>>I was doing alot of research on top shelf knives about a year ago and bought the bottom tier one because it was much cheaper than the best knives. The best forged knives for cooking come from Japan, China and Germany. Germany uses a slightly softer metal, while japan uses a much harder one that holds an edge better but is more likely to break and chip. China is neck 'n neck with Japan on well forged knives because of their culture's long history with forging. USA and Canada really want to produce well forged knives but are on average worse than the Enso brand. Enso, sadly, is a Chinese brand. China can mass produce well made knives and corners the market on professional knives. I really really want one of those Japanese hand forged kitchen knives but they are on average 100-300$ more expensive than the Enso and performs similarly. The Enso I bought was over 200$ and is very beautiful. You don't need beautiful knives to cut tomatoes but I really like shiny things.>> I didn’t realize the Ensos were Chinese. That rules it out for me. I absolutely will not buy anything made in China if there is an alternative. I believe my Mac and Globals are both Japanese, but would have to double check. I’ve never had a German knife, but I could see going there route. Thanks for all your input! And yes, I, too, like shiny things which is why my knives hang on a shiny stainless steel magnetic strip next to my stove 😉 Okay it’s really for utility, but it is pretty, too, damn it!