Mercer Culinary Genesis Forged 9 Inch Black M21079

I found this knife really excellent for the price, and was able to sharpen it without issue, however if you are only getting one knife for your kitchen, I would suggest choosing the smaller 8-inch size as the 9-inch can be a bit unwieldy at times without much benefit. However if you need a larger knife, this is a great choice.

Excellent knife. Nice handle, solid full tang construction. Sharpest knife I have ever seen - cuts through most foods with almost no resistance. From reading other's opinions about this range of knives you can't buy a higher quality blade without spending an awful lot more money, and having seen it I can believe this.

It's very sharp, cuts thin slices of onions, tomatoes, carrots and celery effortlessly. Chops up a pile of parsley or cilantro in a flash. Light weight and feels comfortable in my hand and the price is extremely reasonable.Slices beef and chicken very thinly too. I'm probably not using the correct knife for all of these tasks, but it is the best knife in the drawer right now. I've been using this on a daily basis since February 2014 and it's still as sharp as day one. Such a pleasure to use, I will be replacing my full collection of over priced Wusthof knives with Mercer. I am so very happy with this knife, and you won't regret buying Mercer.

I had already bought some expensive fancy-brand chef's knives by the time I got this knife and other Mercer products in my chef's kit at culinary school. It's a quality tool. Yes, I like my fancy $XXX knives, but in daily practice in a working kitchen, these fifty-buck Mercers are super; they keep a good edge, are balanced, are comfortable -- and if (when) they drop on the floor or get scratched or you whack a bone the wrong way, you don't collapse in tears at the marring of a German work of art. I recently "staged" at a Cuban restaurant; the five cooks there ogled my Mercer, used it and extolled it. I sent each of them one of their own.

You may end up cooking more often, just to enjoy using this knife. It's a pleasure to use. Well balanced, super sharp, easy to maintain and a comfortable handle that won't slip out of your hand.