Miyabi Artisan SG2 7" Rocking Santoku Knife

The natural line to compare Artisan with is Birchwood, because they both use SG2 steel and have similar profiles and specs for the blades, so cutting/sharpening performance should be pretty much the same. The difference between the lines are mainly aesthetic, ergonomic, and price. I've had knives from both lines. I've sold my Birchwoods and kept the Artisan. The Birchwood knifes are gorgeous, but they are also a lot more expensive and a lot LESS comfortable. The Artisan rosewood handles are beautiful and sooo comfortable, at least for my hands, which tend to be on larger size (I'm >6.0 tall and have long fingers). I find the Birchwood handles too narrow, and the spine, which is not well rounded, digs into my palm when using a pinch group. So, in my opinion, the Artisan is the better line of knives, and given the much lower price, it is therefore also a much better value. The cutting performance on my rocking santoku is superb -- super sharp OOTB. Note, given the profile, this knife is best for rocking. They call it a "rocking santoku", but it's really just a K-tip gyuto (chef's knife).

The Artisan line is clearly the sweet spot of Myabi’s distinguished brand of Japanese manufactured knives, and this rocking santoku in particular arguably represents their most attractive and best performing offering - ridiculously sharp and a veritable work of art to boot!

Perhaps the best all around knife

I bought this knife as a birthday gift for my brother. He cleaned out his refrigerator looking for things to cut up.

I own a lot of very high end knives from Germany and Japan but no Miyabi knives until now. SG2 steel has become my favorite and the price, fit, and finish of this knife is well worth it. The nickel finish makes it very slick and it passes thru food with no resistance at all. It is very impressive. Onions fall off the blade with a slight flick of the wrist. Once its wet it is slick as ice. Holds an edge a long time, even on the poly boards we have to use at work. Very light and the grip is great. Did I mention beautiful? Truly a Beast in the kitchen that everyone has to stop and look at. It has replaced my chef knife for most tasks due to the pointed tip and its flexabilaty to use for rocking, chopping, and slicing. Buy it, you will love it. And as always, Thank you C&M!