I was first introduced to this brand working in kitchens. It's pretty much the go-to brand in restaurants. They're more expensive than cheaper brands but the quality is there. Extremely sharp. I actually really dislike using the guide and so I use a cut-resistant glove instead to protect my fingers. Or else, trust me, you WILL cut yourself on the blade. I never machine wash it - only by hand and very carefully. Make sure to dry it well before storing it. Store it away from other objects (ie don't just toss it in a drawer, maybe prop it up in a cupboard) so it doesn't get knocked around and to protect the blade. I will definitely buy the bigger size eventually, but for the work required for everyday use, this one suits my needs just fine.