The Yaxell Ypsilon Santoku Knife works exceptionally well on vegetables, proteins, and fruit for slicing, dicing, and chopping. The slight belly curve enables the cook to rock the blade slightly. Yaxell Ypsilon SG2 blades feature an extremely sharp cutting edge. Constructed of Japanese SG2 Micro Carbide powder stainless steel, which is enveloped by 193 layers combined with alternating soft and hard stainless steel. The corrosion resistant powdered carbon steel has an unprecedented 63 Rockwell hardness. Powdered steel is used because it ensures a high degree of purity and strength. The resulting blade is extremely hard, ensuring an exceptionally sharp cutting edge. The surface impresses a fascinating Damascus design pattern. The handle is made of black canvas micarta with Samurai Crest and red spacers. The canvas material is dyed black and brilliantly finished to last for decades. The engraved end-cap of the handle is made of 18/10 stainless steel, which provides outstanding stability and balance.