The Shun Classic Hollow-Ground Santoku is a beautiful, Asian-inspired Chef's knife. "Santoku" means "Three Virtues" and the knife gets its name for the three strengths it demonstrates in the kitchen - cutting vegetables, thin-boned meats, and fish. Some cooks reach for their Santoku at least as often as their Chef's Knives. Hollow-ground indentations on the blade help reduce friction so the blade glides through the food more easily. The Shun Classic Hollow-Ground Santoku's blade is very slightly curved, enabling the cook to employ a rocking motion while cutting - and making it as easy to use as a Chef's knife. It is well balanced, has an extremely sharp Shun cutting edge, and is lighter and more maneuverable than most fine European-style Chef's Knives.