Spyderco's involvement in kitchen knives dates back to the early 1980's and the beginnings of the company's knife production. After being discontinued a number of years ago, they are now back by popular demand and better than ever. The K08 Santoku has a special place in Spyderco's history, as we were the first company to introduce a commercial Santoku into the US market. This unique Japanese kitchen knife design straddles the line between a traditional Asian cleaver and a Western chef's knife and performs the tasks of both exceedingly well. Its 6.81 inches blade is made from premium MBS-26 stainless steel blade, ground exceptionally thin and meticulously heat treated for optimal edge retention. The durable black polypropylene plastic handle is injection molded directly onto the tang of the blade and features a distinctive "stepped" texture pattern that provides amazing comfort and control during use. If you're a serious chef, you owe it to yourself to give the Santoku a try. Once you do, you'll wonder how you ever got along without one.