Santoku knives have been around for a long time, but just became popular in Western culture in recent years. As with most knives weve researched, reviewed, or written about, they are not all created equal. Now that youve seen our favorite santoku knives, its time to discuss how you can select your own knife. Our favorite santoku knife is the MAC Knife MSK-65 Professional Hollow Edge Santoku Knife. Odds are if you have good, hard steel, you wont need to do much shaping and sharpening, but rather a very light honing. After scouring through thousands of reviews we've found the best santoku knives ranging from 5 inches to 7 inches in size and at a variety of price points. By the way, these are basically what we used for our selection process above, with more or less concentration on specific criteria to maximize the value for the average reader of BladeAdvisor.com. The thinner blade and sharper edge angle mean more precision and accuracy. If your budget is lite and price is the most important consideration for you, you should consider the Mad Shark Pro Kitchen Santoku Knife. What do you need a Santoku knife for? If you're looking for a quality knife that can do it all, a santoku is the perfect choice. Santoku knives are generally small when compared to a Western Chef's knife, typically ranging from 5 to 8 inches long. Here is a list of sharpener types and what our thoughts are on each of them. We recommend storing your Santoku knife in a wooden box as this will protect it from humidity that can cause corrosion. To forge durable blades, stainless steel is usually used Be sure to dry the blade off completely after washing to prevent any rusting or spotting. We really like the German-weight combined with the thin, sharp Japanese-style blade that Zelite has put together. Build Quality . Santoku knives excel at slicing, dicing, and mincing vegetables and meat. The lengths of santoku knives range from 5 to 7 inches, most commonly. Not all edges are manufactured at the same angle, but electric sharpeners tend to sharpen to a specific angle, so first make sure it matches your knife edge. If you must use something more abrasive than a steel, we recommend using a whetstone stone for this task, especially if you spent good money on a high quality knife. Santoku knife is a versatile knife that can be used for cutting vegetables, meats, and fish. These handy, classically shaped knives will make light of all your basic food preparation tasks, like chopping and slicing fresh ingredients. Western Style Vs. Japanese Style 2. You read reviews, thats how! Shun is well known for their synthesis of elegance and functional Japanese knives. Chef's Knife. Donna Currie, Product Tester. Well, there are many many many foods that you could cut with a santoku. The Santoku is related to the Chef's knife and the Gyuto. Whichever knife you choose, remember to consider maintenance and requirements. When selecting the best santoku knives for your kitchen, it's important to look at the length, strength, and thickness of the blade. Curl your other fingers around the handle. For the price (under $50), you can't go wrong with it. This paired with the grantons on the side of the blade both reduce the liklihood of food sticking to the knife as its being cut. The Granton edge keeps food from sticking and makes for easier cutting and chopping. Santoku knives are easily identifiable by their shape: a boxy blade that features a slightly curved edge, with the spine, or back, of the blade rounding down to a blunt tip (In cutlery parlance, this shape is called "sheepsfoot"). As you saw above, the BladeAdvisor team selected the Zelite Infinity 7 Alpha-Royal as our favorite santoku knife. Although its not that important, it does hold some weight. She covers kitchen tools and gadgets for The Spruce Eats and is the author of Make Ahead Bread. A hollow ground Santoku knife is a type of all-purpose knife with a curved edge. For one, the santoku knife is a double-bevel kitchen knife like most Western knives. Dalstrong goes to great lengths to ensure perfection, whether its the AUS-10V Japanese steel, the G-10 handle, the included protective sheath, or the scalpel-like edge. Some santoku knives even use cryogenic tempering. The handy stainless steel sheath keeps your hands safe while not in use and helps preserve the sharp edge of the blade when storing it away. Especially when they're hand-forged in Germany by Wusthof's skilled craftsmen. The name itself translates to three virtues or three uses, alluding to the knifes usage in cutting meat, fish and vegetables or to the three cutting styles that you can put this general-purpose Japanese-style chefs knife into, namely - slicing, dicing and chopping. The blunt edge helps to prevent accidental injuries by ensuring that the knife does not slip off of the ingredient being cut. This makes santoku blades ideal for mincing herbs, slicing seafood thinly, or dicing fruits and vegetables. These are three foods often cut with the santoku. Are The Rivets Flat? A santoku knife is an all-purpose knife that can be used in many tasks on several different types of food. It uses AUS10V steel, a G-10 handle, has 67-layers, and a lifetime warranty just like those at the top of our list above, but at a lower price-point. This first happened when Rachel Ray announced to the world on her television show that it was her favorite knife. This superior kitchen knife is made in Spain and has been fabricated from high-quality German stainless steel. Santoku knives originated in Japan and are often made of Japanese Super Steels. They have neither a dramatic or graceful curvature in the belly like in the gyuto blade or the Western chefs knife. By the way, these are basically what we used for our selection process above, with more or less concentration on specific criteria to maximize the value for the average reader of BladeAdvisor.com. The Damascus pattern on the blade is beautiful. Point the blade towards the cutting board and use a slicing motion to cut through your food. 7. They have neither a dramatic or graceful curvature in the belly like in the gyuto blade or the Western chef's knife. It will help to consider what material your knife is made from, as this will determine its resistance and durability. Cooks who like their larger santoku knives will love this mini version that can take the place of a utility knife or a paring knife. This one from Mercer Culinary is NSF certified but still attractive enough for a home knife block. Knives come in various shapes and sizes; therefore, navigating the saturated market relies on your personal needs. The cut is slightly different than that of a chef knifes rocking motion. Choosing A Santoku Knife Japanese kitchen knives are seen as the pinnacle of kitchen knives, and it has become prestigious to own them and use them in your kitchen. Ratings and feedback left by consumers at online retailers will point out the good and bad experiences theyve had with each of those products. The knives are cheaper in Japan but on the pricier side in the states. Many santoku knives have ovular indentations on the blade. Santoku knives are shorter, lighter, and thinner than Western-style chefs knives. Choosing a Santoku according to its level of use. Blade Length: 175 mm. You'll be able to achieve professional-level results with this high-quality knife every time! It makes for a very unique combination that we really like. We wish the spine had more of a rounded off feel, but like this cross between a German knife maker and an Asian-style knife. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best There are more specialized knives that you can use for this purpose but if you arent comfortable with the traditional Japanese slicer or Western slicers, you can use this thin and light all-purpose kitchen knife. The benefits of using a Santoku knife include: To use a Santoku knife, hold it with your dominant hand like you would hold a pencil, with the thumb and index finger gripping the blade just in front of the heel. To help you choose, we researched and tested some of the leading brands on the market. Her work has been featured in publications, such as Food & Wine, Travel + Leisure, and Southern Living. Finally, check to see if the blade is sharp by slicing into a piece of paper. Santoku knives are shorter, lighter, and thinner than Western-style chef's knives. For a top-of-the-line santoku knife with a razor-sharp blade perfect for fine cuts, we recommend the Zwilling Twin Signature 7-Inch Hollow Edge Santoku Knife, which performed well during our extensive testing. The best santoku knifes have many utilities in the kitchen as an all-purpose knife. Tap the check price button to see the latest pricing on Amazon. This way of freeze treating the steel helps both its performance and aesthetics. In may cases its easy to see which product has a higher rating and also which has more 5-star reviews. While meats and fish are common, the most popular choice for a santoku are vegetables as we saw above. This means that the Santoku is an all-around knife, suitable for the amateur home cook and the professional chef alike. The round tip of these knives does not need to be sharpened. Buy the best knife your budget will allow. Santoku knives are designed for delicate, fine work. A santoku knife is a Japanese-style tool with a thin blade and a curved spine. As you may know, there are several ways to sharpen knife blades and the same holds true to santoku knives, however some are better than others. For answers to more questions on santoku knives like how to use them, how to sharpen them, and what to look for when buying one, check out our complete buying guide below our santoku knife reviews. Read on to learn more about Santoku knives! Then, hold the knife at a 15-20 degree angle and lightly slide the blade over the surface of the sharpening stone. So whether you're looking for an affordable option or something top-of-the-line, we've got you covered! See the images below for veggies prepared with these different cuts that could be easily done on this Japanese vegetable knife. They are also great for chopping herbs. Shun has taken over the list with its premier santoku knife. When choosing the right knife for your kitchen, there are a few different options. The curved blade provides more clearance when working with larger ingredients, which reduces the risk of cutting yourself. Most santoku knives will also have hollowed edges, are 5 to 8 inches long, consist of hard steel types, and are lightweight. If youre not sure what youre doing, this is your best bet. Not only for the big portion of meat . Its sheepshead-like tip offers superior control while its light weight makes it easy to maneuver as you work. Cut effortlessly through tough fruit, thick meats, and dense vegetables. We want to close with few comments letting you know that while staying with your budget constraints, buying the best knife now will likely save you money in the long run. Zwilling Twin Signature Hollow Edge Santoku Knife, Zwilling Twin Signature 7-Inch Hollow Edge Santoku Knife. Unlike the gyuto with its slight curvature on the belly, the santoku blade has a flat cutting edge and a rounded sheepsfoot edge as opposed to a sharp-pointed edge found in the gyuto knife or the Western chefs blades. With single bevel knives, an angle is formed on one side of the blade only, which makes sharpening concentrated on one side. The list above is more of a best value santoku knife list, keeping in mind the value the customer gets for the price. The Zelite Infinity Santoku Knife is a beautiful and highly touted tool that got the seal of approval from our tester. The Global G-48 is ideal for chopping, slicing, and dicing since it cuts thin and consistent slices in one simple downward stroke. Henckels santoku knife is from a great brand that stands behind their product. If this is not your first Japanese knife. See the image below if youre unfamiliar with what a steel is. Global Knives. There are three main aspects to consider: washing, sharpening, and storing your Santoku knife. They are perfect for slicing meat thin and even across the grain. The Ultimate Buying Guide. A normal western chefs knife ranges from 8 to 10 inches. The Chef knife has a thicker spine than the Santoku knife. Emeril Lagasse. Once again, this may prove to be an important point for any individual considering purchasing either knife. The best option for a novice to keep a good santoku knife sharp is a steel. Straight to the Point. Depending on the bevel of your knife, you have to repeat this process on both sides or just one. Similar to most kitchen knives, forging versus stamping provides the consumer with a stronger, better knife. Santoku knives excel at slicing, dicing, and mincing vegetables and meat. The symmetrical shape and well hardened steel ensures accuracy every time so that you can be sure of precise cuts every time. Last but not least, chopped vegetables are usually added as flavoring to further support a dish of some sort. It has a comfortable oak wood handle and does Yoshihiro Knife an impressive job. Though this searing utensil is made in Taiwan using European components and technology, its construction ensures it wont succumb to wear or tear anytime soon - as evidenced by Mercer's one-year warranty guarantee. Well, we certainly hope you enjoyed our recommendations and reviews of the best santoku knives available. Not only is this knife extremely sharp, but it slices through onions like butter and tomatoes without smashing them. e.g Lobsters. Properly cleaning your santoku knife will keep the blade sharp for a long. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this can cause the knife to slip off of your food and injure yourself. The santoku, along with the gyuto and a reliable Western chefs knife such as the Wursthof can make for a true kitchen workhorse. The knife serves as a valuable addition to your knife set to use in restaurant kitchens. Simply hold the knife at a 20 degree angle and sharpen the blade in smooth, even strokes. It is similar to a Western chef's knife, but has a thinner blade and is shorter and lighter. You also get a free sheath with your knife at this price! All these qualities make it a tremendous all-purpose household knife as well. Although the cutting edge on the santoku is relatively flat, the curve as it gets closer to the tip, lends itself . All the materials and specs are right if youre looking for a mini-santoku. When buying a Santoku knife, its essential to know how to take care of it as proper maintenance can prolong the usage of your knife, preventing you from buying another one soon. In fact, it even rivals the ever-popular chefs knife as a favorite these days. A 7 inch santoku knife is the most widely used. Sharpening with a whetstone at a 20-degree angle (15 degrees for those with hollow edges) is ideal for this type of knife. On top of offering excellent value, this knife is also NSF certified and comes fitted with a taper-ground edge, which means it stays sharper for longer. Many have said that these 3 uses either refer to meat, fish, and vegetables. Others believe it refers to three of the common cutting types used with a santoku knife, slicing, dicing, and chopping. Review of Shun Santoku Knife; The Santoku Knife Vs The Chef Knife; Review of the Wusthof Santoku Knife; What Makes a Santoku Knife Different? Of course, you need one for yourself, but this comes in a box that would also make it a lovely gift for any cook you know. Considering that the blade is a sheep's foot, this allows the angle of cutting to be more linear. It makes cooking just a little bit more pleasurable. We'll discuss the different types available and some of the best brands on the market. The full-tang handle provides optimal control and balance during use, while the granton edge prevents drag or food sticking to the blade. This is hollow ground, so foods wont stick, and is tempered in liquid nitrogen for long-lasting performance. After scouring through thousands of reviews, we've found our favorite five knives ranging from 5 inches to 7 inches in size and at a variety of price points. CS:GO knife skin is some of the most expensive cosmetic items in the game. The ideal santoku knife will easily slice your meat and even break down your chicken. Chef's Knife: A chef's knife is a versatile kitchen knife that is curved to allow the cook to rock the knife on the cutting board for a more precise cut. Blade Length: 5 inches | Handle Material: Polypropylene | Weight: 5 ounces, Ice-hardened for increase resilience and sharpness. Of course, forged from a single piece of steel using their SigmaForge process and ice-hardened keeps edge sharper longer. It comes perfectly sharp with exceptional edge retention for effortless slicing, dicing and chopping - as smooth as butter! We did see some infrequent reports of the knife breaking where the blade meets the handle. Santoku knife is a lot thinner than the Chef knife and better for cutting less food which requires less force. Therefore, we advise against getting a knife with a wooden handle as it isnt weather-proof and might grow moldy in more humid months. This knife does more than meets the eye. Questions To Help You Learn How To Choose A Knife 1. There should be special instructions with your sharpener for this case. The ideal santoku kitchen knife should also have a light weight and be very comfortable to wield. Some knives arent layered and others have dozens of layers. No detail was overlooked with this beauty: Top-notch craftsmanship ensures that your finished results are perfectly razor sharp every time. Reading reviews, ratings, and other feedback online can be invaluable in the process of choosing a good santoku knife. A good santoku at a budget price, this has a stamped blade with a Granton edge that prevents food from sticking to the blade and minimizes friction. To make it a complete choice for chefs, Shun launches this knife in two different sizes. 4. We suggest washing the knife by hand with water only and drying it with a clean towel. First, make sure that your sharpening stone is wet. The Santoku is a lighter blade. Many versions of this knife have made their way into kitchens not just in Australia, but across the Western world. Forging a Santoku knife is a lengthy and difficult manual process that begins with a single high-carbon steel blank, and involves multiple rounds of heat treatment, steel hammering, kilning, polishing and sharpening. See the image below if youre unfamiliar with what a steel is. Finely crafted, razor-sharp knives are an investment worth making. They can also be used in place of chef's knives but are not as versatile because they have a straight edge rather than curved like French knives. Table of Contents Style of Cut In short, while a chef's knife has a broader range of uses, a santoku is more specialized for cutting thin slices of fruits, cheeses, and vegetables. Victorinox Stainless Steel Chef Knife,"Swiss Classic", 17 cm Stamped Santoku Knife for Professional and Household Kitchen, Black, Swiss Made 4.5 out of 5 stars 438 3 offers from 3,240.00 The features of the best santoku knives are as follows: Blade length: The santoku blade is shorter compared to the gyuto blade. Saveur and Epicurious also picked the Henckels Zwilling Signature Hollow Edge Santoku Knife. They can be single or double bevel. The traditional Japanese blades are usually single bevel or single-sided. Most of Santoku knives have a blade length of 16~18cm. Whether you're looking for an affordable option or something top-of-the-line, we've got you covered! But when you spend your money on cheap junk knives, they dont work and they break. Even experienced chefs can be unsure about the best way to care for and sharpen their Santoku knives. Because of the variable blade form, the handling is a little different, and hence takes . You can get more help on the exact process of Santoku knife sharpening in the video below. Blade Length: 4 inches | Handle Material: Rubber | Weight: 3.2 ounces. What Is The Shape Of The Knife? Ensure that the kitchen knife is sharp right out of the box. Instead of rubber or plastic, three riveted grips are best as both materials are inert, and the three notches hold well. Additionally, youll want to avoid knives that are stamped out of a sheet of metal, as they tend to be weaker than forged knives. Santoku knives are Japanese in origin and are trusted by countless chefs around the world. Sharpen your knife regularly You don't need to polish your knife after every use, but you do need to sharpen it once you feel that the blade is starting to get dull. We see the resemblance! From the family-owned, Germany-based company thats been making knives for over 200 years (we highly recommend their steak knives),Wsthof brings us another wonderful knife. There are several videos on YouTube that can give you some pointers if you decide to go the whetstone route. If you choose the long blade, it will help you to cut bigger ingredients efficiently. One of the most important factors to consider in santoku knives are the materials. Thanks to its balanced weight and perfect bevel angle, you can move effortlessly through cuts to boost your speed in preparing meals. It differs from the traditional Japanese kitchen knives in a myriad ways. Picking the best kitchen knife for your needs is often a very subjective decision. Its also great as a substitute for a utility knife for everyday cutting. Consumers love this knife! The Santoku is great for cutting meat, slicing and dicing fruits and vegetables, mincing herbs, and scooping food off the board. They also mean less work, less energy, and less friction when cutting, a difference you really notice. This santoku knife combines the traditional shape of the santoku with a curved blade that provides the familiar rocking action of Western blades. Ultimately, imarku's 7" Santoku Knife is the perfect companion for all your kitchen adventures, taking your culinary endeavours to the next level with precision and ease. It has a Santoprene handle for a safe, comfortable grip and a 7-inch blade made from German steel that is rust- and corrosion-resistant. Miyabi Fusion 7-inch Hollow-Edge Santoku Price: $129.95 Weight: approximately 215 grams This knife also fell into the middle range for price, and was the second heaviest out of the five, though still considerably lighter (56 grams) than the Victorinox Chef's Knife. Santoku translates as three virtues or three uses and refers to the three types of cuts the knife is made for: slicing, dicing, and mincing. Just in case you have a special need for your kitchen or wanted to try and match a current set of knives you already had, lets take a look at what you should be looking for to ensure you make a good selection. Santoku knives traditionally have a chisel-tip which means one side of the blade is sharpened. You will be hard pressed to find a better Santoku knife for the money than this one by Fzkaly. Another factor you should consider is the length and width of your Santoku blade. 4. Product reviews like those here on BladeAdvisor point out the pros and cons of the best products. The Professional S santoku knife from Zwilling J.A. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Henkels. The best santoku knives are best suited for slicing, dicing, and chopping small-sized ingredients where precision is required, such as onions, garlic, or green peppers. Sharpening is crucial if you want your knife to work well and last a long time. This santoku has good weight, is balanced, full-tang, and made of premium materials. In one simple downward stroke, this Santoku knife will offer you fine and uniform slices. Shun knives have a wonderful history of Japanese knife making. Let's choose the Santoku Knife size based on your needs. For the right chef, a Santoku blade can be a fantastic general-purpose kitchen tool. . The steel and hardness are a little inferior to some of the higher-end knives like you saw above. Therefore, its necessary that the knife you purchase is very sharp out of the box. The santoku isnt necessarily the first-choice butchering knife. How Does The Misen Santoku Knife Compare? If it remains in place, it is a good Santoku knife. A Santoku knife is a Japanese all-purpose knife. Keeping the santoku within the 5 to 7 inch range will ensure you don't purchase a santoku that will do the very opposite of what it's supposed to- cause you fatigue. Note: The rest of these options are for skilled knife sharpeners and could re-shape your blade, potentially damaging it beyond repair if you dont know what you are doing. We like that it looks different from others. If you're looking to splurge on a truly beautiful knife, we also love the Zelite Infinity Santoku Knife. You will benefit significantly from buying your Santoku knife from a legitimate Japanese company. Moreover, a Santoku is wider than most knives, making it have a larger surface area for cutting and perfect for scooping food off the board. This incredible knife offers performance beyond its price point. Saveur. This is the kind of knife that you can trust random guests with. A Santoku knife is a Japanese all-purpose kitchen knife. The double-bevel blade has several advantages for a Western kitchen and cuisine: they are easy to sharpen, easy to master and you dont have to grapple with handedness so they can comfortably be used by both left-handed and right-handed cooks. This makes the Santoku shorter and more compact, which is helpful for fast cooking. Although we spent hours upon hours researching all the best santoku knives, our list doesnt take into account your specific needs. They're used for intricate or delicate work, such as peeling or coring fruits and vegetables. Repeat this motion 10-12 times on each side of the blade. When looking for the ideal santoku knife, there are a number of practical requirements that you need factor into your decision. Paring knife The santoku knife is often compact and easy to use. Better materials and better manufacturing processes cost more money when producing the knife. The ergonomic handle offers comfort and a non-slip grip even with wet hands allowing a safer cooking experience. Compared to a traditional chef's knife, the Santoku knife is thinner, shorter, and lighter. On the other hand, If youre a professional chef, splurging a little will benefit your dishes. Creating fine slices, particularly useful for vegetables and seafood. This usually means high quality products at a price that is not outlandish. These are known as hollow or granton edges. A good test is to pinch the blade from the base of the handle and move it. Shun Classics are known for their thin, ultra-sharp and durable blades. We wish the spine had more of a rounded off feel, but like this cross between a German knife maker and an Asian-style knife. Knifepal is a collection of buying guides and user guides about various different products. Its also our favorite. And while most people will still choose to keep their serrated bread knives, our tester was impressed by this santoku's ability to slice bread. Youve successfully signed in. Our guide includes information on the different types of Santoku knives, how to use them, how to care for them, and how to sharpen them. This knife is dishwasher safe, although hand washing is recommended. Advantages & Differences compared to Western Chef's Knives. How to Use a Santoku Knife: There are five ways to use a Santoku knife: 1) Meat Slicing: This cutting is for cutting raw chicken, beef, pork, and tuna with only one stroke. The price of a high-quality Santoku knife varies depending on where you buy it. Hardwoods and other plastics are also popular. When slicing, always use a slicing motion, not a stabbing motion. Santoku Blade Material Because Santoku knives are made of heavier metal their blades are thinner than other knives. It is a Japanese style chef's knife with a blade that has a flat edge and two bevelled edges on either side of the blade. Take care not to use a knife that is too long, though, as this can restrict cuts. Meanwhile, the contoured edge makes it ideal for chopping vegetables, and the hollow grind helps keep food from sticking to the blade. The Santoku knife is lighter and more balanced than other chef's knives, making it easier to control. It has a slightly different look and feel from the others on this list because of the very high-end pakkawood handle and it brings more of an authentic look to this Japanese santoku knife. Before we part, heres a fun video of a Japanese chef showing off his skills with a santoku knife! 5 Best Online Stores, Whats the Best Knife for Cutting Charcuterie? Is It Full Tang Or Partial Tang? The 7-inch knife features a blade made of 16-layered high-quality forged stainless steel. Do you have a special use for your santoku knife? Before we discuss how we choose the top santoku knives, we must first know what theyre used for so we know whats important. Likewise, you may want to keep an eye out for additional features like hollow edges to prevent food from sticking to the knife. Paring Knife: Paring knives are small kitchen knives with a thin blades and pointed tips. As we know, the Santoku knife's blade size differs between 13 and 20 cm (5 and 8 in) long. 5. When selecting the best santoku knives for your kitchen, it's important to look at the length, strength, and thickness of the blade. Full tang means that the metal of the blade extends fully through the handle, giving it a sturdy construction and preventing the blade from snapping off. What are the Safety Tips for Your Best Kitchen Knives? The knife's general-purpose use means that it is well suited to chopping or slicing vegetables, cutting or mincing meat, and slicing fine cuts of seafood. In either case, electric sharpeners can have abrasives that will re-shape your blade, so make sure you know what youre doing before you ruin an expensive knife. Wsthof brings us another wonderful knife. Your cooking experience just got that much better with the Babish 6.5" Santoku Knife! It's also very well balanced so you won't feel uncomfortable while cutting, while keeping a solid grip on the handle. She personally tested two of the santoku knives on this list, in addition to over 100 products for The Spruce Eats. The video below does a good job of showing you step by step instructions on doing just this. The shorter this angle, the sharper the knife. After all, the top reason you should be going for a santoku knife in the first place is when you are looking for a lightweight multipurpose kitchen knife with some heft and nimbleness. But don't worry, we've done the hard work for you! Both are great choices and theres no reason you should hold back on the Dalstrong Shogun if you like the looks of it better. How To Use Every Japanese Knife | Method Mastery | Epicurious Epicurious 4.54M subscribers Subscribe 93K Share 4.5M views 2 years ago Grab your sharpening stone and come to attention because. The santoku blade is quite distinctive and easy to recognize. The Santoku knife has become increasingly popular in the United States in recent years, and it is now considered by many to be the best all-purpose kitchen knife. Japanese blades are known for ancient provenance but the santoku is a more recent addition to the repertoire of specialty Japanese kitchen knives. This will help to prevent the blade from slipping off of the food item and causing an accident. However, it is also determined by very practical considerations such as the kind of food you prepare, your technique, the size of your hands and how big or small your kitchen workspace is, amongst others. Santoku can be translated as 'three virtues.' For Santoku knives, these three virtues are chopping, dicing, and mincing. It is around 5 to 10 inches, which is a standard size for kitchen cutters. Click image above for more information on this whetstone. 1. Its core is made from high-class VG10 steel containing a mix of top-quality molybdenum and rare elements like cobalt and vanadium, making it a very durable knife that will hold its edge for a long time. Made of quality high-carbon stainless steel, this 7" Santuko knife is designed for sushi, sashimi, or anything else that needs to be sliced paper thin. Older Post Wsthof got the hollows in just the right spot, closer to the edge of the blade than most. ThisWsthof santoku is a nice addition to the Ikon family. In a hurry? This is our favorite option. If you require an excellent knife that will help you hone your skills as a pro, home chef, or regular person, the Santoku is a suitable choice. Wrap Up and Make the Choice: Santoku Knife or Chef Knife. A Western style knife has the characteristic even double-bevel edge geometry. As you can probably tell by looking through our santoku knife reviews, we lean heavily towards the 7 version and feel the 5 version is well, kind of unnecessary. A lifetime warranty is only good if the manufacturer is still around when the knife has a problem, which could be 10 or 20 years from now. Review of Kyocera Ceramic Santoku Knifes; A Look at the Shun Santoku Knife; Chop, Slice and Dice With the Wusthof Santoku Knife; The Wusthof Santoku Knife Review; How to Use a Santoku Knife; Adding a . 5. Flat Cutting Edge: Knives that don't have a curved blade, but rather have a straight, flat edge are called carving knives. Some electric knife sharpenerssay they will sharpen a santoku knife, however we think there are better ways if youre a skilled on a whetstone, as youll see below. A dull knife requires more force, so cutting at the wrong angle with excessive force can result in injuries. If you do decide to use an electric sharpener, please pay special attention to the type of blade you have. The level of skill in cooking or the frequency of use of the Santoku can tell you which range to choose. The Huusk kitchen knives are a well-known knife, distinguished by its hand feel. A 7-inch blade can be used to cut a variety of foods, while a 5-inch is better for smaller ingredients. Many stores sell the blade, so you can check it out in person or order it online. A good chef's knife can change how you feel about cooking altogether. There are specialty blades that you can use for that. imarku's 7" Santoku Knife is specially designed to make all your cooking prep needs effortless and efficient! It wasn't as impressive with roast beef, but that's not the main function of a santoku. You can fix a budget and search for knives accordingly. I prefer using a wet stone to sharpen my santoku knife because I find it produces a sharper and smoother edge. Donna Currie, Product Tester. Global Hollow . This knife is expertly crafted with a finely finished handle for optimum comfort and an ultra-sharp blade. Resultantly, your Santoku knife will be laminated and, therefore, more durable. With proper care, this knife will last for years and continue to perform at a high level. Santoku knives perform a multitude of tasks, but how do you really cut with one? The typical santoku blade has a length ranging from 6 to 7 inches. Get easy-to-follow, delicious recipes delivered right to your inbox. As a result, beginners might find it challenging to pick the right knife for their needs. You can learn much more and see the same criteria we used to choose the best santoku knife for the money in our buying guide below. Cutting style: The cutting style of this cutter is . Use your forefinger and thumb to gently pinch the blade, and the rest of your fingers hold the handle, and now you're ready to rock! Santoku knife uses are widely versatile, making it similar to an all-purpose chefs knife. Moreover, the grain on rubber and plastic helps with friction as well, allowing a secure grip. We love the balance on the Classic Ikon and feel likeWsthof got the hollows in just the right spot, closer to the edge of the blade than most. The most common styles have a rounded cutting edge and a stainless steel blade. They are double-bevel Japanese kitchen knives made from hard steel. 5 Things to Know, Where Can I Buy Knives Online? The Santoku knife has a dimpled stainless steel handle that provides greater grip, balancing, and precision. You should choose a Santuku knife made of high-carbon steel because it is favoured by most chefs for its sharpness and resistance to rust and discoloration. Another option, admittedly less desirable than a whetstone or steel, is a manual sharpener marketed for santoku knives. https://www.saveur.com/shop/best-santoku-knife/, The Best Santoku Knife 2019: A Knife for Every Budget. Of course with the history in Seki City, Japan and its knife and sword manufacturing industry, this is a great place to have our next top santoku knife come from. This Japanese santoku knife uses their blend of Cromova 18 Stainless Steel. Expert craftsmanship and high-quality materials ensure that your meal prep will never be "blah" again. Posted by Shannon Dolman on February 28, 2021. If the blade isn't sharp enough yet, repeat these steps until the blade is razor sharp. Avoid scrubbing it with any dish soaps and scourers as well, as this can tarnish the steel. If you feel the 5 is a good fit for your kitchen, heres a good one to look into. How Expensive Is It? A santoku knife is an all-purpose knife that can be used in many tasks on several different types of food. Otherwise, we recommend you stick with a 7 inch santoku knife if you can only afford one or the other. Knifepal.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. The handles can be made of plastic, wood, or composite. This has a full tang and good weight, and its designed for impressive performance. Otherwise, we recommend you stick with a 7 inch santoku knife if you can only afford one or the other. Chef's Professional Quality Kitchen Knives - This Emeril Lagasse knife set is made with superior stainless steel for a super sharp cutting edge. 2. Although weve never used it, it does appear there is a lifetime warranty on this Global santoku knife. If youre worried about sharpening on a whetstone, you could always get your blade professionally sharpened. Buying a cheap knife probably just means youll end up buying another knife over and over again throughout your lifetime until you pay attention to the things above rather than the price tag. Carbon makes steel tougher and gives it more strength. A wonderful feature of the santoku is its light weight, so your hand and wrist don't fatigue with big jobs. Some brands sell them for as low as $25 and can go as high as $150 or more. Also, decide what you will be using the knife for the most. Newer Post , Please note, comments must be approved before they are published, If you want an update for each new knife batch created sign below. The handle is made from a patented material thats slip-resistant and ergonomically designed for comfortable cutting. It also carries over the premium G-10 handle and 67-layered damascus found on the larger version. The handle material is very durable, so this knife will last for many years. They both use similar materials, tempering, handles, and warranty. In either case, electric sharpeners can have abrasives that will re-shape your blade, so make sure you know what youre doing before you ruin an expensive knife. Whatever makes your circumstances different, you should be able to pair your needs with the criteria below to find a knife that works perfect for you. Though santoku knives are known for durability and longevity, they will still need to be sharpened from time to time. It can be hard to figure out what the best Santoku knife option is for your needs. The ergonomic handle design also helps make it easier to use on a variety of tasks such as slicing, dicing, chopping, and more. This of course is also the best Shun santoku knife available. One can also use the knife to cut food in a rocking motion. This santoku is also very stylish and easy to use. To be honest, the BladeAdvisor team sees very little difference between the Dalstrong Shogun santoku and the Zelite Infinity. Although we spent hours upon hours researching all the best santoku knives, our list doesnt take into account your specific needs. As a result, unlike a regular knife, it does not need to be rocked while in use; instead, it is maneuvered to cut straight. They work great if used regularly versus letting your blade get damaged. As with most fine knives, this should be hand washed and dried immediately. The Santoku differs from the classic European Chef's knife primarily in its shape: The blade is much straighter and less curved than the western Chef's knife. However, like in any kitchen, you will mostly use your santoku knife on fruits and vegetables. That's because the knife allows you to be swift in cutting. 5 Reasons to Know, How to Choose a Boning Knife? This roundup was written by Donna Currie, cookbook author, food writer, and product tester. To use the a sharpening stone: Soak your whetstone in water Run your knife up and down the stone in a smooth motion Make sure that you run the entire blade from the edge to the start of the handle Lifetime warranty. The Shun Classic Santoku is another 7 blade that is forged from high-carbon stainless steel. Position your upper arm at about 45 degrees to the working surface and keep your elbow slightly bent. If you're looking for a new kitchen essential without breaking the bank, the Babish 6.5" Santoku Knife is exactly what you need! The knife is lightweight and sharp enough to easily slice through the meat or poultry. This results in a sharp, precise tip. Hopefully youve read through our santoku knife reviews above to get a sense of whats available and what the BladeAdvisor team thought were good options. It gets good reviews online, so its probably fine for lower-quality knives that will need sharpened more often and dont cost so much that youre concerned about ruining them. 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