5 Best Santoku Knives 2023, Tested & Reviewed

The Japanese term “Santoku” is interpreted as “three qualities” or “three uses” in English. Santoku cook knives are superb for three chief purposes: chopping, cutting, and slicing. If you want a multipurpose and speedy knife in your kitchen, this can be a perfect choice.

Here, we’ll check out the top 5 Santoku knives available in 2023. We’ve considered qualities like how sharp they are, how long they last, and how stable they are.

Top 5 Santoku Chef Knives

1. Mercer Culinary M20707 Genesis 7’’ Santoku Knife – Editor’s Choice

A fanciful all-rounder Santoku breadknife that should be impeccable for most chefs.

Mercer Culinary M20707 Genesis 7’’ Santoku Knife Specifications

About the knife

As stated earlier, we actually like this knife from Mercer Culinary. Its price is less than $50, which we think is a great thing. The knife edge has a hardness rating of 56+/-1, which makes it remain sharp for more time. It’s also malleable, making it great for tasks that need accuracy. The handle is made of Santoprene, which is a hard and comfortable material that can bear heat and wetness well. In simple words, this bread knife is a good choice for many people.

When you combine the robust design and how the weight is balanced in this product, you get a knife that senses really well and will stay beneficial for many ages. It’s vital to note that the HRC rating for this knife model means you might need to polish the blade a bit more often. But for the majority of kitchen chores, this knife will be extremely helpful.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Before you start functioning on your product, it’s a good idea to check out Mercer’s review on how to make your bread knife sharpener. They propose that you first figure out if your Santoku knife wants polishing or sharpening. To prepare this, you’ll need a steel or a whetstone. 

You normally require to sharpen this knife one or two times in a month. Remember, it’s important to wash this knife by hand and use slight soap with lukewarm water for washing.

2. TUO 7’’ Santoku Chef Knife Black Hawk series

A sophisticated, well performed Santoku knife that’s amazingly reasonable.

TUO 7’’ Santoku Chef Knife Black Hawk Series Specifications

About the knife

It’s not habitually we discover something that associates quality, performance, and style so well, especially when it’s rated under $45. But TUO has done a fanciful job here. This knife senses great in your hand, it’s well-proportioned, and it’s harder than the same products in this grouping. We really adore the Pakkawood handle. It not only looks good but also bears heat and moisture really well. 

Your grip on the handle will remain firm while you cut, chop, and shred. With an HRC rating of 56+, this knife bears a good balance between acuity and elasticity. You’ll likely only need to sharpen it after a month.

Maintenance and Cleaning

TUO proposes to use a first-class steel to sharpen your Santoku chef’s knife at a position between 15 to 20 degrees. Simply run the knife along the steel a few times to make it sharp again. They enlighten this in more detail on their website.

To keep your Pakkawood grip in decent condition, you can rub in some Tung or mineral oil occasionally.

It’s not a good idea to place this knife in a dishwasher, according to TUO. Instead, wash it by hand with slight soap in lukewarm water. Make sure it’s wholly dry before storing it in a knife tablet.

3. Wusthof Classic Santoku Knife 7’’

A first-class choice that’s supported by a lifetime guarantee for more mind peace.

Wusthof Classic Santoku Knife 7’’ Specifications

About the knife

With the higher price range of over $160, you might be wondering if it’s worth the money. But have faith in us, Wüsthof is famed for a good reason in the knife world of cooks. This knife is built from top-quality high-carbon steel. That refers it’s more resilient to wear and tear, sharper than comparable knives, and will remain sharp for more years than you might expect.

That’s why lots of skilled chefs choose high-carbon knives when they buy kitchen utensils. Just remember to be cautious when you’re slicing and chopping with them because they can get injured if not moved properly. This knife is really well-made and easy to use, making it a perfect option for the best kitchens.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Wüsthof suggests utilizing at a position of 10-degree when honing their Santoku knives, with the choice of using a steel, whetstone, or an electric sharpener. Additional option for attaining a professional-level control is to consider using Eversharp Knives. Remember to wash this knife by hand and ensure it’s thoroughly dehydrated before placing it away.

4. Imarku 7’’ Santoku knife – Best Budget Santoku Chef Knife

This is the most budget-friendly Santoku cook’s knife we’ve ever seen.

Imarku 7’’ Santoku Knife Specifications

About the knife

If you’re in hunt of a cost-effective choice with impressive permanence, look nowhere than the outstanding Imarku knife. Priced at below $50, it claims a great carbon steel blade, a full-tang structure, a bogus blade, and a notable HRC ranking 57+1. 

For those well-informed in the world of cook’s knives, this quality level at this price range is truly outstanding. But what’s the everyday experience like? The exciting update is that the Pakkawood handle offers exceptional comfort in the hand, and the weight dispersal is reliably outstanding. 

This knife offers durability and an unexpectedly keen edge maintenance that outshines your expectations. However, it’s essential to note that there is one trade-off: this knife gives just a one-year guarantee. It’s a best choice for Santoku knife novices who want to trial the waters.

Maintenance and Cleaning

When it comes to keeping your Imarku knife sharp, the recommended choice is to utilize their sharpening tool. The whole process can be done in just two steps.  Otherwise, you can opt for a grindstone at a position of approximately 15 degrees. 

Remember to avoid washing the knife in a dishwasher at all costs. Instead, use lukewarm water and mild soap, confirming the knife is completely waterless before storing it. To maintain the shine of your Pakkawood handle, consider applying a light coat of tung or mineral oil occasionally.

5. Dalstrong 7’’ Shogun Series Santoku Knife

A magnificent Damascus or Santoku knife with a first-class G10 holder.

Dalstrong 7’’ Shogun Series Santoku Knife Specifications

About the knife

The Dalstrong Santoku knife outlooks as the sharpest choice among the choices available on this page, exceeding the race by a large margin. With an impressive HRC ranking of 62+, this blade claims a thin razor profile and delivers high performance. Furthermore, it promises to keep its sharp edge for an extended period, outliving many other best knives in the market.

However, note that due to its hardness, this knife is more susceptible to chipping, so a suitable chopping technique is essential. What does your $120 investment get to the table? With a lifetime guarantee and an attractive Damascus steel structure, you’ll get benefit from its tough full-tang design. It ensures a long-term companion for many years in the future.

One notable feature we appreciate is the knife’s handling, branded by stability and the comfortable G10 handle. This material not only offers greater durability but also improves grip, making it a real-world choice. If your priority is obtaining extreme sharpness, this model of knife deserves your consideration.

Maintenance and Cleaning

When trying to sharpen the knife on your own, begin by using a fine-grit grindstone and maintain an angle from 10 to 15 degrees. If you lack experience in this work, it could be sensible to consider a professional knife sharpening facility from Dalstrong. It can be a bit more expensive but ensures the exact edge you desire. 

Avoid using a dishwasher for washing your knives; instead, choose by hand-washing with mild hot water and gentle soaps when feasible.

FAQs

What is a Santoku Knife? 

 A Santoku knife is a Japanese versatile kitchen knife that is known for its adaptability in slicing, dicing, and chopping. It typically has a shorter blade compared to a traditional chef’s knife and features a flat cutting edge.

What Does “Santoku” Mean? 

“Santoku” translates to “three virtues” in Japanese, which refers to the knife’s ability to excel at three essential kitchen tasks: slicing, dicing, and chopping.

How Long is the Knife-Edge of a Typical Santoku Knife? 

The blade of a standard Santoku knife is typically about 5-7 inches (12.7- 17.8 cm) in length.

What Actually Differentiates a Santoku Knife from a Chef’s Knife? 

The main difference occurs in the blade shape and design. Santoku knives have a shorter, broader blade with a flat cutting edge, while chef’s knives have lengthier, more curved blades.

What are the Recommended Uses for a Santoku Knife? 

Santoku knives are excellent for slicing, dicing, and chopping a wide variety of ingredients, comprising fruits, vegetables, and boneless meats. They are versatile tools suitable for most kitchen tasks.

Are Santoku Knives Appropriate for Cutting Through Bones or Hard Materials? 

No, Santoku knives are not intended for cutting through bones or hard materials. They are best used for accurate slicing and chopping of softer foods.

How Should I Maintain and Sharpen a Santoku Knife? 

Frequently sharpen your Santoku knife using a sharpening rod or whetstone to maintain its edge. Hand wash it with slight soap and water, and always dry it instantly after use to prevent erosion.

What are the Different Kinds of Santoku Knives Available? 

There are numerous types, including outdated Japanese Santoku knives and Western-style Santoku knives. Some also have sole blade designs and tools, such as ceramic or Damascus steel.

Can Santoku Knives Be Used by Both Expert Chefs and Home Cooks? 

Yes, Santoku knives are appropriate for both expert chefs and home cooks. They are preferred for their versatility, making them a standard choice in many kitchens.

What is the Price Range for Santoku Knives? 

The price of Santoku knives can differ widely depending on factors like company, material, and craft. You can find reasonable options beginning from around $20, while high quality, artistic Santoku knives can charge several hundred dollars.