Santoku is a Japanese word meaning three uses or virtues, which summarizes what this knife is suited for – dicing, mincing, and chopping. Favorites to many avid home cooks and professional chefs, the best Santoku knives offer reliability, especially when dealing with large quantities of food.

A good santoku knife is as efficient a blade as the more versatile chef’s knife. The general construction of this type of knife includes a flat edge and dimples which prevent food from sticking to the blade, making it ideal for its tasks.

What to Look For When Buying the Best Santoku Knives

You want to make sure that you are getting the right knife for your kitchen that will suit your cooking style and can serve you for a long time. While many considerations will be based on personal preferences, some are universal. What is more, different santoku knives will come with various extra features such as storage sheaths, may be dish-washing safe, or have a self-sharpening feature.

The idea is to think about what you need before you settle on any santoku knife online. The following key considerations will impact how you use your knife:

Handle

Given the reliability of the santoku knife, you will be using it a lot in the kitchen. This and the fact that safety comes first when using all your knives makes the construction of the handle a vital consideration. The comfortable and firm grip can go a long way in enabling you to control the maneuverability of the blade and have an easy time using it.

Several different materials can be used to make a good handle. However, synthetic materials are the most recommended thanks to their resistance to slipping, durability, and affordability. The bottom line is finding the material that gives the best grip. Besides, you might need to consider the design and color when using a block to store your knife.

Length of Blade

How long the blade is can determine how comfortable the knife feels in the user’s hand. You also want to have the right length for cutting food and one that will match the size of your chopping board. 7-inch blades were found to be more versatile in terms of applicability, and for more precision and chopping smaller quantities of food and ingredients, a 5-inch blade will work just fine.

Sharpening

While most santoku knives’ blades are made from quality high-carbon steel that retains their sharp edges, you will likely need to sharpen your knife during its lifetime. The KnifePlanet’s knife sharpening stone offers a secure and ideal sharpening option for both home and professional cooks. Besides, it can be used without any knife sharpening experience thanks to the sharpening guide that comes with its purchase.

Best Santoku Knives Reviews

Zwilling J.A. Henckels TWIN Signature Hollow Edge Santoku Knife

German-made blades are known not only for their sturdy constructions and durability but also for efficiency. This santoku knife is no exception. It comes with a full tang design to balance off the weight between the blade and the handle. Its comfortable polymer handle is contoured to enhance grip and is tri-riveted for security.

Since the knife needs no experience for handling, new cooks will appreciate the tool as well. The blade measures about 7 inches with a sharp edge. The high-carbon stainless steel used to make the blade also makes it possible for the blade to retain its sharp edges.

Dalstrong Shogun Series Vacuum Treated Santoku Knife

The manufacturer’s Shogun series of santoku knives are designed for durability, comfortable handling, and reliability. It is no surprise the knife is a worthy addition to your kitchen.

The blade is made from Japanese super steel hardened and coated with high-carbon steel to promote its resistance to rust and corrosion and retain its razor-sharp edges. Its comfortable handles can withstand the various conditions in the kitchen to ensure a perfect grip with three rivets for durability. The full tang and bolster construction also balance the weight of the knife between the blade and the handle for optimal handling.

Zelite Infinity Alpha Royal Series Santoku Knife

In addition to a beautiful blade, you get a functional knife with this santoku knife by Zelite Infinity. The construction features hollow grinds on the 7-inch blade to ensure food doesn’t stick when chopping, dicing or chopping. The blade is made from high-carbon stainless steel with a Japanese steel core with sharp edges, perfect for its tasks.

The handle features an ergonomic design to enhance comfort and grip with three rivets for security. It has a full tang and a bolster which contributes to the durability of the knife and balancing its weight for comfortable handling. This knife is recommended for all cooks, professional, and home cooks.

Global G-48 Hollow Ground Santoku Knife

The Global G-48 santoku knife is a durable and practical piece with a modern design. This knife would make the best option for novice cooks who are not into a strict maintenance regimen. The 70inch blade is hollow ground to make the knife perfect for its dicing, chopping, and mincing tasks. It is forged from high-carbon stainless steel that will retain its sharp edges for a long time and withstand corrosion and rust.

This knife, like all Global knives, has its blade extended to form the handle, which contributes to its sturdiness and durability as well as balances off the overall weight of the knife. The handle features rubber dimples to enhance grip and comfort.

Victorinox Santoku Knife

If you are on a tight budget but will not let that affect your purchase of a good santoku knife, this one by Victorinox is your best bet. It comes with a 7-inch blade with a Granton edge designed to prevent food from sticking to the blade.

The handle is made from thermoplastic elastomers to prevent accidental slips and is designed to fit in hand for a proper grip. You can buy the knife in addition to a paring knife and a chef’s knife as well. The simple design and rather minimal maintenance required for this knife make it ideal for both new and experienced cooks.

Sabatier Self-Sharpening Santoku Knife

Sabatier’s santoku knife takes a load of maintenance off your shoulder with their innovative sheath that sharpens the blade every time you insert and remove the knife. This implies that the knife will always be at its best performance.

The blade is made from high-carbon steel, meaning it will resist corrosion and rust despite the kitchen conditions. You will love the ergonomic handle on this knife. It is shaped to ensure comfortable handling and a perfect grip. Besides, it has three rivets for security and a bolster for durability. This knife is best washed by hand and dried before storing.

Conclusion

With the wide varieties in the market, getting the right santoku knife for you can be challenging. The trick is in knowing what works for you and the fundamentals that make the knife tick. Our reviews of the best Santoku knives covers a wide range of options for both experienced and new cooks.