MIYABI 5000 MCD SANTOKU, Wood (34374-181)

The Miyabi Birchwood series have a lot of great features like thin blades, lightweight and good balance. I would say they are as good as you can get until you go to a high-end custom Japanese knives. I sharpen my Miyabi knives at 12° and then apply a 15° micro bevel. This Series of knives use the SG2 also called MC63 steel which in my opinion is the best steel for home kitchen use being that it’s stainless and very fine grain.My only caution is that the birchwood handles after you wash them for the first time will cause the grain to raise. Also the birchwood will stain. I fixed these problems by simply applying a lacquer (poly would even be better) finish to the handle. For me, the little extra work was worth it as the knives are beautiful and perform excellently.

It's beautifully made and I can assume it will last very long sharp. I hope I could sharpen it myself as good as it is now. Recently, I am more used to 5.5 inch santoku knife because they are long enough and lighter for most of my use. But I think I can be used with it pretty quicky. Good purchase! Very Good.

Miyabi knives are made by one of the best Japanese knife companies. I have researched most of the Japanese knife makers out of Japan in order to make a well thought out decision encompassing my personal needs, the steel components used in making the knife; how it was hand forged; Damascus layering; the cost of the knife, as well as the manufacturers' reputation, etc. I have now purchased two specific types of Miyabi knives to fulfill my kitchen needs. They are like fine art that should be handed down in one's family.

I own the chef birch as well. The light and thin blade is easy to control. I don’t use them on hard items like parmigiana cheese or near bones but I have in the past without damaging the blade. Girlfriend is a lefty and loves them too.

Well made, lightweight, painfully sharp, but welcomed to my birchwood collection.

A beautiful knife. It’s stunning from the birch wood handle, to the 101 layer blade. It was incredibly sharp right out of the box.

I have two of these, the santoku and chef's knife. The handle on the chef's knife is a beautiful pattern; the santoku handle not so much. However, they both work really well and look great. The only problem is the price. You can get better handmade knives for the same price. However, these knives go on sale once or twice a year, so if you want one just wait and buy it then.

Wonderful fit and finish. feels good in the hand. I have a few of these 500 birchwoods and also the full collection of Kramer Damascus knives. this santoku is sharper than the Kramer due to it's thinness, shallow angle grind, and polish.. so it cuts with almost no effort under it's own weight. I use this mostly for chopping where i want consistent precise fine cuts.