ZWILLING Pro 5.5-inch Hollow Edge Rocking Santoku Knife

OK, full disclosure. I am a knife snob and generally in love with Japanese steel. I bought this knife largely because of its reputation and to see why people like German knives. I have to admit, I am impressed. Most knives will be sharp out of the box, but this tool feels solid in my hand, and with regular use over the last couple of months it has continued to hold an edge. Hard to define the feel of quality, but when you experience it, you know it and this knife has it. I may just be impressed with the fact that this knife clearly has more heft than the lighter Japanese knives. Which you prefer is mainly a matter of esthetic philosophy, but as a big guy, the weight of the Henckel is pleasant for me. I have my own whetstones and love to sharpen my knives, but this one has not needed more than a little honing on a steel before use and its ready to roll. I am surprised in a drawer full of high-quality Japanese knives how often this one is pressed into service for a variety of tasks from chopping nuts for the waffles, to slicing cheese for the omelets or trimming the fat from the porterhouse. I like how comfortable the handle is in my hand with no slipping even if my hand is wet, which is important when wielding a near razor-like object designed to cut things cleanly. I was so impressed I also bought the 4-inch paring knife, which is a delight as well. Be warned; invest in blade guards when you start spending more money on quality knives. A sharp knife is a safe knife, but reaching into a soapy sink of dirty dishes or a crowded utensil drawer and unexpectantly encountering the business end of a quality knife can be an unpleasant experience. Can't speak to all German knives, but I am a big Henckel fan now.

This is by far the most money I've ever spent on a knife, and it was *so* worth it. The tip is more pointed than the blunt sheepsfoot shape you'll see on most santokus, and that's part of the reason I bought it: typically, you can't rock a santoku the way you would a chef's knife, because the bottom edge is straighter on the santoku. I wanted something with the versatility of a santoku, but also one that allowed some rocking motion and with a pointed tip that's useful for dicing onions; this knife fit the bill perfectly. I like the scallops on the bottom of the blade; they make it easier to shed that thin slice you've just cut. It's sturdy but not heavy; using it feels almost like an extension of my hand. I bought a good sharpener along with it, and sharpen the blade as needed but no less frequently than every third use. With regular sharpening, hand washing, and storing it on a magnetic strip on the wall to protect it from getting nicked in a drawer, I'll bet I won't have to have this knife professionally sharpened for a year or more.

Excellent knife. Nice heft, very sharp. Expect this to last a lifetime!

My new go to knife.

I have been building a collection of Zwilling Pro knives. They are pricey, but they are the best knives I've ever used. They come sharp from the factory and hold an edge for a long time. They also feel nice in your hand, a good handle and well balanced.

Very nice knife. We did have a problem and Zwilling said they have a life time warranty ! They replaced the knife right away. Thank You Zwilling

What can I say......expected nothing but quality from a Zwilling and they did not disappoint. Beautiful weight and balance along with a crisp, sharp edge.

This is one of the best knives on the market. Precision cutting at its best!