This is a great knife for prepping small portions.  
While being a shorter knife that can easilty manuver on a smaller cutting board, it is over 2" wide at the heel for being able to easilt scoop veggies to the pan or bowl.
 
The 4 and 3/4 inch blade, is hand-forged from scrap industrial roller bearing (52100 high carbon steel***).  Heat treated to 62 Rockwell hardness for excellent edge retention without making it overly brittle. The primary bevel is ground flat to a smooth brushed finish that was given a forced patina to provide a head start on a life-long patina develpment that will help protect it from harmful rust.  The fine secondary bevel along the edge is polished to a mirror finish at 20 degrees to make for a fine, yet durable edge.
 
The wood is hand carved from red oak into a handle with an octagonal cross-section, known to the Japanese as a "wa" handle.  This shape gives the user a sure and precise grip without being restrictive.  The wood was "stabilized"; meaning it resists water absorption that can cause warping and splitting.  This was achieved by submerging the wood in resen inside a vacuum chamber for several days for complete saturation, then heated to cure.   
 
***high carbon steel knife care practices apply.