Hello Paul: It [Hattori HD-5 santoku] arrived today - I love it when a web purchase exceeds my expectations - fantastic. You were very honest about the condition, maybe even a bit more critical than required - but as a consumer, hey, I want that, that's what leads to point 1.
A perfectly balanced, beautifully crafted, hard-working masterpiece. I'd take small exception with Chef Nakano's "Not for novices" comment - *any* cook's best friend is a great knife, and this is truly a great knife.
And Paul, your service is exceptional. Thanks!