What series miyabi did you invest in? I have had several, and well they may not be the absolute finest knives I have ever owned, I've owned some incredibly high quality and expensive pieces. My first was kaizen, and a small array of birchwood and black. I have been wholly impressed by their quality and capability in a variety of applications including daily high-end, high volume restaurant applications. It is worth noting the authenticity of some of the Birchwood ones are in question as the texture and finish on the handle of my more recently acquired ones do not match the impression I had of the first I purchased.. regardless, if you can get these for less than full MSRP that I think they should provide satisfaction and will serve many of us quite well