This is the Japanese equivalent of a traditional chef's knife, Santoku knives are ideal for slicing, dicing, chopping and mincing fruits, vegetables and foods. This knife also works well for butterflying boneless chicken breasts and other meats. The purpose of the Granton style hollows is to keep food from sticking to the knife edge as it chops small pieces of food. As well, they act as a friction reducer to provide less drag when chopping, which enables easier and faster motion. 7.2" / 18cm.