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Able to spend money on a high-quality Japanese knife in your kitchen? Listed here are my picks for the most effective Santoku knives, versatile Japanese knives that may minimize meat, fish, and veggies with ease.
With regards to knives, it could appear to be there are limitless choices accessible. From carving to chef’s knives, it’s vital to determine what you want your knife for. Within the Japanese cutlery world, a Santoku knife, or Santoku bocho (三徳包丁, or ‘three virtues’ knife), serves an all-purpose position (try my information on Japanese knives to be taught extra about completely different kins). The perfect Santoku knives can deal with most chopping jobs for meat, fish, and greens with ease, working as a flexible possibility that’s lengthy been the go-to alternative for Japanese dwelling cooks.
To create my listing of the most effective Santoku knives, I included my all-time favourite, the Kikuichi, and the Nagomi knives, together with different top-rated picks from manufacturers like Zwilling and Wusthof. Hold studying to be taught the whole lot you want about shopping for this do-it-all knife.
My Prime Picks:
- What’s in My Kitchen: Nagomi Skilled 7-Inch Santoku Knife – $300 at Amazon
- My Different Favourite: Kikuichi 67-Layer Mirror Damascus Tsuchime 7-inch Santoku Knife – $350 at Kikuichi Cutlery
- Greatest Funds Choose: Mercer Culinary M20707 Genesis 7-Inch Santoku Knife, Black – $46.88 at Amazon
- Greatest Mid-Degree: Mac Knife Superior Santoku Knife, 6-1/2-Inch, Silver – $74.95 at Amazon
- Greatest Hybrid: ZwillingPro 7-Inch Hole Edge Rocking Santoku Knife – $149.95 at Walmart
- Most Sturdy: Wusthof 4183 Wusthof Traditional Hole Edge Santoku Knife 7-Inch – $170 at Amazon
Opinions of The Greatest Santoku Knives
1. What’s in My Kitchen: Nagomi Skilled 7-Inch Santoku Knife
I’ve had the knife for over 10 years, and it’s one in all my trusted kitchen instruments. The blade is admittedly lovely, and every one is exclusive with its patterns. Made in Seki, Japan, it’s a bit costly however this skilled knife shortly slices by means of meats and greens with little or no effort. The truth is, it’s utilized by Michelin cooks all over the world! It makes chopping one thing like skinny Sashimi way more environment friendly and correct for a very beautiful plate of fish. I additionally love the beautiful black pakkawood deal with as a result of it’s mild but sturdy, and the metal may be very arduous, so it ought to final a very long time earlier than it must be sharpened.
The Specs:
- Blade Size: 7 inches
- Materials: Chrome steel (HRC hardness: 60)
The Execs:
- Nice efficiency
- Made in Seki, Japan
- Pure wooden deal with
- Very sturdy
The Cons:
Purchase the Nagomi Skilled 7-Inch Santoku Knife:
2. My Different Favourite: Kikuichi 67-Layer Mirror Damascus Tsuchime 7-Inch Santoku Knife
If you would like a Santuko for magnificence alone, this selection from Kikuichi is the winner. The distinctive mirror-like 67-layer hand-hammered chrome steel blade is each beautiful and efficient within the kitchen. However that’s no shock with Kikuichi’s centuries of expertise making knives in Nara, Japan. It’s one of many most interesting knives I’ve ever used, and it feels mild in your palms to make fast work of prepping. The octagonal magnolia-wood deal with is each snug and delightful, and it’s additionally hand-engraved with the Kikuichi chrysanthemum brand for a stunning contact. As a result of it ships immediately from Japan, you’ll have to attend a bit to obtain it, however I consider the wait is price it for brag-worthy cookware.
The Specs:
- Blade Size: 7 inches
- Materials: 67-layer hand-hammered stainless-steel blade
The Execs:
- Nice efficiency
- Inexpensive worth level
- Good design
The Cons:
Purchase the Kikuichi 67-Layer Mirror Damascus Tsuchime 7-Inch Santoku Knife:
3. Greatest Funds Choose: Mercer Culinary M20707 Genesis 7-Inch Santoku Knife
If you wish to check out a Santoku knife with out spending a ton of cash, the M20707 from USA-based Mercer Culinary is a good decide. This knife, made in Taiwan, boasts a high-quality German metal 7-inch blade and a snug, ergonomic deal with. I like that it’s inexpensive sufficient, so it nonetheless serves as a superb studying device should you’re new to Santoku knives and wish to get some observe earlier than investing in a higher-end mannequin. Whereas it could not look or really feel as artfully crafted as a number of the costlier knives on this listing, this workman’s mannequin from Mercer will get the job performed.
The Specs:
- Blade Size: 7 inches
- Materials: Excessive-carbon German metal
The Execs:
- Nice efficiency
- Inexpensive worth level
- Good design
The Cons:
- Might not be as snug to carry
- May have frequent sharpening
What Others Are Saying:
Critical Eats dubbed this decide because the best-budget Santoku knife. It additionally has a 4.8-star score from greater than 1,480 Amazon evaluations.
Purchase the Mercer Culinary M20707 Genesis 7-Inch Santoku Knife:
4. Greatest Mid-Degree: Mac Knife Superior Santoku Knife, 6-1/2-Inch
When you have a bit more cash to spare, this superior Santoku from Mac Knife is a notable step up from my funds alternative by Mercer. Constructed and hand-sharpened by craftsmen in Seki, Japan, this mannequin comes with a pleasant, sharp edge that’s long-lasting and simple to sharpen. The load and steadiness of this decide appear to be close to best for many cooks, too, at simply 8.4 ounces, and it’s a bit shorter than different knives on this listing at 6.5 inches lengthy. Whereas it’s not as aesthetically pleasing as some costlier choices, this mannequin hits a candy spot of worth and high quality. Simply take correct care of it to make sure it doesn’t rust (see my knife information right here!)
The Specs:
- Blade Size: 6.5 inches
- Materials: Metal
The Execs:
- Holds a pointy edge for a very long time
- Sturdy
- Effectively-balanced weight distribution
- Good for the worth
The Cons:
- Can rust simply if not handled correctly
What Others Are Saying:
This knife has earned excessive reward from many meals publications, together with prime rankings from America’s Take a look at Kitchen and Epicurious. With greater than 700 Amazon evaluations, it has a 4.5-star score.
Purchase the Mac Knife Superior Santoku Knife, 6-1/2-Inch:
5. Greatest Hybrid: Zwilling J.A. Henckels Professional 7-Inch Hole Edge Rocking Santoku Knife
Should you’re not completely offered on committing to an ordinary Santoku knife however nonetheless wish to benefit from the advantages of the type, this selection from Zwilling could also be a sensible choice. Whereas the straight again of the blade presents the exact chopping movement Santoku knives are identified for, the broad curve of the sting permits for the rocking movement that’s frequent in Western knifework. It’s a hybrid design that many reviewers assume presents the most effective of each worlds, although it could make it much less exact when chopping one thing fragile like sashimi.
The Specs:
- Blade Size: 7 inches
- Materials: Chrome steel
The Execs:
- Hybrid of conventional Japanese design and Western-style rocking edge
- Sturdy
- Comparatively straightforward to sharpen
- Good weight and steadiness
- Cuts with ease
- Enticing
The Cons:
- Not straight like a conventional Santoku knife
What Others are Saying:
America’s Take a look at Kitchen dubbed it as probably the greatest Santoku knives, and it has a 4.8-star score on Amazon.
Purchase the Zwilling J.A. Henckels Professional 7-Inch Hole Edge Rocking Santoku Knife:
6. Most Sturdy: Wusthof 4183 Wusthof Traditional Hole Edge Santoku Knife 7-Inch
With regards to Santoku knives at a luxurious worth level, this Wusthof is the reigning champion. It has a 4.8-star score from greater than 1,300 Amazon consumers, and though I’ve but to strive it, clients appear to noticeably like it. Relating to specs, it checks the packing containers I wish to see in a high quality Santoku, together with a high-carbon chrome steel blade that can maintain an edge, a snug deal with, and good steadiness.
The Specs:
- Blade Size: 7 inches
- Materials: Chrome steel
The Execs:
- Sharp
- Sturdy
- Granton edge that forestalls sticking
- Lifetime guarantee
- Snug
The Cons:
- Glides by means of meals a bit too simply
- Costly
What Others are Saying:
It has a 4.8-star score from greater than 1,300 Amazon evaluations.
Purchase the Wusthof 4183 Wusthof Traditional Hole Edge Santoku Knife 7-Inch:
Different Santoku Knives to Think about
Misono UX10 Santoku 7.0-Inch
Made in Seki, Japan, utilizing Swedish excessive carbon stain-resistant metal, this mannequin acquired reward from critics at each Epicurious and America’s Take a look at Kitchen, who included it amongst their prime picks for luxurious Santoku knives. They word that it’s terribly sharp, and the skinny blade glides by means of robust meals with ease, whereas holding its edge longer than most. That being mentioned, it’s fairly expensive and doesn’t have as many Amazon evaluations as a few of my different prime picks. The Misono UX10 Santoku 7-Inch is obtainable at Amazon for $175.60.
Victorinox Fibrox 7-Inch Granton Edge Santoku Knife
Made in Switzerland by the corporate that introduced the enduring ‘Swiss Military Knife’ to the world, this wallet-friendly Santoku options Granton edges on a stamped carbon chrome steel blade. Based on buyer evaluations, this mild knife is ergonomic, agile, and sharp, notably given its affordable worth. Nonetheless, it’s not a Japanese model, so it’s possible not as genuine as different picks on my listing. Plus, some Amazon patrons famous that it rusts simply. The Victorinox Fibrox 7-Inch Granton Edge Santoku Knife is obtainable at Amazon for $54.99.
Shun Traditional 7-Inch Hole-Floor Santoku All-Objective Kitchen Knife
Made by the Kai Company in Seki Metropolis, Japan, the Shun line is thought for its fashionable seems, and this 7-inch Santoku isn’t any exception. With a beautiful Damascus patterned blade cast from 16 layers of proprietary metal mix, this mannequin seems like a luxurious knife. However this knife can also be about perform, and most reviewers discovered it sharp, sturdy, and decently balanced. Some, nevertheless, discovered it a bit too heavy for snug extended use. The Shun Traditional 7” Hole-Floor Santoku All-Objective Kitchen Knife is obtainable at Amazon for $169.95.
Tojiro Skilled Santoku Chef Knife VG10 + 13 Chrome Stainless Metal, 6.7-Inch
This Japanese-made Santoku from Tsubame-sanjo’s Tojiro is, I consider, fairly corresponding to the Mac possibility that made my prime picks. It’s of an analogous dimension and materials to the Mac and, per Amazon evaluations, shares its sharpness, edge retention, consolation of use, and general construct high quality. That being mentioned, the Tojiro mannequin is a bit heavier, which may make a major distinction with extended use. The Tojiro Skilled Santoku Chef Knife VG10 + 13 Chrome Stainless Metal, 6.7-Inch is obtainable at Amazon for $82.67.
Misen Japanese Santoku Chef Knife 7.5 Inch Excessive Carbon Stainless Metal
This Santoku from Misen falls into an analogous class of efficiency and construct high quality to the choices that made my principal listing. One notable distinction is that whereas it’s constituted of Japanese metal, the knife itself is manufactured in China. Moreover, it’s loads sharp and sturdy, but it surely’s additionally considerably heavier and extra corresponding to a Western chef’s knife than the standard Santoku. Typically, I believe there are higher choices accessible. The Misen Japanese Santoku Chef Knife 7.5 Inch Excessive Carbon Stainless Metal is obtainable at Amazon for $82.50.
Why You Can Belief Me
Like most dwelling cooks from Japan, the primary and first kitchen knife I discovered to make use of was the Santoku. Subsequently, I’ve a superb sense of what to search for in a high-quality Santoku. Particularly, I believe an important features of any Santoku knife embrace a pointy blade that may maintain its sharpness by means of prolonged use, a snug deal with that sits naturally within the hand, mild general weight, and good steadiness.
What to Think about Earlier than Shopping for a Santoku Knife
Listed here are some issues to consider earlier than shopping for a Santoku knife.
- Blade: As with every kind of knife, search for sharp edges that retain sharpness over time when looking for a high quality Santoku knife. Blades on Santoku knives are available in a wide range of lengths, and we included choices that vary from 6.5 to 9.5 inches. The perfect blade size for you’ll in the end rely on what you’re most snug with, however an extended blade could be useful when carving meat or chopping skinny slices of poultry.
- Design: You must decide a knife with a deal with that’ll provide a snug grip so it gained’t tire your wrist when chopping a considerable amount of meat and greens. There must also be a pleasant steadiness between the deal with and blade so it feels sturdy when utilizing the knife. A few of the knives on our listing are constituted of completely different supplies, but it surely doesn’t matter an excessive amount of so long as it’s snug to carry and heat-resistant.
- Worth: Earlier than you click on ‘add to cart’, ensure you’re buying a knife that’s inside your funds. You in all probability shouldn’t spend an excessive amount of should you’re undecided you’ll use it too typically, however should you’ve been eyeing a Santoku knife for months and plan to make use of it day by day, you could wish to splurge a bit extra.
Methods to Keep Your Santoku Knife
As with every kitchen device, correct upkeep of your Santoku knife is essential to extending its longevity. If nicely cared for, a superb Santoku can final for a few years. To make it possible for yours does, you should definitely:
- Handwash and absolutely dry the knife after each use. Rust is the nemesis of a pointy knife!
- NEVER use the dishwasher, even when your knife is supposedly dishwasher-safe. The cruel chemical compounds and temperatures within the machine will boring your knife over time.
- Sharpen your knife not less than yearly. Until you’ve got the time and power to do that correctly, I like to recommend going to knowledgeable.
- Use a ceramic (not steel) rod to hone your blade between sharpenings.
For a extra in-depth information to sustaining your Santoku knife, you may confer with my information to Japanese knives.
Incessantly Requested Questions
What Are Santoku Knives Used For?
Santouku knives are versatile for a number of duties, together with slicing fish and chopping meat and greens. It’s much less hefty than a Western-style chef’s knife, which lets you slice and cube greens exactly.
What’s the Distinction Between a Santoku And a Chef’s Knife?
A Santoku knife is usually lighter with a thinner blade than a Western-style chef’s knife. A chef’s knife is sturdy with a bit of heft that does an excellent job of taking down giant cuts of meat and different heavy-duty duties. A Santoku knife, however, is extra exactly made to slice delicate components, reminiscent of fish and greens. Each are nice to have in your kitchen.
How Do You Sharpen a Santoku Knife?
You’ll be able to convey your Santoku to a trusted knife sharpener and get it professionally handled by somebody with expertise. Alternatively, you may learn to use a whetstone to sharpen your Santoku at dwelling. Should you’re new to dwelling sharpening, you should definitely observe it on a less expensive knife earlier than making an attempt along with your costly Santoku.
How Do You Order a Santoku Knife from Japan?
You’ll be able to mail order a Santoku knife immediately from producers in Japan. Happily, the businesses that make the santoku knife I maintain in my kitchen, each Kikuichi and Nagomi, have a web site for mail ordering from the U.S., so you may forego the difficulty.
The Greatest Recipes to Use a Santoku Knife
To place your santoku knife to good use, listed here are a few of my favourite recipes that require fairly a little bit of chopping and exact chopping:
Costs have been correct on the time of publication.
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