Bob Kramer Meiji Chef’s Knives by Zwilling J.A. Henckels

You know when you get that beautiful new saute pan, knife, cocotte, whatever, and you just need to use it? It looks great, sure, but you can tell it was made to be put to work? Yeah, that's this knife.

The 10" is deceivingly lightweight. I'm talking lighter than my 8" Wusthof. At first I was a bit put off, thinking that a knife this big needs some heft to it, certainly, to bully its way through a spaghetti squash. Nope. No way. It sliced through the squash as effortlessly as it did the potatoes and tomatoes also sitting on the counter.

The handle feels great, really conducive to feeling the knife as an extension of your hand rather than a separate tool. The drop between the handle and the blade is nicely exaggerated, and ensures your knuckles aren't dragging on the board either as you mince and dice.

I'm convinced this will replace my Wusthof in rotation. I thought I'd miss the heavy duty, workhorse type German steel, but this knife just can't be ignored.

This knife is special! Not only is it beautiful, it is sharp and versatile. It is surprisingly lightweight, and slices with ease.

The 6in. chef's knife is a great size, especially for someone with a small hand. I love the Japanese-style handle, feels comfortable and secure in my hand! I would highly recommend this knife!

When I picked up the 10" knife I thought it would be way too big for everyday use. After holding it, I realized it is very maneuverable, fits well in my hand, and it much lighter than I first thought.

The handle has a nice tear-drop shape, allowing it to fit in the crease between my fingers and palm. I have small hands but it was very easy to hold/use.

The blade has a great design that keeps food from sticking. The imprint on the blade lets you slice veggies/fruit without having to stop and pull the food off. It sliced through a pineapple, core and all, like a hot knife through butter!

The knife is very easy to clean as well. I left it on the counter overnight covered in pineapple juice and it still cleaned up easily the next day. As a Sur la Table employee, I am always looking for products that are easy to use and more importantly easy to clean. This is a winner in my book!

This knife is pretty amazing. The blade is gorgeous, holds a hell of an edge, and is deep enough for the biggest of hands (and will be able to withstand years of sharpening before getting too work down). The weight is far lighter than you would expect from such a big knife, but still maintains a perfect balance and is ergonomically perfect.

Be VERY careful though: a drop on your cutting board (from about 1ft) on the base of the handle will leave your $350 beauty cracked. This handle is not covered by warranty, and you won't hear back from Zwilling or Kramer about the possibility of a repair or replacement (even if you offer to pay). Accidents happen, but be extra careful with this one.

I bought the 8" Meiji to compliment my other Kramer knives (8" Euroline High Carbon Steel, and 8" Euroline Damascus Stainless Steel). Yes, I know, I'm a Kramer freak.

This is a very different knife from the rest of the knife designs with the Kramer name, but no less extraordinary. I am right handed, and for me, the knife has perfect balance if held in a pinch hold, high up on the bolster. It feels light in the hand due to this balance and is very easy to maneuver on the cutting board. It cuts through veg. like a laser. The first thing I cut was a raw and peeled russet potato. Wow, there was no resistance at all, it was like, well, "buttah". Of course the "ladder" Damascus is exquisite and while you do feel the layers across the blade it doesn't seem to hang up when cutting. Overall it is just slightly longer (due to the handle) than the Euroline knives but it is still a manageable size for me. The hidden tang handle is subtle beauty at its best. The wood has a rich brown ground color with blonde streaks, very understated but elegant. This is a knife you'll want to use all the time, and should be the pride and joy of any serious chef/cook.

Everyone in my work kitchen has been looking at my knife nonstop, my chef has even said "who owns this beautiful blade?" It cuts through most anything as if it was warm butter, the function is amazing and the look is stunning. Top quality blade right here!

This knife is the best investment I've made for my kitchen in a long time. Feels great in the hand and cuts like a dream. I tried a lot of knives out before deciding on this one. Would make an excellent gift for anyone who enjoys high quality knives.

Nice knife, very sharp right out of the box, the only issue I can say anything negative about is the knife handle is a little uncomfortable in the hand due to a raised edge on the right hand side of the knife

I can't tell you how much I love this new addiction to my knife collection. I haven't wanted to use any other knife that I own. I have an lmpressive Collection of knives because I'm a chef and this Kramer it superior to all.

A masterful knife a pleasure to work with lookingbforwardbto the next purchase

Iâ??ve owned this knife for ~ 3 weeks and love it so far. Why havenâ??t I owned a knife like this before? My wife and I fight over who gets to use it.

Beautiful and razor sharp

It's a fantastic knife and love that it's designed by a master blade smith , it's a fine addition to our Shun knives , wish I could afford one actually made by Bob Kramer

I would heartily recommend this knife!

The design is flawless. Fits my hand perfectly, balance is right and it is SHARP. A knife for a lifetime of kitchen use.

As I glide through my tasks I realize this is the knife I have been waiting for!

The knife is super sharp, has a great shape and is a beautiful addition to my kitchen. It is a right-handed knife, which takes some getting used to. I am right handed, but used to using knifes with symmetrical handles.