The Miyabi Birchwood 8" Chef's Knife is a top-of-the-line knife that has gained a reputation in the world of kitchen knives. It is meticulously crafted by hand in Seki, Japan, ensuring impeccable quality. The blade features a beautiful Damascus shell with a high-quality SG2 core that has been ice hardened to a perfect 63 HRC. This results in exceptional edge retention and durability, making it the centerpiece of any kitchen. The Birchwood line from Miyabi is easily recognizable with its distinctive Damascus blades and raw birchwood handles. However, it's important to note that the raw wood handles can absorb liquids, potentially causing damage to the knife. To prevent this, it's crucial to thoroughly dry the knife after each cleaning. The Miyabi brand, a part of Zwilling J.A. Henckels, combines Japanese materials with German design to create a series of knives that are not only hand-finished and razor-sharp but also true works of art.