I had wanted to try out a santoku shaped knife without paying a fortune, so when I saw a set of three santoku knives by Hamilton Beach in the local kitchen outlet for $12, I figured I couldn't lose. I never suspected that these would become my favorite knives, and that I would have no need to spend a lot of money on a fancy-schmancy santoku knife. These knives are comfortable in the hand, well-balanced, and I like the shape very much. They sharpen easily to a razor's edge with a ceramic steel. I have used them now for three years, they still look like new, and they're still scary sharp every time...review »