Tough polypropylene handles with full, visible tangs and the traditional three rivets distinguish Classic knives from Wusthof"s other cutlery lines. Otherwise Classic knives are identical to other Wusthof knives, embodying all the virtues that have earned the German manufacturer world renown. The principal parts of a Wusthof knife--blade, bolster, and tang--are forged from a single piece of high-carbon stainless steel, and the blade is precisely tapered from bolster to tip and from back to hand-honed edge. The blades and beautifully formed bolsters are not as thick as on some knives. As a result, despite their heft, strength, and durability, Wusthof knives are pleasingly delicate and marvelously balanced in action. This 7-inch santoku is a Japanese cook"s (or chef"s) knife, featuring a low-tip style with a broad blade. The cutting edge is minimally curved, so it provides less rocking action than a European-style cook"s knife. For straight-down slicing and precise chopping, however, it"s superb. Alternating hollows on each side of the blade create air pockets, allowing slices to fall away cleanly. This knife should be hand washed. From the Manufacturer In the culinary world variety and preparing something outstanding is the key to success. Due to this, Wusthof offers more than 350 different kinds of knives to be able to provide the perfect knife for everyone. No matter which kind of blade and handle shape you are thinking of--Wusthof has the right knife for all your needs. The most important features of a high-value forged Wusthof knife: Exceptionally sharp Long-lasting cutting edge High stain resistance Easily restorable edge Classic Cutlery The Classic triple-riveted knife series features: Precision forged from a single piece of sturdy high-carbon steel that resists stains and corrosion Wusthof"s Precision Edge Technology (PEtec) creates an extraordinarily sharp blade that retains its edge 30% longer Special alloyed, stainless steel Durable polymer handle is contoured for a comfortable grip Seamless, hygienic fit of the handle Full tang is triple riveted to the handle for exceptional durability and control For professional chefs and home cooking enthusiasts Made in Solingen, Germany Details of a Forged Wusthof Knife PEtec--Precision-Edge Technology New Wusthof technology offers superior sharpness! The latest cutting performance tests carried out by the FGW (Forschungsgemeinschaft Werkzeuge und Werkstoffe e.V., a German research association for tools and materials based in Remscheid) confirm that Wusthof forged knives offer the best quality when compared to other well-known, single-layer brands. The extensive tests were carried out in accordance with DIN EN ISO 8442-5. Wusthof knives have a considerably higher ICP (Initial Cutting Performance) and maintain this performance for an extremely long time (TCC = Total Card Cut). When compared with the winners in the "cook"s knife" category awarded by German consumer organization "Stiftung Warentest" in its 1st edition of 2008, forged Wusthof knives featuring the new PEtec technology produce a result which is about 20% higher. The Technology: Blades are measured by a laser before sharpening Computer programs calculate precise sharpening angle for each blade Knives are then sharpened on a whetstone using precision robots Knives are given a final polish using a special disc The Benefits: Extremely high initial cutting performance Exceptionally long edge retention / long service life of blade Optimum cutting edge along the entire length of the blade Unique, consistently high and reproducible quality PEtec from Wusthof--superior sharpness for professional and home cooks! How Wusthof Knives are Made Wusthof knives are known for their outstanding sharpness. By honing and sharpening the knives yourself you can maintain this feeling for a lifetime of use (see "Honing and Sharpening" section below for detailed guidelines on how to do so). The evolution of a precision forged knife Over 40 different manufacturing steps are needed to produce a forged Wusthof knife from one solid piece of steel. Here you will find a detailed explanation of some of the most important production steps. 1. Sheet bar of high-carbon no-stain steel 2. Precision forged piece 3. Tempered to 58-degree Rockwell 4. Polished 5. Scales of handles and rivets 6. The Wusthof Cook"s knife Types of Blades The Right Blade for Every Purpose The edge is the business end of a knife. It is skillfully honed by hand and incredibly sharp. For different cutting tasks different blade shapes and edges are recommended. The Differences: Straight-edge blade: The straight edge allows a smooth and clean cut. When carving no fibres are torn out of the meat. This edge can be used for firm and soft food like meat, vegetables and fruit. Serrated-edge blade: The wavy or serrated edge allows an easy cut through crusty food like a traditional roast and crispy bread. Hollow-edge blade: When cutting an air pocket is created between the hollow edge and the slice. This prevents the food from sticking to the blade and allows for finer slices. Cleaning & Storage Proper care for long-lasting cooking enjoyment If you value your tools, we recommend washing your knives with warm, soapy water after each use. Rinse carefully and dry with a towel. For proper storage we recommend the following options: Knife blocks in a variety of shapes, colors and configurations. The handy knife block provides protection for your blades as well as a visual compliment to your kitchen decor. Magnet Bars in wood, synthetic material or aluminum. Two extra strong magnet segments provide a safe, easily visible and space-saving storage option. Cook"s cases in rolls and briefcase styles. This is the ideal method for professionals to store and transport their tools safely. About Wusthof Since 1814 Wusthof has set the standard for designing and manufacturing precision-forged knives. Today the family business is in its seventh generation of ownership, under the management of Harald Wusthof. Wusthof knives are manufactured by a skilled team of 300 dedicated workers in two state-of-the-art facilities in Solingen, Germany. Wusthof applies sustainable practices to their production facilities: Solar panels on the roof provide electricity to their manufacturing facility, they clean and reuse water to reduce water usage, and they reuse scrap materials rather than creating waste. In addition to knives, Wusthof offers an assortment of cutting boards, knife blocks, kitchen tools, and scissors bearing the famous Trident logo--a symbol of form, function, and uncompromising quality.