The wasabi rhizome, a short root-like stem, has flesh that is very dense but quite fragile. As a result, graters made of metal are not fine enough to grate wasabi into a fine paste and end up tearing and destroying the flesh of the root without coaxing much flavor. Ceramic ginger graters as well are often not abrasive or fine enough to grate the root into a paste. In Japan, chefs use a traditional specialty grater with a surface made of shark skin. The fine, sandpaper-like texture of shark skin is the perfect abrasive surface for making a fine wasabi paste without damaging the flesh and cells of the root. The surface of this ceramic grater is specially crafted to simulate the abrasive qualities of a traditional samegawa shark skin grater. It grates wasabi into a perfect paste, revealing texture and flavor from the wasabi root unachievable when using standard graters. The trapezoidal, paddle-like design is cleverly fashioned after a traditional samegawa grater. The grater works equally well with ginger, garlic and other root vegetables. Shark friendly and dishwasher safe.