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Best Santoku Knives In 2022

This product guide was written by GearHungry Staff
Last Updated January 9, 2020
GearHungry Staff
GearHungry Staff posts are a compilation of work by various members of our editorial team. We update old articles regularly to provide you the most current information. You can learn more about our staff here.
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To cut perfect slicer of cucumbers, chop up parsley leaves and cut your ham into munchable bits, you will need the help of a well-designed santoku knife. These are knives designed with Japanese design elements, materials, and features to make the cutting, chopping, and slicing processes much more manageable. Santoku knives work on fish, meat, and vegetables. They are specially crafted to be sharp and durable, with the ability to get you enjoying all your cutting sessions. If you are in the market for the best Santoku knives, our well-curated review will help. We have also added a detailed buying guide meant to help you make the best choice for your kitchen.

The Best Santoku Knife

1
Mercer Culinary Millennia Santoku Knife

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Our first knife review will be on the Mercer Culinary Millennia Santoku Knife. Out of all the available brands in the market today, the Mercer brand stands tall with all its products being of high quality. We can vouch for its efficiency and durability; thanks to the fantastic features this knife comes with. 

The Mercer millennia knife is made from high carbon, Japanese steel metal, which is known to be extra sharp and extremely durable. The knife is designed from the blade to the handle, to make its use very comfortable and enjoyable. The handle of this santoku knife is created using both polypropene and Santoprene, to extend the lifespan of the unit. For the ultimate grip, safety and slip resistance, the Mercer millennia knife features textured finger points and a protective finger guard.

Other features of this santoku knife include its precision construction, razor-sharp blade edge, an NSF certification of safety and a limited lifetime warranty on every purchase. The sword is rigorously tested to ensure that it meets and exceeds all the necessary regulations set by safety organizations in the USA. Manufacturers of this kitchen knife advise customers to hand wash their knives as much as possible to prevent early deterioration of the blade and handles. When washing, use warm water and soap, before drying your knife with a soft towel. Avoid soaking your knives in water or aluminum sinks as this might result in the pitting of your blade.

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Key Features:

One-piece high-carbon, stain-free Japanese steel

NSF certified

Limited lifetime warranty

Superior quality Japanese steel

Specification:
  • BrandMercer Culinary
  • ModelM22707
  • Weight6.4 ounces
Pros

Santoprene non-slip handle

NSF certified

One-year warranty

Cons

Take extra care when handling

Needs washing and drying straight after use

May require regular oiling

BUY ON AMAZON

2
Zelite Infinity Santoku Knife

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The second best santoku knife brand available on the market is Zelite. They are a company with a collection of countless knife models, each of which possesses an exceptional quality and strength that can’t be found in other models by competing brands. Their Zelite Infinity Santoku knife is one of such items, and it has taken the market by storm for many reasons. 

This is a highly recommended santoku knife. It is a member of Zelite’s Alpha Royal series and is made with durable Japanese steel. With a superb length of seven inches, this knife is razor-sharp and features magnificent edge retention which sets a new standard for all santoku knives on the market. The Zelite infinity knife offers minimal slicing resistance, a full tang and a satisfying heft which leaves all customers extremely satisfied with every cut, chop or slice. The handle of this santoku knife is as ergonomic as its comfortable. It features a triple riveting system to the full tang and is also ergonomically rounded for more grip and security. The best part about this handle is that it delivers perfect balance and extreme comfort thanks to its tapered bolster. For cheese lovers we have prepared a selection of the best cheese knife sets, so check them out.

Key Features:

Alpha-royal series

Japanese AUS-10 super steel

Superb edge retention

Secure and comfortable grip

Specification:
  • BrandZelite Infinity
  • Weight9.9 ounces
Pros

Gorgeous craftsmanship

Tough G-10 synthetic grips

Damascus steel finish

Cons

G-10 handle lacks enough grip

Full bolster alters the balance of the knife

BUY ON AMAZON

3
Mercer Culinary Genesis Forged Santoku Knife

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No santoku knife cuts better than the Mercer Culinary Genesis Santoku knife! This is one of the best Santoku knives in the world, and it is the most well-designed cutting tool produced by Mercer Culinary. If you are a chef or a culinary enthusiast in need of a reliable cutting tool, this will be your ideal option out of the lot. 

The Genesis santoku knife features a tang for ultimate balance. It is made with high carbon, no-stain German cutlery steel; thus, it can be used on all your meats, fish, and vegetables without worrying about material residue. This knife has a razor-sharp blade which resists corrosion, discoloration, and rust and features a precision forged construction meant to enhance its durability and stability. Even with wet hands, you can handle this knife easily, thanks to its ergonomically designed handle. The handle of the Genesis santoku knife offers superior comfort and excellent resistance to slip, with the ability to withstand both cold and hot temperatures. Every Mercer Culinary knife comes with a limited lifetime warranty and an NSF certification which is handed to the manufacturer after rigorous tests and experiments. Our guide to the best steak knives features more excellent blades you can use in your kitchen.

Key Features:

Tang provides an excellent balance

NSF certified

Limited lifetime warranty

Precision-forged German steel

Specification:
  • BrandMercer Culinary
  • ModelM20707
  • Weight0.16 ounces
Pros

Made from no-stain high carbon German steel

Granton edge blade to minimize friction

Santoprene non-slip handle

Cons

Take extra care to reduce the risk of chips

Needs washing to reduce the risk of rusting

High carbon blade needs regular oiling

BUY ON AMAZON

4
Victorinox Fibrox Pro Santoku Knife

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Over the years, we have come to trust the Victorinox brand as a trusted household name in the kitchen equipment industry. They provide a wide range of products which make our kitchens both beautiful and functional. Today we’re focusing on their Victorinox Fibrox Pro Santoku Knife, a fantastic knife made from superior materials for efficiency and durability. 

This santoku knife is the best among the rest on the market. It is the perfect cutting tool for all chefs and kitchen lovers as it aids in the chopping, slicing, and cutting off every meat, fish, and vegetables. This knife is a versatile kitchen tool that comes with the features of a chef knife and cleaver all merged into one. It features a unique shape which enables the unit to act as a scoop or spatula to help you collect your chopped items from a chopping board. This Victorinox Swiss Army knife is very easy to handle. It features an ergonomically designed handle made for an excellent resistance to slip, even when your hands are wet. The Fibrox Pro knife is the perfect cutting tool for any culinary professionals. It is crafted in Switzerland like all other Victorinox products and comes with the company’s lifetime guarantee against all artistry and defects. 

Key Features:

Granton edge

7-inch blade

Ergonomic fibrox pro handle

Stainless steel blade

Specification:
  • BrandVictorinox
  • Model6.8523.17
  • Weight1.6 ounces
Pros

Lightweight construction

Granton edge 7″ blade minimizes food sticking

Fibrox Pro ergonomic handle

Cons

Takes time to get used to lightweight

The handle may be a little small

Manufacturer recommends handwashing

BUY ON AMAZON

5
TATARA Santoku Knife

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The Tatara Santoku Knife is a seven-inch cutting knife manufactured to be the perfect kitchen cutting tool for chefs and culinary professionals. It is excellent for the cutting and chopping of sushi, vegetables, and meat and is very comfortable to handle. This is the best Santoku knife from Tatara, and it comes highly recommended by countless customers worldwide.

This knife from Tatara is built from an ultra-sharp Japanese steel material which makes the blade razor-sharp all day long. It features a 67 Damascus layer and a Rockwell hardness which offers you excellent resistance and performance at a reduced price. Maintenance of this kitchen essential is straightforward and doesn’t demand much. This santoku knife enables you to cut with laser precision, thanks to its full tang, nitrogen cooling and triple riveting systems. The handle used for this knife is very ergonomic. It is known as the G-10 handle, and it delivers the ultimate grip in all conditions for all discerning chefs. Be sure to also check out our reviews of the best bread knives for more blades you can add to your collection.

Key Features:

7 inch Japanese Sushi knife for chefs

VG10 Damascus

Perfect for sushi and meat cutting

Comes with wooden case

Specification:
  • BrandTatara
  • ModelVG10damsantoku-Tatara
  • Weight1.75 pounds
Pros

Supreme quality Japanese forged steel blade

Impermeable Canvas-Micarta handle

Full tang construction

Cons

Damascus finish doesn’t keep food from sticking

Looks a bit cheap

Extra care should be taken when honing

BUY ON AMAZON

6
Mac Knife SK-65 Superior Santoku Knife

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Our next knife is Mac Santoku. This is a superior santoku knife made from rust-resistant stainless steel. It is six inches in length and features the use of high carbon for enhanced durability. The Mac knife features a razor-sharp edge and a pakka wood handle which is ergonomic and comfortable to use.

We recommend the Mac santoku knife for all culinary professionals. It is to be washed by hand and not a dishwasher as this may damage its materials. This Japanese knife is excellent for use on your vegetables, fruits, and meats. It slices steadily and precisely such that every chef can enhance their creativity and cutting skills with ease. You may also like some of the best electric knives from our list, so be sure to check them out.

Key Features:

Razor-sharp edge

Pakka wood handle

Hand wash is recommended, not dishwasher safe

Made In Japan

Specification:
  • BrandMac Knife
  • ModelSK-65
  • Weight8.8 ounces
Pros

Granton edge blade

Lightweight 7″ knife

Full tang

Cons

Does not work well with hard foods

Needs regular honing and sharpening

Operations take some getting used to

BUY ON AMAZON

7
PAUDIN Pro Boning Knife

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The Paudin Boning Knife is the best santoku knife in the history of cutting tools. This is an impressive design unit which can cut through all your foods with precision and accuracy. It is six inches in length and is made from the best stainless steel material in the world. It comes with an ultra-sharp blade and an ergonomic handle which makes its use very enjoyable. 

The Paudin boning knife is known as a fillet knife which is integrated with a comfortable and soft handle for the best grip. The ergonomics of this unit merges balance and flexibility perfectly, making this knife the greatest among the rest in today’s market. If you are looking for blades specialized for cutting meat, check out our guide to the best meat cleavers. 

Key Features:

High carbon stainless steel knife

Ergonomic handle

Ultra sharp and flexible

6 inch blade

Specification:
  • BrandPAUDIN
  • ModelN4-Bread Knife
  • Weight6.7 ounces
Pros

Steel forged blade outperforms high-end cutlery

Synthetic grips are stable

Tapered tang for superior handling

Cons

Ground hollows are further from the cutting edge

Tapered tang is not the same as a full tang

The clasp looks and feels cheap compared to the quality of the blade

BUY ON AMAZON

8
MAD SHARK Pro Kitchen Santoku Knives

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Meet the Mad Shark Kitchen knife, one of the best Santoku knives in the kitchen industry. We love this knife for many reasons, starting from its durable build. The Mad Shark knife features an oval-shaped hollow divot and features a hollow edge design which makes cutting extremely easy. It is designed using the basic santoku principles; thus, it is nimble enough for all your cutting, mincing, and dicing.

The versatility of the Mad Shark knife is outstanding and stunning when compared to the efficiency of many brands in the market today. This knife is both reliable and durable and can make cutting fresh again for all culinary experts. For more amazing blades for your kitchen, check out our guide to the best butcher knives.

Key Features:

7 Inch chef’s knife

Best German stainless steel knife

Ergonomic handle

Best for home kitchen and restaurant

Specification:
  • BrandMad Shark
  • ModelSK01-Santoku Knife
  • Weight8.6 ounces
Pros

German-crafted high-carbon blade

Full tang construction

Precision edge technology edge is sharper than the competition

Cons

The blade is fairly plain

Some chefs prefer the hollows to be mid-blade

Full bolster adds length to the handle compared to a traditional santoku

BUY ON AMAZON

9
Shun Cutlery Premier Santoku Knife

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The Shun Premier Santoku Knife is a beautifully crafted cutting tool made with easy to handle parts made from premium, durable materials. It is an Asian inspired knife that has slowly found its way into the hearts of culinary professionals around the world.

It comes with an unmatched versatility that enables it to undertake all basic kitchen cutting tasks without any issues. The Shun knife is made from super steel, and it features a hammered tsuchime finish which helps the user deliver precise and clean results every time. You can cut all your vegetables, meats and fish with this santoku or offer it as a gift to foodies or to any culinary enthusiast you know.

Key Features:

Agile to use and easy to maneuver

Fits in hand Like a glove

Hand-sharpened

Handcrafted in Japan

Specification:
  • BrandShun
  • ModelTDM0702
  • Weight5.4 ounces
Pros

NSF certified for commercial kitchen use

Pakkawood walnut handle

NSF certified

Cons

The manufacturer recommends hand washing

The blade edge is susceptible to chipping

BUY ON AMAZON

10
DALSTRONG Santoku Knife

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Dalstrong is a brand which creates products to support chefs in their daily culinary activities. They manufacture some of the world’s best knives which work day in and day out to make you more precise, productive, and creative in all your cooking endeavors. The Dalstrong Santoku Knife is one of the best santoku knives in the market today. 

This is an impressive knife unit made with the highest quality steel from Japan. It is made following the standard santoku knife construction which ensures its extended lifespan and efficiency. This seven-inch knife features a precision blade forged for the busiest of kitchens. No matter what you plan on cutting or chopping, the Dalstrong santoku knife will be there to give you the assistance you require. 

The Dalstrong brand is loyal to their community and customers. They care about every suggestion made; thus, they create product after months of research and endless rigorous tests. Every knife design is seen as an act of love and ever packaging detail a sign of their care for everyone who makes a purchase. To always keep your cutting tools perfectly sharp, check out our top picks of the best knife sharpeners.

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Key Features:

Award-winning design

Premium materials

Imported high-carbon German steel

100% satisfaction or money-back guarantee

Specification:
  • BrandDalstrong
  • ModelGS-7inch-Santoku
  • Weight1 pounds
Pros

62+ Rockwell

Non-slip G10 handle

Locking sheath included in design

Cons

Requires regular maintenance

Blade edge stands a high risk of damage and chipping

BUY ON AMAZON

Santoku Knife Buying Guide & FAQ

How We Chose Our Selection Of Santoku Knife

Brand - This article has listed models belonging to trusted manufacturers worldwide. These brands have enough expertise in the design and production of such knives; thus, and we believe that all their products will do a great job. Some of such brands include Mercer Culinary, Victorinox, Shun and Mad Shark.

Price - Our editorial team considered the resources of every reader and the different budgets they possess before creating this recommendation list. Every item on our list is budget-friendly and doesn't demand a lot of investment.

Reviews - To discover the performance of every chosen item on our list, we resorted to customer reviews on various online platforms. These reviews provided us with the much-needed information on each knife, and the best way they must be used.

santoku knife

 Features To Look For In Santoku Knife

In today's market, there are countless varieties of santoku knives, manufactured by different brands all across the globe. Due to the versatility of such blades, the specifications of the edge you wish to purchase must be up to par with standards. To ensure that you pick the ideal model for your culinary ventures, we have listed the vital factors you need to consider before making a selection.

Sharpness - Every knife requires an extra sharp blade; else, its performance will be questioned. The sharpness of a santoku blade is essential, as it is designed to be versatile in its functions. Your chosen santoku knife must offer you a very sharp edge which will not wilt or split. It must also be easy to clean and maintain as this also contributes to keeping the sharpness of the unit.

Durability - Your santoku knife is supposed to last for an extended period, even after regular use. For such strength, one needs to pay attention to the material used in developing their preferred knife. Most of the best Santoku knives are made from high carbon non-stain German or Japanese steel, which is highly resistant to rust and excessive impact.

Handle - Even though we all admire the blade of knives for their performance, no knife will be complete without its handle. Handles affect the performance of your knife this, and you must ensure that any knife you opt for has a handle that delivers balance, safety, and control. Handles are made from different materials; thus, it is your duty to find the material you're most comfortable with.

Performance - Santoku knives need to perform excellently to be adjudged the best in the market. Before you purchase any knife, be sure to check out all the reviews about its performance from existing users. This will provide you with all the necessary information needed, especially with regard to how it behaves after regular use and how it should be maintained.

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Santoku Knife FAQ

Q: What is a santoku knife?

A: Santoku is a Japanese word meaning 'three uses.' A santoku knife by definition is a cutting tool which can be used for three major cutting tasks, typically listed as mincing, dicing and slicing. They can be used on any food item apart from bone and bread and are often used to create extra thin slices of food.

Q: What is a santoku knife best used for?

A: The best tasks every santoku knife can be used for are cutting, slicing, and mincing. This is because their blades are designed to be extra sharp for these activities. The santoku knife cannot be used to peel vegetables or fruits and also cannot be used to cut bones and bread.

Q: What is size santoku knife best?

A: There are mini santoku knives which measure exactly five inches. The ideal blade size for a santoku knife, however, is 5.5 inches or 14cm. This is considered the standard length of a santoku knife in Japan. The best knife size will be determined by your needs and the items you will be slicing.

Q: Who makes the best santoku knife?

A: Many brands are creating well-designed santoku knives, thus picking only one can be very tough. Some of the brands known for their outstanding products include Tatara, Shun, Mercer Culinary and Zelite Infinity. These are brands which make the most outstanding cutting tools made from premium materials and technologies.

Q: What is a 7-inch santoku knife used for?

A: A seven-inch santoku knife performs just as a regular santoku knife does. It slices, minces, and dices all your foods into thin pieces for all your culinary creations.

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