I did a bunch of research before considering the idea of buying a Japanese knife but was still unsure about some things. I contacted CEN and spoke to James and spent the next few days talking about specific things, I was pretty happy with the answers and he'd suggested to me two types of knives based on what we'd discussed. In the end, I went with the carbon and based on what we'd talked about I feel comfortable in my ability to look after it. I've only used it a handful of times but I have to be honest I really love my Goko. The handle is very comfortable, the blade is extremely sharp and the knife feels very nicely weighted. As compared to my western knives this knife feels like holding a feather. Not quite used to the length of the knife but with practise I'll get there. Yet to slice a finger off too. A huge thank you and might buy another knife from you soon.