Interesting that I also have the Calphalon 8" chef's knife - it is made from the same high carbon German steel used in Solingen kitchenware. It is a full tang, heavy knife with excellent balance & a soft-touch ergo handle, which I like. The weight is what makes it good (and safe) for tough jobs like halving spaghetti squash.
It holds an edge & is the one I reach for most often (I'm a woman and I cook). My kitchen is full of high-dollar knives; you can spend more $$ but you won't get a better knife. In fact, if you look around, you can spend $70+ on this knife.
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Amazon.com: Customer Reviews: Calphalon Contemporary 8-Inch Chef's Knife