Knife

10 Best Santoku Knives of 2021

Photo: Victorinox

Santoku knife is a general purpose knife and an unvarying need of every well-stocked kitchen. The word Santoku refers three prime cutting tasks including slicing, mincing, and dicing.

Considering the fact that you have handful of chopping and slicing tasks in the kitchen, it is important to own the best Santoku knife for a seamless experience.

The blade of these knives is wider than the handle, making it super convenient to hold and use. Also, the blade is thick in formation to provide more control and balance needed for chopping.

All the leading brands like Shun, Wusthof, Dalstrong, Victorinox, etc. manufacture quality Santoku knives. Yet, making the right purchase is always perplexing for the buyers.

Well, today we are going to recommend some of the greatest Santoku knives that are enriched with quality and performance.

Product Name

Blade Length

Weight

Blade Material

Current Price

1. Mercer Culinary Genesis Forged Santoku Knife

7.0 in

16.0 oz

X50CrMoV15 Stainless Steel

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2. Victorinox Fibrox Pro Santoku Knife with Granton Blade

7.0 in

2.4 oz

European Steel

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3. Wusthof 4183-7 Classic Santoku Knife

7.0 in

6.4 oz

High Carbon Stainless Steel

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4. Dalstrong Gladiator Series Santoku Knife

7.0 in

16.0 oz

High Carbon German Steel

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5. Shanasana Santoku Knife with Professional Grade Stainless Steel

7.0 in

7.4 oz

Stainless Steel

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6. Mercer Culinary Millennia Santoku Knife

7.0 in

6.4 oz

High Carbon Stainless Steel

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7. Wusthof Classic Ikon Santoku Knife

7.0 in

6.6 oz

High Carbon German Stainless Steel

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8. Tokageh VG10 Santoku Knife

7.0 in

17.6 oz

VG10 Japanese Stainless Steel

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9. Shun Premier 7-Inch Santoku Knife

7.0 in

10.4 oz

VG10 Japanese Stainless Steel

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10. J.A. Henckels International CLASSIC Santoku Knife

7.0 in

6.4 oz

High Quality German Stainless Steel

Check here

1. Mercer Culinary Genesis Forged Santoku Knife

Photo: Mercer

  • Blade Length: 7 inches
  • Blade Material: X50CrMoV15 Stainless Steel
  • Weight: 16 ounces

Mercer Santoku knife is equipped with a 7 inches long blade made of high carbon German steel which stays clear from stains, rust, and corrosion, even if constantly exposed to kitchen oils.

Also, the blade has toughest properties to withstand the wear and tear of changing temperatures. Being full tang, you can expect durability and outstanding performance.

Taper ground edge of the blade gives it better stability, convenient honing and long lasting performance while also providing utmost balance to the knife.

For the hand security of the user, there is a bolster cupped between the blade and handle. It also makes the handling of the knife quite effortless.

Coming to the handle, this model is equipped with Santoprene handle that will give you finest grip and will not slide away from the hand, even when used wet.

The durability, performance, and endurance make this model the best kitchen Santoku knife in our list.

Pros:

  • Stain-resistant
  • Durable
  • Economical
  • Handle made of quality material for better performance

Cons:

  • Short warranty
  • Heavy
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2. Victorinox Fibrox Pro Santoku Knife with Granton Blade

Photo: Victorinox

  • Blade Length: 7 inches
  • Blade Material: European Steel
  • Weight: 2.4 ounces

Victorinox has given this model 7 inches Granton blade made of high quality European steel that is sharp, corrosion-free, rust free and most durable.

The Granton blade creates pockets of air so that all the veggies that are chopped with the knife can automatically fall down and not stick to it.

The blade is wide enough to accommodate chopped veggies and transfer them to the cooking pan. That is why this model is known as a combination of a cleaver and a chef’s knife.

The blade is straight edge to perform versatile tasks and can be honed and sharpened conveniently. The handle material is of superior quality providing optimum balance to the knife.

This model is economically priced and lightweight to reduce the wrist fatigue. Also, this knife is available with lifetime warranty again defects to protect your purchase.

Undeniably, this one of the best Japanese Santoku knife in our list.

Pros:

  • Lightweight handle to reduce wrist fatigue
  • Full tang
  • Easy to hone and sharpen
  • Lifetime warranty

Cons:

  • Blade may need instant sharpening
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3. Wusthof 4183-7 Classic 7-Inch Santoku Knife

Photo: Wusthof

  • Blade Length: 7 inches
  • Blade Material: High Carbon Stainless Steel
  • Weight: 6.4 ounces

The Wusthof classic Santoku is another amazing model with a 7 inches long blade made of high carbon stainless steel. This steel is known for its unbelievable performance as it is too sharp and provide effortless cutting.

The alternative hollows on the blade prevent the food from clinging to the knife. Also, since it is full tang, you can expect great durability and brilliant performance from the knife.

Single piece of high carbon has been used in the making of the knife to ensure the toughness of this model. The high quality blade is fastened to the tough polypropylene handle.

Full tang handle with three rivets make this model an ideal choice among the buyers that want to ensure security from the knife. The handle and blade will never fall apart and cause damage to the user.

You will find this product quite pricey but the quality of Wusthof products is truly amazing and worth every penny spent.

Pros:

  • Extremely tough
  • Full tang
  • Comfortable handle
  • Great performance

Cons:

  • Expensive
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4. Dalstrong Gladiator Series 7-Inch Santoku Knife

Photo: Dalstrong

  • Blade Length: 7 inches
  • Blade Material: High Carbon German Steel
  • Weight: 16 ounces

Dalstrong Santoku knife is a known for its craftsmanship and cutting edge technology. The 7 inches long blade is made of high quality German steel and is hand polished at 18 degrees per side for great performance.

The blade is incredibly razor sharp and full tang for added performance and durability. The shallow divots on the blade does not let veggies stick to it and provide swift slicing.

Blade is finely tapered for improved hardness, flexibility and minimal slicing resistance. The handle is made of black pakkawood premium material to ensure most comfortable grip.

The triple riveted handle has amazing durability and feels strong in the hand. It will not slide away even if used wet.

This model is engineered to provide finest experience of slicing, mincing, dicing, and all other related tasks.

The knife has been priced decently however, some buyers will still find it a little expensive. It comes with lifetime warranty to safeguard your purchase.

It is a good Santoku knife and you can try it risk free with 100% cash return policy, if you are not satisfied with the product.

Pros:

  • Lifetime warranty
  • High quality stainless steel for great performance
  • Durability
  • Pakkawood handle for utmost strength and balance

Cons:

  • Heavy
  • Expensive
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5. Shanasana 7-Inch Santoku Knife with Professional Grade Stainless Steel

Photo: Shanasana

  • Blade Length: 7 inches
  • Blade Material: Stainless Steel
  • Weight: 7.4 ounces

This model from Shanasana has got 7 inches blade made of stainless steel. The best part is that you don’t have to worry about rusting or staining or corroding of the knife because of the stainless steel material.

The ultra sharp blade comes with straight edge, ideal for slicing, dicing, chopping, scooping, etc. This is a restaurant quality knife that is ready to use and equipped with impressive and strong features.

The ergonomic handle is designed to provide finest grip, comfort and prevent wrist fatigue. Also, the handle boosts the control and balance of the knife.

This model offers sufficient knuckle clearance and provide comfortable handling. It is dishwasher friendly and comes with lifetime warranty.

Due to its economical price, this model is the cheapest Santoku knife in our list that deliver great performance to the users.

Pros:

  • Corrosion-resistant
  • High quality handle for comfortable holding
  • Prevent wrist fatigue
  • Lightweight
  • Extremely affordable

Cons:

  • Blade will require frequent honing
  • Performance could have been better
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6. Mercer Culinary Millennia 7-Inch Santoku Knife

Photo: Mercer

  • Blade Length: 7 inches
  • Blade Material: High Carbon Stainless Steel
  • Weight: 6.4 ounces

Here we come again with the Mercer Santoku made of 7 inches high carbon stainless steel blade with Granton edge for super splendid and versatile performance. The steel ensures sharpness of the knife and does not corrode or rust.

The razor sharp blade is for rapid performance of the knife in various kitchen chopping tasks. Due to the one piece high carbon, the knife will serve you for years without getting damaged.

Then there is the ergonomic handle made of santoprene and polypropylene that ensure utmost comfort of the holder and also boost the durability of the knife.

The textured finger points on the handle makes it slip-resistant and safe in usage. You will find this knife really useful in the kitchen.

It is available at an economical price and comes with limited lifetime warranty.

Pros:

  • Razor sharp blade
  • Full tang
  • Highly durable
  • Comfortable handle

Cons:

  • Short period warranty
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7. Wusthof Classic Ikon 7-Inch Santoku Knife

Photo: Wusthof

  • Blade Length: 7 inches
  • Blade Material: High Carbon German Stainless Steel
  • Weight: 6.6 ounces

Next in our best Santoku review we have, Wusthof ikon with 7 inches blade made of high carbon German stainless steel. The material is extremely superior and will not rust or corrode.

The blade has intense properties to withstand wear and tear of changing temperature. Thanks to the robust performance of the blade, it can give paper thin slices of the vegetables.

To ensure the performance, the blade has been precisely forged and laser controlled. The double bolsters will offer better balance to the knife and deliver effortless cutting.

The full tang handle is quite dependable as it keeps your hand at ease and extremely secure. Also, it will not slide away from the hand when used wet.

This model is relatively expensive and comes with lifetime warranty. Also, it is not dishwasher friendly so you better wash it with hand for long lasting performance.

Pros:

  • Double bolster for extreme control
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Lightweight
  • High performance blade

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Not dishwasher friendly
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8. Tokageh VG10 7-Inch Santoku Knife

Photo: Tokageh

  • Blade Length: 7 inches
  • Blade Material: VG10 Japanese Stainless Steel
  • Weight: 17.6 ounces

The Tokageh model is equipped with a 7 inches VG10 stainless steel blade. The steel is basically called Japanese steel which is sharpest in nature and have the tendency to withstand abuse of kitchen tasks.

The blade is forged at 8 to 13 degrees on each side to offer more precision and accuracy to the knife. Also, the divots at the blade makes it non stick and does not allow veggies to stick onto it.

The blade opens up to the ergonomic G-10 military grade handle which is rigid, lightweight, strong, and unbelievably durable. You will find the handle really powerful as it provides great balance and control to the holder.

The weaved texture on the handle is designed to boost the grip and gives maximum stability for dicing and slicing tasks.

This model is economically priced and comes with lifetime warranty.

Pros:

  • Amazing grip
  • Economical
  • Blade Divots to prevent clinging of the food
  • Comfortable handle
  • Lifetime warranty

Cons:

  • Heavy
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9. Shun Premier 7-Inch Santoku Knife

Photo: Shun

  • Blade Length: 7 inches
  • Blade Material: VG10 Japanese Stainless Steel
  • Weight: 10.4 ounces

This model from Shun is its premium range, equipped with 7 inches blade made of Japanese stainless steel for unvarying performance and longevity.

The blade features layered Damascus steel which is hand hammered to ensure that no veggies stick to it as you slice or mince.

The blade is also great in performance and it does not corrode or rust. But yes, you will have to be careful with the maintenance so that the knife could serve you for long period.

The premium pakkawood handle makes this model more dependable as the handle will give you great grip and keep the hand at ease.

The curves on the handle will boost the gripping and it will not slide from your hand even if the hands are wet.

This model is dishwasher friendly although you are highly recommended to wash with hand and instant dry for better and long lasting performance.

Enjoy lifetime warranty with this knife and safeguard your purchase.

Pros:

  • Japanese blade for great performance
  • Premium quality handle for durability
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Dishwasher friendly

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • May need instant sharpening
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10. J.A. Henckels International CLASSIC 7-Inch Santoku Knife

Photo: J.A. Henckels International

  • Blade Length: 7 inches
  • Blade Material: High Quality German Stainless Steel
  • Weight: 6.4 ounces

Last but not the least we have J.A. Henckels Santoku with 7 inches high quality stainless steel. This model is equipped with German steel which is best among its counterparts for the amazing performance.

The satin finished blade boosts the precision cutting and the fine honing gives long lasting sharpness of the knife. This model has full tang blade for increased durability and strength.

The ergonomic handle is made of high quality material that provide utmost balance and comfort to the hand as you cut, slice, or mince.

The fully forged construction of this knife ensures durability and provide seamless transition from blade to the handle. This model is a perfect pick for cutting meat, fish, or vegetables.

The knife is available at a decent price.

Pros:

  • Rust and corrosion-resistant blade
  • Durable
  • Full tang
  • Ideal for cutting meat, fish and vegetables

Cons:

  • Handle could have been better
Check Price on Amazon

How to Buy the Best Santoku Knives

Photo: Wusthof

There are a couple of things that we would like you to know before purchasing Santoku knife.

1. Blade Material

First of all, it is crucial to pick the blade material wisely. The blade material will safeguard the performance and durability of the knife.

Here are some of the materials available that you can consider:

  • High Carbon Steel : In Santoku knives, the preferred choice of steel is high carbon. You will find all the top branded knives made of high carbon steel. It is quite sharp and ensure great performance. Also, this steel can live without rust, stains, and corrosion for a long time. This material holds the edge of the blade for the longest time.
  • Carbon Steel : The carbon steel is less expensive and also get sharpened easily. However, this material usually gets corroded or stained quite soon. If you are looking for a durable model then this material is not for you.
  • Stainless Steel : Most of the knives that are extremely affordable have stainless steel material which is completely rust and corrosion resistant. But at the same time, it does not have great sharpness.
  • Ceramic Knives : These days, you can also find Santoku knives with ceramic blades that are extremely sharp and less in maintenance. But these are too fragile to offer durability.

If you ask us then we will suggest you to buy high carbon steel. You may have to work a little on the maintenance but it will serve you for the longest time.

2. Handle Material

Handle of a knife is also quite significant. Surely, you don’t want to hold something that is not comfortable or offer poor grip. So, here are some choices to make:

  • Stainless Steel : Undeniably, stainless steel handles are the most durable type but its heaviness may feel uncomfortable in the hand.
  • Plastic : Well, if you want to go for an inexpensive option then plastic is the right material for you. But the plastic handle will be slippery and also too lightweight to give best balance.
  • Wood : There is no denying that wood looks great on a knife and it also offer great grip. However, the only drawback is that it can tear from between causing cracks on the handle and difficult to hold.

According to your need you must pick the handle material.

3. Weight

The weight of a Santoku knife should neither be too heavy nor too light. Make sure that you pick the right weighed knife that does not tire your hand or wrist as you use it for long time.

Conclusion

The best Santoku knife is the one that is equipped with perfect size and weight, blade of finest quality steel and a comfortable handle.

It is a long term purchase and you should pick the product that can deliver best and long lasting performance.

The models that we have mentioned above are equipped with all the features that you expect from a durable knife.

We have low priced and high priced models from the leading brands. Pick the model that is suitable as per your budget and rest assured because these knives are great value of money.

Happy Shopping!

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