Sword making history in Japan dates back over 1,000 years, when master sword smiths practiced their craft making weapons for warriors. Modern Japanese kitchen knives are a descendant of these renowned swords, as evidenced in the details, ideals and spirit that have been passed down through generations that go into each tool. This particular knife has a santoku shape. Santoku shaped knives have a flatter cutting edge than a traditional western chef's knife, with very little upward curve at the tip. Therefore, this knife excels at tasks that require a single downward cut rather than a rocking motion, making it a good choice for prep work such as slicing, dicing and mincing.