I have many specialty knives from France, Germany and Japan, but as for bread knives, this one is by FAR the best. Cutting a crispy sourdough is smooth and quick - and slicing fresh French baguettes is effortless - no crust compression and it cuts smoothly though the crispiest crust.
The shape of the blade is perfect, the handle (i have the ebony model) has a shape that instills confidence in handling - smooth and with bevels that create the perfect grip.
While this is my first Hitohiro knife, it most certainly will not be my only one for long. I plan to buy many more from this range.
Absolutely stunning knife. Very sharp, very well balanced, incredibly well made. I have no regrets buying this knife.
First slice was so smooth I was shocked that it finished cutting.