blade is not straight but it is manageable. I have seen this consistently from this Zwilling line of products. I like the blade shape a lot. Good balance. Holds the edge reasonably well. I find it comfortable.
This is an incredibly good knife. In addition to terrific out of the box sharpness (I would note that I still passed it on a 1000 grit stone and strop to refine it), it has amazing balance, a sensible bolster that won't interfere with the knife's sharpening over its lifetime, great ergonomics for a pinch grip and a blade that brings the best of a rocking santoku to bear while still performing as a chef's knife. The thickness at the spine is also great. It's thin enough to give me the cuts I need and thick enough to get through tougher items. I find myself reaching for it more and more. Great length, perfect for a multitude of tasks. I recommend this above either a santoku or a chef's knife for someone beginning their journey to stocking their kitchen with great knives. This one's a keeper.