"Damn, I only have an 8". :("
An 8" chef's knife is OK, but a 10" is more versatile. I paid over $200 for the one I have now. Nobody but me is allowed to touch it. I have one of those cute knife blocks full of nice sharp knives for the mrs. and guests. They're welcome to play with those.
My favorite trick is to peel a lemon with the big knife, in one spiraling piece. Takes me no more than 7 seconds.
Ever watch the original Iron Chef? Chef Saki had an apple peeling contest with a student at the CIA. By the time the student had his first apple peeled, Saki had about a dozen.
LOL, I'd lose a finger at that rate! At $200, i'd hide it, too.
I use a santoku for a lot of stuff, I like the shape better for veggies, etc. It would not make as good a weapon for stabbing as a chef's knife would, however.