A santoku knife is a versatile and indispensable tool in any kitchen. It is a type of Japanese chef’s knife that has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its unique shape and features. Santoku knives are known for their ability to slice, dice, and chop with precision and ease, making them ideal for a wide range of kitchen tasks. Whether you are a professional chef or a home cook, investing in the best santoku knife can make a significant difference in the quality of your food preparation.
In this article, we will review some of the top santoku knives available in the market, and help you make an informed decision on which one is best suited for your needs.
Top 14 Best Santoku Knife Reviews of 2023
1. Global G-48-7 inch, 18cm Santoku Hollow Ground Knife
The Global G-48 is a versatile and stylish Santoku knife that lives up to its name. Manufactured in Spain, it features a high-tech CROMOVA 18 steel blade, which is a blend of vanadium, chromium, and molybdenum. The hollow-ground blade is thinner and sharper than traditional blades, making it perfect for slicing, dicing, and chopping with ease.
One of the standout features of this knife is its fully forged 7-inch steel blade, which stays razor-sharp and is highly resistant to rust and stains due to its chromium content. While it is not recommended for dishwasher use, the knife is strong and durable enough to last a lifetime with proper care.
The Global G-48 has a unique handle design, crafted by hand and molded as a single seamless piece of high-end stainless steel that resists water corrosion and stains. Unlike knives with bolsters, this design provides a larger sweet spot and longer cutting edge for full-edge use, with a finger notch for added safety. The handle is dimpled for a firm grip and is comfortable to hold, making it perfect for extended use.
Weighing just 0.16 ounces, the Global G-48 is one of the lightest professional knives of its size, with a thin blade that excels at thin slicing and tasks where accuracy is key. While it may not be designed for heavy-duty dicing or chopping, its overall performance and design make it an excellent choice for general cutting and chopping tasks in the kitchen.
2. Mercer Culinary M20707 Genesis 7-Inch Santoku Knife
The Mercer 7-inch Santoku knife offers excellent grip and comfort, even when your hands are wet or damp. Its handle is crafted from Santoprene, a plastic and rubber composite material, with a textured design that ensures a secure hold during use. This feature is especially useful in a busy kitchen where safety is paramount.
The blade of this knife is made with high-quality materials, featuring hollow-ground notches that reduce friction when cutting, making it easier to slice, dice, and chop through various foods. It is an affordable option, making it ideal for those who want to try out a Santoku knife for the first time without breaking the bank.
Overall, the Mercer 7-inch Santoku knife is a great choice for both beginner and experienced cooks looking for an affordable yet high-quality knife that offers a secure grip and ease of use. With its comfortable handle, sharp blade, and reduced friction design, it makes food preparation in the kitchen effortless and enjoyable.
3. ZWILLING Professional “S” 7-inch Hollow Edge Santoku Knife
The Zwilling J.A. Henckels Professional S Santoku knife is a premium option that is built to impress. With razor-sharpness, durability, and versatility, this knife can handle a wide range of kitchen tasks with ease. The knife weighs 0.33 pounds and measures 11.8 inches in length, including a 7-inch blade.
The blade is hand-crafted and honed by skilled bladesmiths using high-carbon German stainless steel. It is then recalibrated with a high-precision laser, ensuring a precise and accurate cut. The blade is further strengthened by Zwilling’s patented Friodur ice-hardening technique, which increases its longevity and toughness. With an impressive 55-58 HRC hardness rating, the blade can retain its edge even after daily use, reducing the need for frequent sharpening.
The blade’s cutting edge is sharp and measures 10°, making it easy to cut through various foods with minimal effort. The knife is suitable for both right- and left-handed use. Furthermore, the blade features Granton indentations running lengthwise along the blade, which prevents food from sticking to the surface, especially when cutting soft and wet items.
Overall, the Zwilling J.A. Henckels Professional S Santoku knife is a high-quality option that provides precision, durability, and versatility in the kitchen. With its superior design and quality materials, it is an excellent investment for both professional chefs and home cooks who want to take their culinary skills to the next level.
4. Misono UX10 Santoku 7.0″ (18cm)
The Misono UX10 santoku knife is an incredibly nimble, lightweight, and proficient knife with an ultra-thin blade. During our extensive testing, we found it to be the sharpest knife, and it retained its sharpness even after prolonged use. What sets it apart from typical santoku knives is its sharp, pointed tip at the front. The handle is slightly more massive than that of the Mac knife, but it narrows towards the front, making it easier to grip and hold even for people with small hands.
At a price point of approximately $160, it’s more expensive than the Mac, but the superior quality is evident in the knife’s finish and agility.
5. Mercer Culinary Purple Millennia Colors Handle, 7-Inch
Featuring a durable high-carbon stainless steel blade with hollow divots to prevent food from sticking, this affordable santoku knife is an excellent addition to any kitchen. With a blade length of 7 inches and a weight of 5.6 ounces, this knife is lightweight and easy to maneuver.
Its ergonomic handle is made of rubberized plastic, ensuring a comfortable grip even during long kitchen sessions, without irritating your hands. The blade is also nick- and rust-resistant, making it a reliable and long-lasting kitchen tool.
6. imarku Chef Knife 7 Inch Kitchen Knife Ultra Sharp Santoku Knife
Furthermore, the Pakkawood handle has a comfortable grip, making it easy to control the knife’s movements. This feature ensures that you can cut through food with precision and ease, whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook. The handle is also durable and resistant to heat, moisture, and impact, which means it can withstand years of use in the kitchen.
In addition to its functionality, this Imarku Santoku knife also boasts a stylish design that complements any kitchen decor. The blade has a sleek and polished finish that gives it a modern look, while the handle’s natural wood grain adds a touch of elegance. This knife is not only a great kitchen tool, but it’s also a beautiful addition to any collection.
When it comes to maintenance, this Santoku knife is easy to clean and care for. It’s recommended to wash it by hand with warm water and mild detergent, and then dry it immediately with a soft towel to prevent water spots. The knife also comes with a protective sheath to keep the blade safe and prevent any accidental injuries.
Overall, the Imarku Santoku knife is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, durable, and versatile knife at an affordable price. With its outstanding features, this knife can handle any cutting task in the kitchen with ease and precision, making it a valuable addition to any cook’s arsenal.
7. HENCKELS Classic Razor-Sharp 7-inch Hollow Edge Santoku Knife
This high-quality kitchen tool is produced in Spain and is built to last, making cooking easier and more enjoyable. We extensively researched its features and customer feedback before selecting it for our list.
The Henckels Santoku knife is a must-have for anyone who wants to avoid the frustration of meat sticking to their knife while cooking. This knife is perfect for cutting fish, meat, and vegetables, and features hollow edges on the blade to prevent food from sticking.
Crafted from high-quality German stainless steel, this knife is built to last, and boasts a durable design that can withstand the test of time. The blade has a satin finish for precise cutting and its sharpness lasts a long time. The transition from the handle to the blade is seamless, ensuring perfect balance.
The ergonomic handle is triple-riveted and provides comfort and balance. This stain-resistant knife is dishwasher safe and features a polished hollow edge for ultra-thin cutting. With a lifetime warranty included, the Henckels Santoku knife is an excellent investment for any home cook.
8. Shun Premier 7″ Santoku Knife Hand-Sharpened
Cooking is not just a task for some, it’s an art form. The Shun Premier Santoku is a high-performance kitchen tool that allows you to chop, dice, slice, and cube with absolute precision. This premium 7-inch knife is crafted with hand-forged layered Damascus steel and boasts an authentic Tsuchime finish, ensuring a smooth, non-stick cut that glides through food with ease.
The razor-sharp blade of this Santoku knife is a state-of-the-art masterpiece that is sure to elevate your cooking experience to a whole new level. The handle of the knife is crafted from beautiful Pakkawood and is ergonomically designed to enhance the knife’s overall aesthetic appeal and feel.
No more dragging or sticking of the blade on the cutting board, thanks to the knife’s premium quality construction. Whether you’re mincing, dicing, or slicing, the Shun Premier Santoku has got you covered with its exceptional performance and stunning design.
9. Zwilling J.A. Henckels Twin Signature Chinese Chef Knife
The Henckels Santoku knife is a popular choice among kitchen enthusiasts due to its affordable price point and impressive features. Constructed with high-carbon steel, the seven-inch blade is hardened in ice to make it sharper, stronger, and longer lasting. It features ovaline notches on each side of the blade, which prevents the knife from dragging and ensures precise cutting every time.
The knife boasts a full-tang design that is triple riveted and comes with a curved polymer handle for a comfortable grip. Though not as expensive as other Santoku knives on the market, this Henckels Santoku knife is still a reliable kitchen tool that will make a great addition to any home cook’s collection.
10. Cubikook Forged Santoku Knife 7 Inch
This 7-inch santoku knife is crafted with high-quality materials to provide efficient and effortless cutting. The blade is made of ice-hardened high-carbon German stainless steel, which is rust-resistant and has a sleek appearance. With a 56 ± 2 HRC rating, the blade strikes a perfect balance between toughness and sharpness, with a cutting angle of 15° that’s commonly seen in Asian knives. Moreover, the Granton indentations on the blade help to reduce drag, ensuring smooth and clean cuts.
The handle of this santoku knife is made of ergonomic rosewood, which is secured by three rivets to the full tang. The handle has a balanced design that won’t slip off your palm or impose too much pressure on your wrist. However, it may not be as comfortable for those with larger hands. To keep the blade and handle firmly in place, the bolster is used to join them together, which also serves as a balance point for the knife.
This santoku knife is a reliable kitchen tool that provides efficiency, balance, and precision in cutting.
11. Victorinox Swiss Army Cutlery Fibrox Pro Santoku Knife
Despite not being a luxury item, this knife boasts sharpness straight out of the box and is also easy to sharpen over time. With a lightweight plastic handle, weighing only 4.6 ounces, it’s easy to handle and grip. This budget-friendly Santoku knife is an excellent value for the price and one of the best options available.
12. Wusthof 4182 Santoku Knife, 5″, Black
Crafted with high-carbon stainless steel and durable plastic, this santoku knife is compact and lightweight, making it the perfect size for small hands. It features a comfortable 7.5-inch handle that provides ample control and a secure grip, while the 5-inch blade is designed to effortlessly maneuver around delicate or small cutting jobs, including butchering meat or fish. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a professional chef, this santoku knife is a must-have in your kitchen.
13. Kyocera Advanced Ceramic Revolution Series 6-inch
The popularity of ceramic blades has surged over the past decade as they offer numerous advantages over steel blades. If you’re in the market for a high-quality Santoku knife with a ceramic blade, look no further than Kyocera. They have crafted one of the best on the market.
This knife’s unconventional six-inch blade material and Japanese design make it incredibly versatile and unique. One of the main advantages of ceramic blades is their superior edge retention compared to steel blades, as they are not susceptible to rust, staining, or corrosion.
14. DALSTRONG Santoku Knife
DALSTRONG is a renowned manufacturer of kitchen tools, and we’re proud to include two of their products on our list, starting with the DALSTRONG Gladiator. Crafted with stunning design, exceptional workmanship, and cutting-edge technology, this knife is made from premium materials that ensure peak performance for years to come.
Crafted from high-carbon German steel, the blade is polished to resist stains and rust, and it boasts incredible sharpness. The hollow divots help prevent food particles from sticking to the blade, ensuring it remains clean throughout use. Meanwhile, the triple-riveted pakkawood handle provides a comfortable grip.
This versatile knife excels in dicing, slicing, and mincing, thanks to its durability, flexibility, and resilience. The tall blade height offers ample knuckle clearance, and the high-grade materials minimize slicing resistance. The Gladiator is a worthy investment that delivers exceptional value.
What to Consider When Buying A Santoku Knife
When it comes to buying a santoku knife, there are several factors to consider to ensure you find the best one for your needs. Here is a buying guide to help you make an informed decision:
1. Blade Material
The blade material is one of the most important factors to consider when buying a santoku knife. High-carbon steel and stainless steel are the most common blade materials, with high-carbon steel being sharper and easier to sharpen, but requiring more maintenance to prevent rusting.
2. Blade Length
Santoku knives typically range from 5 to 7 inches in blade length, but you can find longer or shorter ones. The length you choose should depend on your personal preference and the size of the items you’ll be cutting.
3. Handle Material
The handle material is also an essential consideration. Common materials include wood, plastic, and metal, with wood being a popular choice due to its durability and comfortable grip.
4. Weight and Balance
The weight and balance of the knife can affect how it feels in your hand and how well it performs. A well-balanced knife will feel comfortable and precise, while a knife that is too heavy can cause fatigue and make it harder to control.
5. Sharpness and Edge Retention
A sharp and durable blade is crucial for a santoku knife. Look for a blade with a sharp edge that can be maintained with regular honing and sharpening.
6. Price
Santoku knives are available at different price points, and you should consider your budget when making your choice. Keep in mind that a higher price does not necessarily mean better quality, but investing in a high-quality knife can be a worthwhile investment in the long run.
7. Comfort
When shopping for a santoku knife, it’s essential to choose one that feels comfortable in your hand. Consider the shape of the handle, the grip, and the weight of the knife to ensure you can use it for extended periods without experiencing hand fatigue or discomfort.
8. Durability
A santoku knife is an investment that should last for years, so it’s crucial to choose one made with high-quality materials that can withstand regular use. Look for a knife with a strong and durable blade, a sturdy handle, and good workmanship.
9. Brand and Reviews
Finally, consider the brand and reviews when shopping for a santoku knife. Research different brands, read reviews from other users, and ask for recommendations from friends or family who own santoku knives. A well-respected brand with positive reviews is usually a good choice.
FAQs
1. What is a santoku knife, and how is it different from other types of knives?
A santoku knife is a Japanese-style chef’s knife that is typically shorter and lighter than a traditional Western chef’s knife. It has a flat edge and a rounded tip, making it ideal for slicing, dicing, and chopping vegetables, fruits, and boneless meats.
2. What should I consider when choosing a santoku knife?
When selecting a santoku knife, you should consider the blade material, handle material, blade length, weight, and balance. Additionally, you should think about your own preferences, such as the level of sharpness, durability, and ease of maintenance.
3. How should I maintain my santoku knife?
To maintain the sharpness and longevity of your santoku knife, it is important to clean it regularly and avoid using it on hard or frozen foods. You should also avoid putting it in the dishwasher and use a honing steel or whetstone to sharpen the blade when needed.
4. Can a santoku knife be used for other tasks besides cutting and chopping?
While a santoku knife is primarily designed for slicing, dicing, and chopping, it can also be used for other tasks such as crushing garlic, scooping up chopped ingredients, and even carving meat in some cases.
5. What is the price range for a good santoku knife?
The price of a santoku knife can range from under $50 to over $500, depending on the quality of the blade, the materials used, and the brand. Generally, a good santoku knife can be found in the $100-$200 range, but it ultimately depends on your budget and needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a santoku knife is an essential tool for any kitchen, and investing in the best one is crucial for achieving precise and effortless cuts. From the knives we reviewed, it’s clear that there is a wide range of options available to suit different needs, preferences, and budgets. Whether you prefer a classic or modern design, a high or low carbon steel blade, or a wooden or synthetic handle, there is a santoku knife that will work for you.
We hope that this article has helped you narrow down your choices and make an informed decision when selecting the best santoku knife for your kitchen. Remember, a good santoku knife is an investment that will last for many years, so choose wisely and enjoy your new culinary companion!
