I was torn between getting a chef's knife and a santoku knife and I decided I would go with the santoku because it has a wider blade that makes it easier to move food from a cutting board to a pan. I love the ovals on the sides of the blade because they help the food I'm cutting not stick to the blade, especially cucumbers. This is the most comfortable knife I've used and I love the classic design.
This knife is fairly new to me, so I've been practicing lots of things with it. Its amazing to chop long veggies in to slices, celery, carrots, cucumbers etc. I love it for dicing onions because of the flat blade, you don't have to take as many swipes at the onion, the knife cuts cleanly all the way thru. Love the little hollow dimples because they help the wetter foods fall away easier from the blade.
The Pro santoku is the best German made santoku I have found. The hollow edge allows food to fall of easily without getting stuck to the blade and the blade itself cuts with such ease. The curved bolster and balanced handle create a fantastic grip for anyone.
I'm one of those people who always used my chef's knife for all my cutting and chopping but when I got this Santoku I realized how much easier veggie chopping is when you use the perfect tool! The hollow air pockets along the edge help to prevent food from sticking to the knife as you slice...no more stopping to slide veggies off the side of my blade! The Pro series has the most comfortable pinch grip because of the curved bolster and just like my Pro chef's knife this has the perfect weight in my hand.
Added this to my Pro Knife Block Set because I'm cooking a lot of stir fry meals. This German made knife cuts so easily and very comfortable to use. Has a lifetime warranty but doubt if I'll ever have to replace it.
This Santoku with its curved bolster feels perfect in my hand. I didn't realize I was holding the knife incorrectly (I held it like a hammer...wrong) until I grabbed this with a pinch grip on that curved bolster. Because it's forged, it is a heavier knife, which I prefer. I feel like the knife does the work for me. The blade is incredibly razor sharp, even sharper than my chef knife. This is my go-to knife for chopping veggies. It makes cutting an onion super easy and no tears. I think it's because I'm cutting cleanly not tearing it.
If you just want one knife in your kitchen, this would be a great one to have.