The Best Santoku Knife 2021: A Knife for Every Budget

It’s no secret that knives are a cook’s best friend. If you revel in spending time in the kitchen, then you understand the value of investing in the best Santoku knife.

After all, it’s a key component in the preparation of scrumptious meals. While a wealth of options has littered the market, not all deliver the performance you need.

To avoid frittering away money on a flimsy tool that won’t get the job done, we’ve reviewed 10 options to narrow down your search. They are armed with impressive features that far surpass other knives in durability and performance.

We’ve also put together a comprehensive buyer’s guide and FAQ section to bring you closer to selecting the best Santoku knife for you. Read on!

1. Global G-48

Are you on the quest for a sharp and versatile knife with unrivaled resistance to breakage, discoloration, or corrosion? Then the 7-inch Global G-48 Santoku knife is your best bet.

Made of high-tech molybdenum steel that won’t react with your food, it’ll last you for years on end.

Delivering thin and uniform slices in one easy downward motion, the Global G-48 comes in handy for chopping, slicing, and dicing.

Featuring a dimpled handle made of stainless steel, the Santoku knife ushers in better grip, more balance, and control. Its lightweight nature makes it a breeze to maneuver.

You can use it for hours on end to prepare the best sushi platter without your hand getting tired. The edge is designed to remain sharper for a longer duration, saving you the hassle of frequent sharpening.

Pros

• Impressive sturdiness
• Easy to control
• Lightweight and durable
• Dimpled handle for a firmer and more comfortable grip
• Remains sharp for a longer period
• Perfect for dicing, chopping, and slicing
• Easy maintenance

Cons

• Moisture from your hand makes the handle slippery after hours of continuous use

2. Shun Premier

If you’re looking for an Asian-inspired, beautifully-crafted Santoku knife that can efficiently handle a myriad of cutting tasks, then the 7-inch Shun Premier wraps up your search. With unmatched versatility, it’s a lifesaver in chopping vegetables, slicing, grilling out, cutting, and peeling.

Agile, lightweight, and shorter than the standard chef’s knife, the Shun Premier is a top performer in commercial settings and home kitchens.

Easy to use and particularly effective with a down-and-forward cutting motion, this Santoku knife has a hammered tsuchime finish. It releases food effortlessly when cutting for precise and clean results.

Constructed with durability in mind, the Shun Premier has 34 layers of VG-MAX stainless Damascus cladding on each side that maintains sharpness for delicate and thin results. The walnut-colored, contoured pakkawood handle is a snug fit in every hand, setting the knife apart from the pack.

Pros

• Can be used for long hours without experiencing strain or discomfort
• Wooden handle offers a secure grip
• Multipurpose
• It cuts thin and uniform slices with minimal effort
• The edge remains sharp for a long period
• Eye-catching design

Cons

• Significantly pricier than other Santoku knives
• Susceptible to rust if it’s not air-dried

3. Victorinox Rosewood

Are you looking for the best Santoku knife that delivers affordability and quality rolled into one? Then the 8-inch Victorinox Rosewood is right up your alley. Exuding elegance, it’s perfectly crafted with a tapered stainless steel edge that cuts with utmost efficiency and ease.

This makes it the go-to for professionals and home chefs alike. Built to handle big and small kitchen tasks, the laser-tested, sturdy, durable, and razor-sharp blade effortlessly dices, chops, slices, and minces.

The 8-inch Victorinox Santoku knife has a chic Rosewood handle coupled with a finger guard that guarantees easy handling and a comfortable grip. For maximum durability, it’s balanced and weighted with triple handle rivets.

Pros

• Textured handle for exceptional slip resistance and safety
• A sharp edge that is easy to maintain
• Finger guard for maximum protection
• Chic design
• Laser-tested and razor-sharp blade
• Budget-friendly
• Provides a firm grip for improved balance and precision cutting
• Flat spine for additional power to slice through hard-skinned foods

Cons

• The handle has a toxic smell that takes a while to dissipate
• Not suitable for people with small hands

4. Wüsthof 4183 Classic

If you’re on the quest for the best Santoku knife for all your kitchen needs, then the Wüsthof 4183 Classic is your holy grail. Although it’s made in Germany, it’s perfect for preparing a vast assortment of sushi dishes. Designed with versatility in mind, the knife comes in handy for slicing, chopping, and dicing.

To prevent food from sticking to it, the Wüsthof 4183 Classic has a sharp blade with alternate hollows. Forged from one piece of high-carbon stainless steel, it’ll remain sharp for a long duration.

For optimum control and a secure grip, the knife has a sturdy, polypropylene handle, allowing you to prepare a vast assortment of foods comfortably and fast.

Pros

• The high-carbon steel blade doesn’t crack or get dull prematurely
• Comfortable handle for a secure grip
• Sturdy, polypropylene handle
• Food doesn’t stick to the blade
• Cuts thin, uniform slices

Cons

• Susceptible to corrosion if mishandled

5. Yaxell Gou SG2

Measuring approximately 11¾ by 1¾ by ¾ inches with a 5¼-inch-long handle and a 6½-inch-long blade, the Yaxell Gou SG2 delivers unmatched professional performance. Made in Japan, this premium Santoku knife blade is SG2 high-carbon steel clad with 101 layers, generating the chic Damascus look. It’s ideal for dicing, chopping, mincing, and slicing.

The knife has a durable, comfortable black canvas-micarta handle with 3 stainless steel rivets for enhanced control and a better grip. You can use it for fine and precise slicing in one downward motion without straining your hands. Built to last, the razor-sharp edge doesn’t require frequent sharpening.

Pros

• Remains in tiptop condition for years
• Easy to sharpen with the Gou-Sharp Pro knife sharpener
• Resistant to discoloration and rust
• Durable, sturdy, and aesthetically pleasing design
• Delivers impressive professional performance
• Offers a better grip

Cons

• Pricey
• The blade is shorter than conventional knives
• Hand-wash only

6. Zwilling J.A. Henckels Professional S

As a sturdy, durable, Santoku knife, the Zwilling J.A. Henckels Professional S is a winner. Made of top-grade German stainless steel, it has a satin finish that will deliver precise results every time.

With an ergonomic, three-riveted, polymer handle, the knife provides unmatched comfort for hours of continuous use. Perfectly bonded to the full tang, it ushers in a better grip for enhanced control.

The Zwilling J.A. Henckels Professional S Santoku knife is finely-honed, so it’ll maintain its sharpness for years down the road. It’s also dishwasher-friendly with a hollow edge design that allows the food to slide off easily. Built for versatility, the knife is suitable for mincing, slicing, dicing, and everything in between.

Pros

• Comfortable to use for hours without feeling strained
• 10-degree edge angle per side
• Impressive resilience
• Ice-hardened Friodur blade that remains sharper for a long duration
• Multipurpose
• Food slides off easily after each cut

Cons

• It doesn’t provide as much balance as the heavier counterparts

7. Imarku

Made of premium German HC stainless steel, the 7-inch Imarku Santoku knife has unrivaled resistance to stains and rust.

Suitable for commercial and home kitchens, it’s a lifesaver in daily tasks such as mincing, chopping, dicing, and slicing all types of fruits, vegetables, and meat.

It’s no secret that sharpness is a marker of the best Santoku knife. With a 2.5mm thickness, the 7-inch Imarku can hold out against the rigors of tough use and remain sharp. The scalloped hollow edge creates a gap to prevent the food from sticking to the blade during cutting.

To diminish wrist and hand tension, the pakkawood handle delivers a secure, comfortable grip regardless of your hand size, making it a great fit for frequent cooks. The knife can be hand-polished to an angle of 15 to 18 degrees per side, delivering enough sharpness and sturdiness to get the job done perfectly.

Pros

• Ultra razor sharp edge
• Hollow edge design to prevent food from sticking to the blade
• Resistant to corrosion and stains
• Suitable for commercial and home kitchens
• Thick blade to withstand the rigors of tough use
• Ergonomic design to prevent hand and wrist fatigue

Cons

• The edge requires frequent sharpening

8. Dalstrong Chef Knife

Are you on the quest for remarkable craftsmanship, stunning design elements, premium materials, peak performance, and cutting-edge technology rolled into one? Then the Dalstrong Chef Knife was designed with you in mind.

Made of high-carbon German steel, it’s razor-sharp with an edge that can be hand-polished to an angle of 14 to 16 degrees per side. The luxury black G10 riveted handle delivers a comfortable grip, enhancing maneuverability.

Engineered to perfection at Rockwell hardness of 56+, the Dalstrong Chef Knife is carefully tapered to elevate flexibility, hardness and diminish slicing resistance. The tall blade height delivers useful knuckle clearance, making it ideal for busy kitchens.

Pros

• Well-bonded to the full tang
• High-carbon German steel ushers in durability and strength
• Precisely-tempered and resistant to discoloration
• Provides perfect balance while cutting
• Improves hardness while reducing slicing resistance
• Increases maneuverability

Cons

• The handle and tang are slightly uneven
• The handle feels heavy

9. Paudin Pro

Suitable for cutting vegetables, fruits, bread, and fillets, the Paudin Pro is a lifesaver in professional and home kitchens.

By effortlessly handling daily tasks such as dicing, chopping, slicing, and mincing, this versatile 8-inch chef’s knife will usher in more joy in the kitchen.

There’s no denying that sharpness is a crucial aspect of the best Santoku knife. With a thickness of 2mm and hand-polished by craftsmen with decades of experience, the Paudin Pro ensures long-lasting sharpness and gets the job done perfectly.

The knife blade is integrated with a comfortable and soft handle, creating the perfect grip. The ergonomic shape creates an ideal balance between the thin blade and the handle to ensure ease of movement.

Pros

• Comes with a money-back guarantee for defects in craftsmanship and material
• Eye-catching waved pattern
• Long-lasting sharpness
• Ergonomically-shaped handle for improved balance and comfort
• Ultra-sharp edge
• Multifunctional
• Forged construction

Cons

• Unsuitable for ultrathin cutting

10. Alpha Royal Zelite Infinity

As a visually stunning Santoku knife that delivers extreme performance, the Alpha Royal Zelite Infinity is a surefire way to impress your guests.

With premium materials, satisfying heft, and minimal slicing resistance, it infuses style and refinement to modern kitchens. Made of 67 layers of high-carbon, Japanese AUS10 Super Steel, the hollow-ground knife blade prevents food from sticking to it when cutting.

The liquid nitrogen tempering coupled with the exquisite tsunami rose Damascus pattern guarantee long-lasting performance. The triple-riveted, full tang, ergonomic G10 handle ushers in improved durability and strength. With a razor-sharp edge, the Alpha Royal Zelite Infinity delivers ruthless efficiency when cutting a vast assortment of fruits, fish, meat, and vegetables.

Pros

• Tapered bolster for perfect balance and extreme comfort
• Rounded, ergonomic handle that ensures a comfortable and secure grip
• Resistant to stains and discoloration
• Tastefully adorned with the three-metal Mosaic Zelite Infinity rivet
• 100% money-back guarantee
• Perfect for home and professional kitchens

Cons

• Low slicing-edge retention

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Santoku Knife

We’ve rounded up the key considerations to ensure you choose the right Japanese Santoku knife for your kitchen.

The Blade

It’s a crucial aspect when shopping for the best Santoku knife. Although they are pricier, high-carbon steel blades are durable, a breeze to sharpen, sturdy, and resistant to discoloration and rust. The carbon steel counterparts are cheaper and retain sharpness but are susceptible to stains and corrosion over time.

If you prefer a more affordable option, then consider stainless steel Santoku knives. While they resist rust and stains, they inevitably lose sharpness prematurely. Some people gravitate more towards ceramic knives due to their lightweight nature. They are sharp but fall short on sturdiness, which means you can only use them with a chopping board as they break easily.

The Handle

It’s equally as important as the blade. An ideal handle will deliver impressive control, allowing you to safely, easily, and precisely use the knife. Although stainless steel is sanitary and durable as it doesn’t react with food, it’s slippery and relatively heavy.

It adds more weight to the knife, throwing it off balance and making it more difficult to manipulate. Unless you’re a pro in using Santoku knives, a plastic handle may not deliver the control you need as it’s overly lightweight. Some people prefer wooden handles as they offer a firm and comfortable grip.

However, wood is water absorbent and cracks after a while. Composite handles combine plastic and wood properties as they’re pocket-friendly, easy to maintain, and durable.

The Length

Given that the best Santoku knife is shorter than other knives, ensure the blade is sufficiently long to effortlessly slice through your food. For the best results, it should glide smoothly without being rocked. At the same time, the knife shouldn’t be overly long because you may need to cut through small ingredients, for instance, when preparing a sushi platter.

Weight

For increased productivity and a comfortable feel, we recommend a lightweight Santoku. Regardless of the strength of your forearms, the notion is to have a knife that offers easy manipulation and maneuverability. Some Santoku knives are bulky, weighing more than a chef’s knife, which defeats the purpose. Lightweight options prevent hand fatigue from setting in during meal prep.

Tang

Also known as the shank, the back portion of the blade connects to the handle or extends into stock material. Santoku knives come in two main tang types. The full tang counterparts are the sturdiest as they have a full piece of metal, half of which lies between 2 pieces of the handle. For partial or half tang Santoku knives, half of the handle holds a part of the metal without extending to the end.

Special Features

The best Santoku knife has an array of unique features. They include special grip designs, being dishwasher-friendly, Granton edges, self-sharpening features, storage sheaths, and a full tang, and other extras. Remember, the more special features a knife has, the pricier it is, so consider your needs before taking your pick.

FAQ

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.

1. What is the difference between a Santoku and a chef’s knife?

The variation lies in the design of each knife. A Santoku has a sheep’s foot tip, a straighter edge, and must be used in an up-and-down motion. On the other hand, a chef’s knife has a spear point, allowing you to cut with a sliding or rocking motion. Although both knives are versatile, each shines through in certain kitchen tasks. For instance, Santoku knives are designed to make food preparation a streamlined experience, generating thin, uniform slices. Chef’s knives are a lifesaver in the complex cutting of foods that require rocking motions of the blade.

While both can be used to cut fruits, fillets, and vegetables, neither is suitable for chopping large portions of meat. A chef’s knife has a sharp point that can get in the way of smooth movements or make it a breeze to stab through tough meat. The spear tip of Santoku knives doesn’t interrupt the quick, smooth movements.

Regarding the size, Santoku knives are significantly lighter and smaller with a thinner blade that is sharpened to an acute angle.  It can pierce through the skin of any vegetable or fruit in the blink of an eye with minimal fancy finger work on your part. Remember, the goal is to chop in an up-and-down movement without relying on the back-and-forth motion or serrations of a chef’s knife.

2. How do you sharpen a Santoku knife?

The absence of a bolster makes a Santoku easier to sharpen than a chef’s knife. To keep the tool spotless while giving it a sharper edge, a whetstone is your holy grail. Soak it in water, tilt the knife at a right angle, and smoothly glide it up and down the stone. For a double-beveled Santoku, repeat the process for the opposite side.

3. Are all Santoku knives dishwasher-friendly?

Most are designed for hand-washing due to their delicate nature. However, if a Santoku knife is dishwasher-safe, the manufacturer’s description will reveal it.

4. What foods shouldn’t you cut using a Santoku?

Factoring in the edge profile, a Santoku isn’t suitable for bone cutting as it’s susceptible to chipping. It also won’t slice loaves of bread efficiently.

5. Why do Santoku knives have tall blades?

To create paper-thin slices that the best Santoku knife is famous for, the blade should be as tall as the food you’re cutting. Tall blades serve as slicing barriers, maintaining uniformity all the way through. A blade that is below 2 inches tall is more likely to create uneven slices.

6. Why do Santoku knives have dimples along their edges?

The dimples form an anti-suction environment which prevents food from clinging to the blade when cutting. From garlic and red peppers to onions, most of the foods you’ll be working with are sticky or juicy.

7. What does ‘Santoku’ mean?

It’s the Japanese translation for ‘three virtues.’ The name of this knife was selected as representing its three purposes: chopping, slicing, and dicing.

The Bottom Line

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or still taking baby steps in the adventurous world of home cooking, the best Santoku knife is a worthwhile investment. Its versatile nature can make all the difference with your food prep.  However, with no shortage of options, the trick to finding your perfect match is to know the fundamentals that make the knife tick and what works for you. Lastly, weigh the pros against the cons.

Best Santoku Knives Comparison

Product Image	Product Name	Dimensions	Price
	Global G-48	11 by 3 inches	$129.95
	Shun Premier	12.25 x 0.75 x 1.82 inches	$$
	Victorinox Rosewood	13.5 x 2.12 x 0.75 inches	$64.17
	Wüsthof 4183 Classic	14 x 2 x 1 inches	$149.95
	Yaxell Gou SG2	11.75 x 0.75 x 1.75 inches	$269.95
	Zwilling J.A. Henckels Professional S	16.7 x 2.7 x 1.5 inches	$$
	Imarku	12 x 3 x 1 inches	$$
	Dalstrong Chef Knife	17.7 x 4.5 x 1.4 inches	$$
	Paudin Pro	7.99 x 1.77 x 0.08 inches	$$
	Alpha Royal Zelite Infinity	12.52 x 0.94 x 1.77 inches	$118.97