I didn't really pay that much attention to the envelope while I was ripping it open, but when i got ready to take the garbage out, I noticed that these knives appear to have been sent to me directly from Japan. Aside from them geting here very quickly, I was surprised that you can get a knife like that Carbonext shipped from the Old Country for that price. Obviously, the finish, etc, is a bit better on the Hattori suji, but overall, I may actually like the Carbonext gyuto a little better. After years of seeing Zwillings, etc at that same price point,I am really impressed with what these guys are able to give you for the money. If asked, i would tell anyone to buy some of these knives instead of the standard fare from Williams-Sonoma et al.