Hi Vic....the answer to your quest lies here - http://japanesechefsknife.com/Page3.html. Made by the guy who did my favourite customs. Not cheap but not crazy either and world class in what they do.

My own use levels may only merit cheaper stock which I have...some German full kitchen set bought in nice carry cases before I knew about these knives. Even my German knives are not used much but some get used more than others.

In hind sight I would rather have two of these than a whole host of others...just because they are so cool and would probably give me more incentive to go shopping for proper food instead of convenience cooking.

Click on products and check out Hiro Itou's blades. Awesomely pretty and effective. R2 steel will enable these to be past on for a few generations.... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

This one is a nice piece at sensible money