I purchased this knife as an upgrade from the rather serviceable nakiri knife I've been using while the family was "helping" with prepping and cleaning up from meals. This knife has held it's very sharp edge for so long! I will need to sharpen it eventually, I'm sure, but I care for it the way you are supposed to, washing and drying by hand every time, and so on. I have small hands and find this knife easy to handle. It certainly make prep easier.