Shapton Professional Kuromaku 8000 Grit Sharpening Stone Carving Knives This means that it does

This means that it does NOT feel large since it's so light and easy to handle

Most people who try a santoku never go back to their old chef knife

and you get the very useful and standard Japanese style "sujihiki" slicer (carving knife) knife shape which can also certainly be used for sushi/sashimi slicing

The half bolster allows for the knife to be honed and sharpened the entire length of the blade and the heel bolster provides added balance

And if you want to finish off with a very polished edge (or if you're sharpening straight razors)

Shapton Professional Kuromaku 8000 Grit Sharpening Stone Carving Knives This means that it doesShapton Kuromaku Professional Whetstone, 8000 Grit, #K0710 210mm x 70mm, 15mm thick. These Kuromaku Professional series stones are very fast cutting and long lasting, offering nice sharpening feedback while still being very hard so they resist dishing nicely. Note that these are splash and go, so do not soak these stones. These stones come in a convenient plastic case that also doubles as a stone holder, though the affordable Naniwa universal