Opinel Les Forgés 1890 6" Professional Carving Knife — Full Tang Hot-Forged X50CrMoV15 Blade, Beechwood Handle

I've owned plenty of carving knives over forty years of cooking, and this one might be the best. The forged blade has real heft without feeling clumsy, and the beechwood handle is comfortable even after a long session at the board. Took one pass through the breast and I knew it was special. Worth every penny even before the sale price.

The steel takes a very sharp edge and holds it through big jobs — I broke down two leg of lamb roasts and never had to stop and strop. My only quibble is the handle is a bit slim for my large hands. Otherwise flawless.

Gorgeous, sharp, perfectly balanced. Zero regrets.

Solidly built and very sharp out of the box. It's just heavier than the old stamped knife I was replacing, so long carving sessions tire my wrist a bit. Quality is not in question — I'm just adjusting to the feel.

Bought this as a gift for my husband who does all the Sunday roasts. He was skeptical of the brand name in kitchen knives but now he says it's the finest blade he owns. The full tang gives it a confidence-inspiring stiffness. He sliced a smoked brisket into paper-thin pieces last weekend.

Disappointed. The knife seemed well made overall, but mine arrived with a small chip near the heel of the blade. Cutter's Bench exchanged it quickly, and the replacement has been fine, but the quality control on the first one let it down.

As a culinary student I've used a lot of German and Japanese knives. This French forged blade holds its own with knives costing twice as much. The X50CrMoV15 steel is easy to sharpen and the edge stability through sinew and joints is impressive. Used it on pork shank and it didn't wander at all. The beechwood feels warm and traditional in the hand. Highly recommend for anyone serious about butchery and carving.

Cuts cleanly, feels durable, looks handsome on the block. Took half a star off because it needs a touch-up sooner than my Wüsthof does. Still a fantastic deal.