Find the Perfect Japanese Santoku Knife for You

If you are looking for the best Japanese Santoku knife, there’s no need to look further. A Japanese-style santoku knife is designed for a rocking motion cutting vegetables of all shapes and sizes. It’s small enough for you to use comfortably. You should be able to adjust it based on your comfort level. It is easy to clean, and the blade is thin enough for you to cut through vegetables with ease.

It is important to have trust in choosing one. I would like you to do proper research and compare them before making your decision. The santoku knife has been a trend in the kitchen for now because of its effortless versatility. This knife is designed to be used on vegetables, meat, and fish.

What is a Japanese Santoku Knife?

A Santoku knife is a small, versatile kitchen knife that originated in Japan. This knife can use for mincing, slicing, dicing, and chopping. The blade is thin and has a slight curve similar to other chef’s knives. But there is one major difference: Santoku knives are designed to be used right-handed. As well as left-handed individuals because the blade does not have a bolster. 

These santoku knife features make it easier for users to adapt to the shape of the blade. So they can cut more precisely. However, Santoku knives aren’t just useful for chopping and slicing. They can use for mincing and dicing.

Japanese Santoku knives are a must-have for every kitchen because of their versatility. They’re arguably better than a standard chef’s knife because of their thinness and small size. It can be cut with precision, but Japanese Santoku knives tend to be more expensive than standard chef’s knives.

 Comparison Table for Best Japanese Santoku Knife

Product Image

Product Name

Best Features

Price

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DALSTRONG 5" - Shogun Series Mini Santoku Knife

1. Lightweight and super sharp.
2. Easy to use for first-time users.

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TUO 5.5"- Japanese AUS-8 Stainless Steel Santoku Knife

1. When your hands are wet, cold, or messy.
2. Its blade well made and durable.

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PAUDIN N5 Classic Stainless  7" Santoku Knife

1.Even during heavy-duty tasks, the Pakkawood handle provides an ergonomic grip for minimum effort.
2.Perfect for cutting meat, vegetables, and fruit.

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DALSTRONG 7" Shogun Series Santoku Knife

1. Full tang with a rubberized handle
2.Safely stored in a sheath.

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Misen 7.5 Inch Japanese Style Santoku Knife

1.The blade has a huge amount of flexibility.
2. Feels extremely comfortable in hand.

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Global 7" Hollow Ground Santoku Knife G 80

1. A great alternative to the chef's knife.
2. Great for cutting, chopping, and mincing vegetables.

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Best professional 7 -inch Santoku Chef's Knife

1. The blade is made of VG-10 steel.
2. Comfortable grip handle.

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Tojiro DP Santoku 6.7" (17cm) santoku knife 

1. Excellent with regular honing and maintenance.
2. This Blade Type is Japanese Angles.

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MIKARTO Damascus Stainless Steel 7 Inch Santoku Knife

1. High-quality Japanese steel.
2. Handle made from Black G-10

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Mac Knife MSK-65 Professional Hollow Edge Santoku Knife

1. Wider than a standard chef's knife.
2. Perfect for cutting large chunks of meat.

1. DALSTRONG 5″ – Shogun Series Mini Santoku Knife 

Dalstrong 5-inch mini Knives are produced by skilled craftsmen with years of experience. You can tell this simply by feeling the weight of one of these knives in your hands – Dalstrongs are significantly heavier than most other brands.

The blade is ground to a perfect symmetry that gives it an edge that keeps its sharpness better than any other knife. On top of that, these blades are made out of high-quality Japanese steel. These knives are designed for professional chefs looking for a tool to help them improve to the next level.

 Top Feature:

  • Steel: Japanese AUS8 High Carbon Steel 
  • Overall Length: 5″ inch
  • Blade quality: VG-10
  • Weight: 1.17 pounds
  • Item Dimensions: 5.24 x 0.1 x 1.81 inches
  • Handle: G10

Dalstrong’s santoku knife is perfect for any cooking purpose, as it can be used to chop vegetables, slice meat or even cut food into small pieces. The blade is made from VG-10 high-quality stainless steel, which keeps the edge as long and sharp as possible. The finish of this knife is silky smooth mirror polish, giving it an overall beautiful appearance.

Pros
  • High-quality Japanese steel- VG-10
  • No need to sharpen; almost unbreakable.
  • Lightweight and super sharp for precision cutting
  • Easy to use for first-time users.
  • Lower price, but you get what you pay for in performance.
  • Convenient storage box with a magnetic latch, two screws, and a dustproof ring.
Cons
  • For first time users, the heavyweight might be intimidating
  • Plastic handle might break or crack more easily than expected
  • Handle is short, not ideal for people with large hands.
  • Not widely available

2. TUO 5.5″- Japanese AUS-8 Stainless Steel Santoku Knife

The TUO 5.5” Santoku Knife is a unique and fashionable kitchen knife. It is widely considered one of the best for carving, mincing, chopping, and slicing vegetables and meat. When it comes to cutting and preparing food in the kitchen, this blade’s particular form gives extra flexibility to your various ways.

The upper blade is black titanium coated for optimum sharpness without rust or oxidation. The lower blade is copper polished for fine handling. This knife cuts lighter dishes like vegetables or pork belly that demand fast cuts. The Pakkawood handle is very simple to clean, allowing for a more hygienic kitchen.

Top Features: 

  • Handle Material: Stainless Steel
  • Handle Material: Pakkawood 
  • Black Titanium Plated AUS-8.
  • Blade Length: 5.5 Inches
  • Item weight: 12.3 ounces
  • Colour: Dark Knight

Premium AUS-8 stainless steel blade with black titanium coating, hand finish, and sharpness. Its Handle is made of solid Pakkawood with a copper finish – the perfect blend of hardness and softness. Non-slip surface and comfortable handle for maximum comfort while preparing food; easier to use while wearing gloves. The blade has a full tang for optimal balance and durability.

Pros
  • It can be used in many ways
  • It is a perfect fit for cutting and peeling fruit or vegetables.
  • When your hands are wet, cold, or messy, You can use this knife.
  • It’s well made, durable, and lasts for years.
Cons
  • It may require sharpening regularly.
  • Not dishwasher safe

3. PAUDIN N5 Classic Stainless  7″ Santoku Knife

PAUDIN Santoku Knife is a great multipurpose kitchen tool. This knife is a masterpiece of high quality at an affordable price. It’s one of the most appreciated kitchen knives currently available on the market. It is a Japanese knife, and master designers in Japan designed this.

It is made of high carbon stainless steel, which provides the blade with a long lifespan, making it one of a kind. The blade has a razor edge, and a super sharp polished edge that makes it extremely easy to quickly chop, mince, slice or minces any ingredient. Its ergonomic shape lets you use it comfortably.

Top Feature:  

  • The blade is Super sharp with super nonstick coating.
  • Item Dimensions: 12.2 x 1.77 x 0.08 inches
  • Blade Material: High Carbon Stainless Steel
  • Colour: Silver
  • Handle Material: Pakkawood

This 7-inch Santoku Knife is designed with a thick Pakkawood handle that provides extra strength, which gives the knife its superior cut quality. This Pakkawood handle provides extra strength for a comfortable, firm grip that gives you full control. The knife also comes with anti-slip grooves for extra stability, making it safer to use.

Pros
  • Extremely sharp knife edge design makes cooking or chopping easier.
  • Even during heavy-duty tasks, the Pakkawood handle provides an ergonomic grip for minimum effort.
  • Perfect for cutting meat, vegetables, and fruit.
Cons
  • The performance of the knife can be diminished if not cared for properly.
  • This item recommended hand wash – no dishwasher.

4. DALSTRONG 7″ Shogun Series Santoku Knife

The DALSTRONG Santoku Knife is a 7-inch knife with a Damascus blade. It has 67 layers, including 10 layers of Swedish steel making the blade harder, sharper, and more durable. It also means that the santoku knife can last longer than other knives. This makes it more cost-effective because you do not need to change your santoku as often as other knives.

This knife comes with an ebony handle which provides a good grip while using this product. The ebony also provides a natural look to the santoku knife. Both the blade and handle have been polished to give it a more shiny finish. This gives the santoku knife a luxurious look. 

Top Features:

  • Weight: 8.4 ounces
  • Blade Material: AUS-10V 67-Layers, Vacuum Treated
  • Handle: Black G10
  • Item Dimensions: 12.2 x 1.81 x 0.09 inches
  • Blade length: 7 Inches
  • Blade Edge: Plain

The DALSTRONG Santoku Knife comes with a Japanese carbon steel blade that can cut meat, vegetables, and other items. In addition to its general use, this product is also designed for specific purposes such as slicing bread and pasta, carving meats, or even preparing small foods such as sushi rolls. This product is exclusively made in Japan, and it comes with a lifetime guarantee.

Pros
  • The black ebony handle gives the santoku knife a stunning look.
  • Damascus pattern on a blade with Polished Edge and Hand Rubbed.
  • “Diamond” Pattern on Blade
  • Full tang with a rubberized handle for better grip protects hands from heat and makes it easier to use.
  • Safely stored in a sheath which is included with this knife.
  • The blade is made from Japanese AUS-10V super steel.
Cons
  • You must dry it well after washing it to prevent rust.
  • It is not Dishwasher-safe.
Read More: How to sharpen santoku knife

5. Misen 7.5 Inch Japanese Style Santoku Knife 

The Misen Santoku Knife is not just for decoration or looking pretty. A fully functional knife will get the job done with precision and elegance. This is not just any ordinary knife either- it is made of high carbon stainless steel and has a blue finish for an elegant yet classic look. This Japanese-style chopping knife provides an excellent option for anyone looking to purchase their first Japanese-style kitchen knife.

The blade of the Santoku knife is 5.5 inches and has a gentle curve at the end to help with hand clearance while chopping. The finger guard keeps your fingers away from the blade, making this knife safe for anyone to use. Not only will you have a beautiful product, but you are getting an excellent blade that is more durable than other knives in its price range.

Feature:

  • Handle Length – 4.3 inch
  • Handle Width – 1.6 inch
  • Blade Length – 7.5 inch
  • Blade Material: AUS-10 Steel
  • Colours: Blue, Gray, Black
  • Item Weight: 15.5 ounces
  • Dimensions: 14.29 x 3.46 x 1.22 inches

The blue color is a unique addition to this knife, but the main reason that it stands out from others is the function. The knife is carefully crafted with high carbon stainless steel that has been heat-tempered to ensure a great deal of edge retention and cutting. Another thing that makes this santoku so great is its flexibility.

Pros
  • Made from blue steel High carbon content Resistant to rust
  • The blade has a huge amount of flexibility.
  • The knife feels extremely comfortable in hand.
Cons
  • The blade is becoming too hot.
  • It is perfect for people with small hands.

6. Global 7″ Hollow Ground Santoku Knife G 80 Review 

The Global 7 Hollow Ground Santoku Knife G 80 is an investment knife designed with luxury in mind. And it is a part of the Global 7-series. The knife’s hollow ground blade helps give you a super sharp edge that can cut through any type of ingredient easily. This hollow ground blade also gives you both a flat and convex side, giving you two options for how to prep your meat.

The handle of the knife is made with black PakkaWood. This gives you an extremely stunning look. The knife comes with a protective sheath that can be used to store and protect your knife from being scratched.

Features:

  • Blade Material: Stainless Steel
  • Color: Silver
  • Blade Edge: Hollow
  • Blade Length: 7 Inches
  • Item Dimensions: 14.76 x 3.5 x 0.78 inches
  • Item Weight: 10.6 ounces

This Global G 7 Hollow Ground Santoku Knife also has a lifetime warranty. The steel used to make the blade is made using the best materials; it is treated and tempered to ensure long-lasting and durability. This high-quality stainless steel gives you a thin and sharp blade that takes off meat effortlessly without absorbing any substance on its surface, making sure you are left with only the protein of your meat.

Pros
  • A great alternative to the chef’s knife.
  • Great for cutting, chopping, and mincing vegetables.
  • Blunted sheepsfoot-tip blade with a thinner spine.
Cons
  • Not the best knife for cutting hard bones.
  • It might be too heavy for some people.

7. Best professional 7 -inch Santoku Chef’s Knife 

Oxford CHEF Santoku Chef’s Knife 7-inch is made of 67 layers of Damascus steel which promises to be ultra sharp and strong. It has a G-10 handle, distinguishing it from other chef’s knives with a more traditional wood design. 

The edge is easier for beginners because of its scalloped hollow edge. This knife product is deemed best for professional use and only comes in black. 

Features:

  • Blade Material: Alloy Steel
  • Blade Length: 7 Inches 
  • Dimensions: 12.5 x 1.8 x 0.9 inches
  • Item Weight: 7 ounces
  • Handle: G-10

It is one of the most durable high-end Japanese VG-10 Damascus steel knives on the market. Furthermore, it will not fade in the sun, nor will it quickly crack or chip. If they are not maintained regularly it begins to rust issues. It’s also water-resistant.

Pros
  • Super sharp Damascus blade with optimal serration.
  • The blade is made of VG-10 steel.
  • Comfortable grip handle.
  • Most durable high-end Japanese VG-10 Damascus steel knife.
Cons
  • Some people say this is very dangerous to handle, light blade – Out of balance.
  • Be careful with this blade; don’t “cut yourself.”

8. Tojiro DP Santoku 6.7″ (17cm) santoku knife 

The Tojiro DP 17cm santoku is a hybrid knife that combines aspects of gyuto and a nakiri. Many chefs use Santokus as a multipurpose blade instead of a gyuto for vegetable preparation. 

Tojiro DP Santoku is a part of a series of eight-blade knives. It features an extra-thick blade and a smooth but sharp edge that makes it usable in all applications. This knife is made from carbon steel and has a lighter weight to it when compared to other knives sold in the market. 

Features:

  • Material: Stainless Steel, 
  • Blade Type: Japanese Angles 
  • Total length: 16.5″ (42cm)
  • Blade width: 0.3″ or 0.8cm
  • Item Dimensions: 6.69 x 1.57 x 0.39 inches
  • Item Weight: 0.19 Kilograms

The handle on this knife is also coated with softer Grivory rubber for comfort during use. The stylized Damascus on the blade gives this knife an elegant look that would make any chef feel proud about using such a clean design tool in their kitchen. For the great majority of daily cutting needs, many home cooks find this pattern approachable and simple to use.

Pros
  • Excellent with regular honing and maintenance.
  • It will hold its edge for years if properly maintained and cared for.
  • Stainless steel with washers and nut
  • Green Micarta/Walnut with copper washers, Stainless steel liners, and bolster.
Cons
  • Small imperfections near the bolster on one side.
  • Shorter than expected.

9. MIKARTO Damascus Stainless Steel 7 Inch Santoku Knife

MIKARTO Japanese Chef Knife features an exquisite, hand-crafted Damascus Steel blade with a Tsunami Rose Finish that will turn heads in any kitchen. More importantly, this high-carbon steel blade is razor-sharp and supremely durable. The edge is ground at a 45° angle for easier slicing vegetables/fruits up to .5 inches thick.  

It’s also lightweight for its size and has a very ergonomic handle design which helps prevent wrist fatigue. The forged pattern on the Damascus Steel blade creates air pockets to keep food from sticking to the blade, which means less chopping time and more time spent indulging in delicious culinary delights with your loved ones. 

Features:

  • Blade Material: AUS-10V 67-Layers, Vacuum Treated, Damascus Steel
  • Blade Edge: Plain
  • Blade Length: 7 Inches
  • Thickness: 1.9mm
  • Handle: Black G-10
  • Item Weight: 1.47 pounds
  • Dimensions: 16.46 x 3.98 x 1.54 inches

Japanese Chef Knife is a great all-purpose kitchen knife because it’s thin, light, and easy to use. You won’t find any other handle/blade combination as comfortable in your hand as this knife. This is a professional-grade knife and will become the most used knife in your kitchen. 

Pros
  • This Damascus Santoku Knife is made with high-quality Japanese steel.
  • It maintains its sharpness through frequent use.
  • It is perfect for various kitchen utensils, including slicing, dicing, chopping, and mincing.
  • It comes with a convenient storage box for effortless storage or gift-giving.
Cons
  • The handle is very slippery.
  • It’s hard to grasp it sometimes.

10. Mac Knife MSK-65 Professional Hollow Edge Santoku Knife

A great knife can be a lifelong friend, and you don’t want to carry around something ineffective and difficult to use. This is one of the best Japanese santoku knives available on the market today. It gets its wonderful design features from Japanese craftsmanship. Which makes it perfect for cutting vegetables in the kitchen or in any other setting where you need to work with fresh, raw produce. The blade shape reflects this fact with its wide blade shape that curves up at the edge to allow for easy chopping of ingredients without bruising them in the process.

Featuring a razor-sharp edge, this kitchen knife will cut through anything with minimal effort. The hollow edge allows you to get into small spaces that other knives can’t reach. And its silver color won’t stain or rust. It’s lightweight and has a nice grip for control while cutting. This streamlined all-purpose Mac Knife is forged in one piece of extra-hard high-carbon stainless steel for a razor-sharp edge. 

Features:

  • Blade Material: Alloy Steel
  • Brand: Mac Knife
  • Dimensions: 6.5 x 1 x 1 inches
  • Blade: 2.5mm 
  • Blade Edge: Hollow
  • Colour: Silver

The monoblock construction makes it especially strong and gives the blade a permanently hollow ground edge that’s incredibly thin, so it can slice neatly and cleanly through foods without crushing them or tearing the surface. It’s easy to sharpen the Mac Knife regularly with a steel or diamond sharpener and still get years of use from this very effective slicing tool.

Pros
  • It’s wider than a standard chef’s knife.
  • Perfect for cutting large chunks of meat.
  • The ergonomic handle is comfortable to hold and easy to grip.
  • Its compact size makes it easy to grab and store in the fridge.
Cons
  • It’s not dishwasher safe.
  • The blade is sharp but apparently brittle.
Read More: Santoku Knife vs Chef Knife: Which One is the Best?

11. Wusthof 4182 Santoku Knife-5 inch

The Wusthof Santoku Knife, 5″ black, is a well-crafted and precise chef knife with a high-quality steel blade. It has recently been voted one of the best chef knives in the world by Cook’s Illustrated due to its superb cutting performance in slicing, chopping, and dicing.

The handle is made from Micarta Handle scales which provide excellent grip even when wet. The blade has a Rockwell hardness of 54 HRC, so you can expect it to chip less often than other blades. You also get full-tang construction and triple-riveted handles that ensure the Wusthof 4182 Santoku Knife, 5″, black will last for years to come.

Features:

  • Brand: Wüsthof
  • Blade: Alloy
  • Blade Length: 5 Inches
  • Item Weight: 2.4 ounces
  • Colour: Black
  • Product Dimensions: 12.5 x 3 x 1 inches

You can use the Wusthof 4182 Santoku Knife, 5″, black on a daily basis if you choose to or just as an occasional kitchen blade. It’s the perfect size for slicing, chopping and dicing fruits, vegetables or even boneless meats. But you can use it as any other chef knife to cutting, chopping or slicing poultry and fish. This Santoku Knife, 5″, black, is ideal for slicing fish fillets, preparing stir-fries, mincing garlic, and making sausages.

Pros
  • This chef knife is made from Micarta Handle scales.
  • It is easy to sharpen and easy to use.
  • It stays sharp for years with proper care.
  • Wusthof blades are incredibly thin and sharp.
Cons
  • Not as good as the price for it
  • Easy to cut vegetables but a bit hard for bones.

Key Feature of the Best Japanese Santoku knife

Japanese Santoku knives have been around for a few decades, but they have never lost their popularity. Santoku knives are versatile and can be used for several purposes, especially in the kitchen. This article will discuss some factors to consider when buying your first Japanese santoku knife.

Depending on the point of use, a santoku knife can generally use in many different ways. For example, it may use to cut vegetables or meat. Therefore this guide will help people buy the best Japanese santoku knife according to their budget.

Price:

One of the primary considerations you need to consider is how much money you want or can afford to spend on a new knife. Many different brands offer quality knives at affordable prices. On the other hand, there are perfectly good knives in the mid and upper price range, so don’t be afraid to spend a little more on a Japanese santoku knife.

Size:

Japanese knives are generally larger than their Western counterparts. For this reason, you will always find that most Japanese manufacturers make Santoku knives with something known as “medium-size blades” – approximately around 5 inches in length. Most popular brands will fit comfortably in your hand for easier daily use.

By purchasing a Japanese santoku knife that is well-suited to your needs and preferences, you will be able to experience the high quality that comes with Japanese knives. Many different brands are available that make excellent Santoku knives, so you can always find one perfect for you.

Choosing the right elite santoku knives

The size and shape of a santoku will determine how it is used – if you need a knife that is only good for cutting, it should be small, light, and sturdy. 

If you are looking to use the knife in most tasks requiring slicing, choose a larger knife with an overall slightly thicker shape. You will, of course, still have to be careful about how you use it when making it appear larger.

A santoku knife is most useful when used with the right technique. For example, when making a slice straight down, the tip of the blade should face away from you, and you must be careful not to use too much force. You must also note that slicing with a santoku can cause you to cut yourself if you are not careful.

It will largely depend on what you are going to use your knife for, and you can experiment with both, but it is recommended to try a variety of different grips and decide which is most comfortable for you.

How to Cut with a Santoku Knife

If you’re a chef and use a santoku knife every day, you must know how to cut with it. A wrong cut can not only result in loss of time and money but also create safety hazards for yourself and those around you.

A santoku knife is designed with three features. The flat blade makes it perfect for chopping and dicing vegetables. Its sheepsfoot blade reduces slicing risk by shortening the length of the edge. And its straight edge makes slicing through food quicker than other knives. You can use it for scooping, slicing, dicing, or chopping fruits and vegetables. Speaking of ingredients, it can handle everything except very hard food like shellfish and frozen foods.

Now that you have a basic idea of what a santoku knife is and how you can use let’s get into some more specific details on how to cut with a santoku knife.

First, here’s the basic grip you need when cutting with one: Hold the blade perpendicular to the food you’re holding in your other hand. Position your thumb on the flat side of the blade, just above the bolster. The meaty side of your index finger should be at the very tip of the blade, and the tip of your ring finger should be at the very base. The grip is just like that of a Western-style chef’s knife, although it’s not quite as tight as it is when you’re using a European-style chef’s knife.

Second, do not move your fingers during cutting, as this will cause uneven cuts. For instance, if you move your pinkie toward the heel of your hand while cutting with a santoku knife, this will result in a cut that leaves behind large chunks of unspiced food on one end while you have to chop smaller ones from the opposite end. 

Instead, keep your fingers at the same spot on the blade. This will result in even, consistent cuts. And it’s also important to make sure that you’re cutting with the flat part of the blade; don’t worry about using its tip for fine work like chopping herbs or coring tomatoes.

And lastly, keep your knife moving at all times while cutting. It only takes a fraction of a second for bacteria to grow on food, especially since this type of knife is typically used for more than just chopping veggies, so it’s important to get through your task as quickly as possible. 

What Size Santoku Knife is Best?

A Santoku knife is a Japanese chef’s knife with a curved blade. It is wider at the base than at the tip, giving it an asymmetric shape. Santoku knives are typically between 18-20 inches long and 1.5 inches wide. And have an angle on one side of the blade could range from 60 to 70 degrees. While the other side of the blade has a 45-degree edge that curves toward the sharpened point. Allowing it to be used for tasks including chopping vegetables and slicing meat or fish.

The size you should consider purchasing will entirely depend on your needs as a cook or chef, as different sizes are best suited for different purposes. Generally, the best size for you will depend on what you are cooking, what kind of knife skills you have, and your personal preference. However, a few common recommendations can be followed when choosing a knife.

Conclusions

Kitchen knives are a chef’s best friend. But, there is a lot of confusion about what type of knife to buy and how much to pay. Be sure to read through the whole article because each knife has specific pros and cons that could be important in determining which one will work for your specific needs.

In this article, I review the Top 11 Santoku knives that I have chosen. I have looked at the knife’s size, material, shape, and sharpening ability. These are important factors in determining which is the best Santoku knife for you. Read on to find out my picks for the best Japanese santoku knives.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the best Santoku?

Answer: Finding the perfect Santoku knife can be tough! But you should know which knives are good for chopping, slicing, and dicing. I think the Global 7″ Hollow Ground Santoku Knife is the perfect one.

  • What Is The Difference Between a Santoku Knife and Chef’s Knife?

Answer: A Santoku knife is a Japanese kitchen knife, while professional chefs use a chef’s knife. A Santoku blade has more of an upward curve, while the blade on a chef’s knife is slanted evenly on both sides.

  • How to Care for Your Knife?

Answer: Knives should always use with care. To prevent wear and tear on your knife’s blade, most professional knife sharpeners recommend removing the blade from the knife. You should not use a steel wool pad, as this might damage the blade’s surface.

  • Can you sharpen Santoku knives?

Answer: The short answer is yes, you can sharpen Santoku knives.