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Top 8 Most Expensive Kitchen Knife (People Actually Buy!!)

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When it comes to kitchen knives, the fact of the matter is that you do often get what you pay for. If you want a really durable, resistant, and functional kitchen knife, you do need to pay a good deal of money.

Now what we are here to do today is to take a look at the top eight most expensive kitchen knives out there and exactly what they feature and how they perform.

Sure, there are plenty of much cheaper kitchen knives out there, but the simple reality is that the less you spend on a kitchen knife, the faster it is going to wear out and get damaged. If you are very serious about cooking, then you may as well invest a good amount of money in an excellent knife that will last for the rest of your life. This is exactly what we are here to help you find today.

Comparison Chart

617+6oSB9YL. AC SL100
Zwilling J.A. Henckels Twin Cermax 9 1/2-Inch Chef’s Knife
71+RI1oDvfL. AC SL100
BOKER Damascus Superior Chef’s Knife, Black
41AJkhcEOCL. SL500
R2 Japanese Gyuto Chef Knife With Maki-e Art Mt. Fuji & Waves 300mm By TTKing
81odK7D+3DL. AC SL100
Yoshihiro Steel #1 Honyaki Mirror-Finished with Mt.Fuji Full Moon Yanagi Kiritsuke Mizuyaki Water Quenched 13
91QBQzB+5OL. AC SL100
Yoshihiro Mizu Yaki White Steel #1 Honyaki Mirror-Finished Mt. Fuji with Crescent Moon Gyuto Chefs Knife with Ebony Handle
Miyabi Black 5000MCD67 9.5-inch Chef’s Knife
Yoshihiro Hayate ZDP-189 Super High Carbon Stainless Steel Suminagashi Kiritsuke Knife 9.5
31eugvdM91L. SL500
ZWILLING J.A. Henckels 34891-263 Chef’s Knife

Top 8 Most Expensive Kitchen Knife

What we are going to do right now is to take a look at the top eight best, most expensive kitchen knives out there and exactly what they can do for you. Do keep in mind that some of the options we have reviewed below are ridiculously expensive, but with that being said, they are also very popular and often used by some of the world’s greatest chefs.

1. Zwilling J.A. Henckels Twin Cermax 9 1/2 –Inch Chef’s knife

21N1qznMUjL. SL500

If what you are looking for is a top of the line chef’s knife, and you are willing to spend a large sum of money on it, then this Zwilling J.A. Henckels Twin Cermax 9 1/2 –Inch Chef’s knife is a great option to consider. For one, the blade itself is made out of some of the highest quality German stainless steel as humanly possible.

The kind of stainless steel used in the construction of this blade is not only very resistant to rusting and corrosion, but is also very hard and durable. In terms of the Rockwell hardness scale, this blade comes in at a level of 66, or in other words, it is indeed very hard. What is all comes down to is that not only is the Zwilling J.A. Henckels Twin Cermax 9 1/2 –Inch Chef’s knife hard to chip or scratch, but it also retains its edge very well.

Speaking of the edge, the Zwilling J.A. Henckels Twin Cermax 9 1/2 –Inch Chef’s knife has gone through a traditional honbazuke honing technique that results in a razor sharp Asian edge angle. This is the kind of chef’s knife that works extremely well for cutting meat, slicing vegetables, and mincing garlic alike.

What is also important to note is that the Zwilling J.A. Henckels Twin Cermax 9 1/2 –Inch Chef’s knife is full tang, which means that the tang extends all the way down through to the end of the handle, which not only allows for even greater durability, but also allows this knife to be very well balanced.

It is also worth noting that the Zwilling J.A. Henckels Twin Cermax 9 1/2 –Inch Chef’s knife comes complete with a polished black micarta handle, one that is ergonomically designed for comfort and ease of use. This micarta material is also quite beneficial because it helps to prevent your hands from slipping when the handle is wet.

 Let’s keep in mind that what you get here is a 9.5 inch blade that weighs just over 1 pound. While it’s not the lightest knife in the world, it is still lightweight enough to use with ease, and it’s heavy enough so that you know that there is actually a good deal of material present, another sign of great durability.

Major Features

  • Comes with a weight of 1.04 pounds
  • The handle comes with black micarta
  • It is featured by traditional honbazuke honing method
  • Comes with 9 ½ inches long
  • Designed and manufactured by Japanese 
  • Blade consists of German steel
Pros
  • Superior durability
  • Very sharp
  • Good edge retention
  • Comfortable handle
  • Well balanced
  • Manufactured in Japan
  • German steel
Cons
  • Not the best for precision work
  • A bit heavy

2. BOKER Damascus Superior Chef’s Knife

313TNAIceNL. SL500

If what you are looking for is a very high quality chef’s knife, one that is sharp and durable, yet also looks simply stunning, and you are willing to spend a very large amount of money on it, then this particular chef’s knife is a fantastic option to consider. What really stands out about this particular chef’s knife is how it is made, with a total of 300 layers of awesome alloy Damascus steel.

Of course, one of the biggest advantages that you get with Damascus steel is the fact that it is extremely hard and durable. When it comes down to it in terms of add retention, this is one of the best options you have, not to mention that this thing already comes with an extremely sharp edge to begin with. What doesn’t, however, need to be said about this type of Damascus steel is that it is not overly resistant to rusting or corrosion, so you don’t want to let this knife be wet for too long.

Let’s keep in mind that the blade here is 8 5/8 inches long, with knife weighing a total of 7.1 ounces. In terms of the size, it is rather ideal for most kitchen tasks, including slicing meats and chopping vegetables, and moreover, it’s lightweight enough to use for hours on end without fatiguing.

Moreover, this is of course a full Tang knife, which means that the Tang goes all the way through to the end of the knife, thus allowing for even greater durability and a well-balanced design. In terms of comfort and ergonomics, this is definitely one of the best chef knives on the list today.

There is also the fact that it comes complete with an authentic chestnut wooden handle. Not only does this wooden handle look very nice, but it also performs well too because it’s very comfortable to hold onto.

Now, although this handle does sit nicely in your hand, be aware that it is quite smooth, so it can be a bit slippery when wet. The other cool thing about this knife is of course that the Damascus steel design of it looks really cool.

Major Feature 

  • Comes with a weight of 7 ounces
  • Featured with a thickness of 2.5mm and overall length of 13 ½ inches
  • The blade has a length of 8 1/5 inches
  • Handle is manufactured with African Grenadill hardwood
  • Blade is made of Damascus steel
  • Wooden handle is also framed with Damascus butt cap and Damascus bolsters
  • It comes with a sheath
Pros
  • Limited lifetime warranty
  • 300 layers of Damascus steel
  • Hard and strong
  • Sharp edge
  • Good edge retention
  • Full tang
  • Good balance
  • Good size for most tasks
Cons
  • May corrode over time if not kept dry
  • Not the best for extreme precision

3. R2 Japanese Gyuto Chef’s Knife

41AJkhcEOCL. SL500

Ok, so the R2 Japanese Gyuto Chef’s Knife comes in at nearly $5,000 after taxes, which is of course a whole lot of money to spend on a kitchen knife, but that said, this is undoubtedly one of the best ones out there.

For one, this particular chefs knife is made with so called R2 stainless steel, which when it comes to knifemaking, is one of the best types of stainless steel that can be used because not only is it extremely resistant to rusting and corrosion, but it’s also made to be very hard.

The high level of durability featured by this knife will definitely allow you to use it for years on and without damaging it whatsoever. On that same note, this knife comes with an extremely sharp and fine edge that will allow you to perform precision work with relative ease, not to mention the fact that the stainless steel used here allows for excellent edge retention over a very long period of time.

Now, although this particular knife is not made out of Damascus steel, the way in which it was made, the hammer forged design does produce a very cool looking knife. You can literally see the hammer marks and all of the work that went into making this blade.

Let’s not forget that this is of course a full Tang knife, which means that not only is it extremely well balanced, but it’s also much more durable than many other kitchen knives out there.

Now, in terms of what this knife excels at, do we keep in mind that the blade is almost a full 12 inches long, which means that it is ideal for large kitchen tasks such as slicing large pieces of meat and chopping large amount of vegetables. But with that said, it does not excel at small precision work.

What’s cool is that although this is a very large knife, it’s actually fairly lightweight, thus allowing it to be used for a long period of time without fatiguing. It does also come complete with an ergonomically designed rounded handle that is very comfortable to hold onto for a long time. That said, the handle can be a bit slippery when wet.

Major Features

  • Comes with a size of 300mm
  • Arrives with silver or beige color
  • The blade is featured with stainless steel
  • The handle has a length of 147mm
  • The length, height and thickness of the blade are 300mm, 53mm and 2.5mm respectively
  • Comes with Gyuto type and the material is R2
Pros
  • Looks very nice
  • Ideal for large jobs
  • Very durable
  • Extremely sharp
  • Excellent edge retention
  • Comfortable handle
  • Cool sheath included
  • High quality stainless steel
  • Rust resistant
Cons
  • Too big for small tasks
  • Extremely expensive

4. Yoshihiro Steel #1 Honyaki Mirror-Finished Chef’s Knife

41Wy97H5MRL. SL500

If you are willing to spend well over $6000 and you want what is most likely the most beautiful, functional and durable chef’s knife in the world, then this is definitely a fantastic option to consider. This particular blade is made out of white steel, number one Mizuyaki Virgin high carbon steel.

In terms of materials that can be used for knife blades, this is one of the best ones out there. The reason for it is because in terms of hardness, it’s definitely one of the hardest materials that you could possibly use.

This particular knife features a Rockwell hardness rating of 65, which is about as good as it gets and this means that not only is it very hard, but it will also retain its edge for a very long time and also does not need to be sharpened very often. The fact of the matter is that this might just be one of the most durable blades out there, and it’s also very hard to chip and scratch.

Now, high carbon stainless steel is usually not very rust-resistant, but this stuff actually is so even if it stays wet for a while, this knife should not rust or corrode. We would also like to mention the fact that this is one of the most beautiful and sleek-looking knives that we have ever seen. Both the handle and the sheath come complete with 24 karat gold inlay, which is probably one of the reasons why it is so expensive.

In terms of the blade itself, it is a very thin blade. It’s not very high and it’s a full 13 inches long. In general, this knife is ideal for breaking down and flying fish as well as for fileting other animals. Although you can use this knife to chop vegetables, it’s really not designed for that kind of task. First and foremost, this is a fish knife.

When it comes down to it, this knife is just as much a piece of art as it is a tool for the kitchen. What you may also like about this particular blade is that it comes with an octagonal Magnolia hand-lacquered Japanese handle. This wooden handle not only looks very nice, but is also very comfy to hold, and moreover, thanks to the eight-sided shape of it, it’s very easy to hold onto and does provide decent grip even when wet.

There’s also the fact that this is a full tang knife, something that helps keep it well balanced, and definitely doesn’t hurt in terms of durability either. If you need a knife that is extremely long, sharp, durable, and able to resist all sorts of damage, then this is a great one to consider.

Major Features 

  • Comes with a grade of Honyaki Mirror Finished
  • Blade comes with a length of 13”and single edged 
  • Knife type possesses Yanagi Kiritsuke 
  • Blade is manufactured with #1 Mizuyaki virgin high Carbon steel
  • Comes with a phoenix furnished Magnolia Maki sheath
  • Handle comes with octagonal magnolia Maki-Urushi that is water buffalo horn 
Pros
  • Super high quality steel
  • Rust resistant
  • Superior durability
  • Excellent edge retention
  • A true fish fileting knife
  • Real gold inlay
  • Good handle for grip and comfort
  • Authentic wood handle
Cons
  • Must take great care of it
  • Ridiculously expensive

5. Yoshihiro Mizu Yaki Chef’s Knife

51wjejOchqL. SL500

Here we have a nice knife, one that costs just over $2,000, so while it is of course not cheap, it’s also by far not the most expensive knife that you can buy.

One of the really cool things about this particular knife is that it is made with white steel #1. This is a very special type of steel often used for high end kitchen knives, a type of steel that is known for its excellent durability, resistance to chipping and cracking, it’s rust resistant, and more.

Now, what does need to be said is that this blade is not overly resistant to staining, but if you take good care, it should be fine. Moreover, while it is rust resistant, you do need to keep it oiled up to prevent rust from occurring. One of the biggest advantages that comes with this white steel #1 is that it is very hard.

The Yoshihiro Mizu Yaki Chef’s Knife features a Rockwell hardness rating of 66, which as far as chef’s knives go, is about as good as it gets. What you also need to be aware of is that this knife is made in Japan, and it is hand made. This is not a mass produced knife, which means that the utmost of care is taken when making each and every single blade. Each blade is hand crafted by a true knife forging expert, thus resulting in a unique piece of art every time.

What you may also like is the design of the blade, which features Mt. Fuji and a crescent moon. Something that you may like here is that the Yoshihiro Mizu Yaki Chef’s Knife comes with a 10.5 inch blade, which is quite large, thus allowing this knife to deal with large cuts of meat and chopping lots of veg, although it’s probably not the best for small precision tasks.

Another thing that you may appreciate here is the authentic wood octoganol handle. We like this sort of handle because not only does it look nice and last for a long time, but the shape of it also allows for a good grip, not to mention that this is a full tang knife, so it’s very well balanced too. All in all, although this is not the number one most expensive chef’s knife in the world, it is probably one of the best.

Major Features

  • Comes with a size of 270mm
  • Comes with Gyuto Chef Knife style
  • Featured with a mirror finished Mt. Fuji crescent moon Honyaki
  • Comes with the HRC of 66
  • Manufactured with double edged angle
  • Comes with Magnolia Saya knife sheath
Pros
  • Very hard and durable
  • Excellent edge retention
  • Somewhat reasonably priced
  • Handle with good grip
  • Full tang
  • Good balance
  • High quality steel
  • Ideal for large tasks
Cons
  • May rust if not properly cared for
  • Not overly stain resistant

6. Miyabi Black 9.5-inch Chef’s Knife

For all of you out there who do not have thousands of dollars to spend on a kitchen knife, we figured we would give you a fighting chance, which is why we included this knife that comes in at just over $400. No, it’s still not the cheapest knife in the world, but definitely not the most expensive, and as far as quality and functionality goes, for just $400, it’s comparably one of the best options that you can go with.

Perhaps the best aspect of the Miyabi Black 9.5-inch Chef’s Knife is that it is made with a cutting core of MC66 microcarbide steel, that is then wrapped in a whopping 133 layers of Damascus steel, which also happens to come complete with a beautiful floral pattern. It really is a work of art.

Going back to the material, the combination of metals used here, as well as the hardening process, means that this blade features a Rockwell hardness rating of 66, which as you know, is very high. This blade is so hard that you can use it for more or less anything without damaging it, and moreover, its edge retention is very good as well.

This blade comes sharpened using a special three step honbazuke sharpening method, so you can rest assured that it comes razor sharp out of the box. It is also worth mentioning that the Miyabi Black 9.5-inch Chef’s Knife is hand crafted in Japan. Now, the blade is 9.5 inches, which is ideal for a chef’s knife, but if you need something a bit shorter, there is also an 8 inch option available.

The fact that this knife is full tang helps make it just that much more durable, plus it doesn’t hurt in terms of balance either. When it comes to the handle, it’s made out of real and solid wood, so not only is the handle quite tough, but also comfortable to hold onto. The rounded shape of it fits perfectly into your hand, although it can be a bit slippery when wet.

Major Feature

  • Comes with a size of 9.5 inches
  • It has a light weight of 0.90 pounds
  • Blade comes with 133 layers of steel
  • The blade is manufactured with MC66 micro carbide steel that is obdurate to 66 HRC
  • Comes with D-shaped handle
Pros
  • Decent price
  • Looks elegant
  • Quite durable
  • Hardened Damascus steel
  • 66 HRC
  • Two lengths available
  • Full tang
  • Comfortable handle
  • Good edge retention
Cons
  • Not the highest level of corrosion resistance
  • Handle can be a bit slippery

7. Yoshihiro Hayate ZDP-189 Kiritsuke Knife

51Oju0A+ jL. SL500

When all is said and done, this knife will run you somewhere in the neighborhood of $800, which is, of course, a sizeable amount to pay for a kitchen knife, but as you now know, there are ones that can cost thousands, so in the grand scheme of things, the Yoshihiro Hayate ZDP-189 Kiritsuke Knife is priced somewhat reasonably.

The most important thing to know about this knife is that it features a cutting core made of ZDP-189 super high carbon Japanese Stainless steel. This stuff is literally rock hard and features a Rockwell hardness rating of 67, which makes this the hardest knife on the list today, and therefore very durable too.

In terms of sharpness and edge retention, it’s definitely one of the best knives on the list today, especially when you keep the comparatively low price in mind.

Now, that inner core is then wrapped in some softer stainless steel, thus providing the exterior of the blade with some good rust resistance, not to mention that it also helps make this knife easier to maintain. We think that this might just be our favorite blade on the list today. Let’s keep in mind that this is of course a full tang blade, thus making it just that much tougher, as well as well-balanced too.

You may also appreciate the beautiful ebony wooden handle that features an octagonal shape. Not only does the handle look nice, but the shape of it, while not the number one most comfortable in the world, does allow for a secure grip at all times.

The other thing to keep in mind here is that the blade comes in at 9.5 inches, so it is quite large, and therefore ideal for large tasks, but that said, it still makes for a good chopper and mincer too. The other thing worth mentioning is that although it might look like Damascus steel, it’s actually a floating ink design, and yes, it looks awesome.

Major Features

  • Blade comes with ZDP-189 high carbon stainless steel
  • Comes with a total size of 9.5 inches
  • Has a retention of edge of HRC 66 to 67
  • The Saya comes with non-toxic lacquer coating from Japan
  • Handle is made of Ebony wood which is octagonal premium
  • Marbled wave like mosaic pattern is seen on the blade surface
Pros
  • Reasonably priced (in the grand scheme of things)
  • Superior hardness
  • Awesome edge retention
  • Easy to maintain
  • Ambidextrous ebony octagonal wooden handle
  • Full tang
  • Excellent balance
  • Looks stunning
  • Ideal for most kitchen cutting tasks
Cons
  • Can be difficult to sharpen properly
  • Not the best for very small tasks

8. ZWILLING J.A. Henckels 34891-263 Chef’s Knife

31eugvdM91L. SL500

Last but not least, we have the ZWILLING J.A. Henckels 34891-263 Chef’s Knife, a $500 chef’s knife that is actually not ridiculously expensive, yet performs just as well as a knife ten times the price. Right off the bat, something that you may appreciate here is that there is a 6 inch, 8 inch, and 10 inch option available (blade length), so you can choose the size of knife that works best for your specific purposes.

The micro carbide powder steel used in the construction of this knife is about as durable as it gets. It features a very high level of hardness, so you know that it’s durable, and its edge retention is up there with the best of them too. The traditional three step honing process results in amazing sharpness that can easily slice through virtually anything. The fact that this blade has been ice hardened is just an added bonus, something that allows for even better edge retention.

Don’t forget that the inner material, that microcarbide steel, is then wrapped in 100 layers of Damascus steel, which not only looks nice, but is also super sharp and durable. Now, this knife is not the most rust resistant in the world, but it should be fine as long as you dry it after use. However, this is a full tang knife, so it is well balanced and strong too. You may also like the black linen micarta handle which is very comfortable to hold onto, and should not get slippery when wet.

Major Features

  • Comes with a weight of 1.55 pounds
  • The blade is featured with steel of Sg2 micro carbide powder
  • The sharpness require 3 step hand sharpening
  • The handle is black and linen Micarta
  • Blade surface is designed with Bob Kramer carping specifications
Pros
  • Relatively reasonable price
  • Great grip
  • Superior hardness
  • Extremely sharp
  • Very good edge retention
  • Good balance
  • Full tang
  • Looks awesome
  • Comes in three sizes
Cons
  • Not overly rust resistant
  • Quite heavy

Kitchen Knife Buying Guide

Before we finish things off for the day, let’s just talk about some of the main factors to look out for when choosing the best kitchen knife for your purposes.

1. Blade Type

Of course, you need to choose the right kind of knife for your needs. Some of the most common kitchen knife types include chef’s knives, paring knives, bread knives, carving knives, butcher’s knives, nakiri knives, deba knives, fileting knives, boning knives, and more. The main thing to keep in mind is that knives perform specific tasks, so you do need the right one for the task at hand.

2. Blade Length

Generally speaking, longer blades that are 7 inches or longer, tend to be ideal for slicing meat and chopping large amounts of produce. Very long and thin blades are generally best for boning and fileting fish, whereas long and thick knives are great for other types of meat. Moreover, if you are cutting up lots of small items and you need to work with precision, then something shorter is probably best.

3. Blade Material

Of course, another very important thing to pay attention to is what the blade is made of. Now, your usual options include various types of stainless steel, many types of carbon steel, and many types of Damascus steel too. Generally speaking, high carbon steel and Damascus steel are best in terms of hardness, durability, and edge retention, but stainless steel is the only one of the three that really won’t ever rust.

4. The Tang

You definitely want to go for a full tang knife, which means that the tang of the blade extends all the way down through the handle. When you pay this much for a knife, only full tang will do, as this allows for the highest level of durability and the best balance too.

5. The Handle

Also pay attention to the handle. In terms of comfort, rounded handles are generally best, but for the best grip, D shaped and octagonal handles are best. In terms of material, wooden handles definitely look nice, but they can be very smooth and slipper, not to mention that water can pose problems too.

A micarta handle is always a good option, and although not as stunning as wood, it is more durable and water resistant. Of course, plastic handles are fine too, but you won’t usually find a plastic handle on such an expensive knife.

6. Weight

If you want a big and durable chef’s knife that can perform most tasks, we recommend going for a knife that is between 7.5 ounces and 1.5 pounds.

7. Brand

Of course, the brand that you go with makes a difference too, and when it comes down to it, anything Japanese or German is generally best.

8. Cost

The other thing to keep in mind is that you do get what you pay for, and going for the cheapest possible kitchen knife never ends well.

3 Most Expensive Kitchen Knife Brands  

After exploring all those expensive knives, are you feeling the cravings for knowing the 3 most expensive kitchen knife brands? Of course, you are!

A knife enthusiast can feel the necessity of learning more and more about a knife and for a cook, it is important that he knows what brands provide the most expensive and superb knives.

Let’s just learn more about the knife brands as well:

1. Yoshihiro Cutlery  

As a primal brand, Yoshihiro Cutlery brand is mainly a handcrafting zone in Japan. This brand produces its cutlery set of knives mixing their old traditional based metals and authentic materials.

They are dominating this area over 100 years in Japan and from 2008 they started to spread their masterpieces worldwide including the great areas of California and Beverly Hills.

To evaluate their products they also do business through online as well. This brand believes that one knife can change a life and one knife can be the primal reason of happiness. 

Read our in-depth reviews of some of the most popular Yoshihiro knives:

Yoshihiro VG10 Gyuto Knife

Yoshihiro Kasumi Japanese Deba Knife

Yoshihiro Blue Steel Deba Knife

Yoshihiro Super Blue Steel Gyuto Knife

2. Zwilling J.A Henckels  

This brand of knife is the oldest one and has been imprinting its greatness from the year 1731. Basically, this brand is popular for its extraordinary price of the special knives from other brands. But their premium manufacture quality of a knife is worth the price without any doubt.

This brand’s manufactured knives contain “TWIN” logo in each individual knife. This brand categorizes different sets of knives in different logos and names for the convenience of understanding the glorification of each knife.

3. Boker 

Boker brand is popular for its mesmerizing quality of its cutlery and knife sets. This brand is also known as “Tree brand” probably because the success of the brand grows like a tree and if it is not then think whatever positive. Because this brand really succeeds super fast. This brand is sprinkling its glory over 100 years in Germany and along with other countries.  

Its ultra level of making the knife with precision, patience and toils help to produce each knife a master peace in nature and so sharp and glazy to look at. Now this brand is globally acquainted by everyone. 

FAQs of The Most Expensive kitchen Knife 

1. What is the most expensive kitchen knife?

At this time, through our research, we have found that the most expensive kitchen knife is the Gentak Makara, which comes in at $12,500.

2. Is spending so much on a knife worth it?

The simple reality is that if you want a knife that will perform well and last for a lifetime, then yes, investing a good chunk of cash into a nice knife is definitely recommended.

3. Who make the best kitchen knives?

If you are going for sharpness, beauty, and precision, then Japanese knives are the way to go. If you want heft, size, and durability, then German knives are always a good bet.

Final Words

When all has been said and done, we think that the number one best most expensive kitchen knife on the list today is the Yoshihiro Steel #1 Honyaki Mirror-Finished Chef’s Knife. Sure, it’s extremely expensive, but it performs better than virtually any other knife out there, it looks amazing, and will last you a lifetime too.

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