The name of Shun's Classic Blonde Santoku Knife means "three virtues" in Japanese. This refers either to the three types of foods it works especially well with – vegetables, proteins, and fruit, or the three types of cuts at which it excels: slicing, dicing, and chopping. Slightly shorter than the standard chef's knife, a Santoku is very easy to maneuver, especially in a smaller space. There's just enough belly curve to enable rocking cuts, which enhances the knife's versatility. Meat, fish, or vegetables, the refined and accurate cuts enabled by Shun knives may lead to some of the best cooking (and eating) experiences you and your guests will ever have. Crafted from our proprietary VG-MAX cutting steel with Damascus cladding that resists corrosion and holds an edge. As with all Shun cutlery, you receive free sharpening for life at our office in Tualatin, Oregon – see packaging for more details. Hand wash only.