German Wüsthof knives and I didn't find this knife any better than these, but I appreciated how the packaging, blade sheath and instructions made it a very good gift. I also felt the knife was well made, felt well balanced and cut as expected. It's as sharp as you'd expect and other than regularly using steel for sharpening, I haven't had to sharpen it yet. Short (vertical) to be a chef's knife, but its handle is heavy and well balanced. Surprisingly, what I liked best was that the knife came with an easy-to-use locking sheath. As my other knives are kept in a drawer rather than a butcher block or magnet, having the sheath was a very nice touch and I would recommend that as a positive. It's thick plastic and has a great lock - great if you have kids. The whole package together makes a very nice gift, but I probably wouldn't buy this for someone who already owns professional knives because it won't beat them. However, for those who have never owned high-end knives, this will be a significant upgrade. Am I going to use this knife? For certainty. Do I consider it a gift? Yes indeed. Gift wrapping is important and creates a very good "gift" vibe - with all the added features mentioned above.