The best santoku knife is a great all-arounder, suitable for most cutting and slicing tasks, so it's worth investing in a decent one. Santoku knives are the Japanese equivalent of a Western chef's knife. They have a large, unserrated, blade that's curved at the end. Many santoku knives boast a Granton-edge blade, featuring dimples that create a teeny air pocket when cutting, allowing for easier food release. We've gathered a selection of superb santoku knives for your consideration.
Mercer Culinary Renaissance santoku knife
Traditional style from a catering-quality brand
Mercer Culinary makes professional-level blades used by chefs all around the world. Its 7-inch santoku knife is a good quality option. It has one-piece precision-forged construction with a full tang design. This means the metal blade runs all the way through the handle for a more balanced user experience. The blade is made of high-carbon, stain-resistant, German cutlery steel and has a taper-ground edge. The triple-riveted handle is ergonomically designed and is made of durable, cold- and heat-resistant Delrin plastic.
Aroma House santoku knife
Ultra-sharp with a non-slip handle
This popular 7-inch santoku knife has a lovely, lustrous, polished pakkawood handle and a Granton-edge dimpled blade for speedy slicing. This knife boasts full-tang construction with an attractive metallic finish on the knife's butt giving it a well-balanced feel. The blade is made from high carbon German stainless steel that goes through a high-tech vacuum heat treatment for strength and durability. The blade is double-edged, meaning it can be used by both right- and left-handers. This knife comes gift boxed.
Findking Dynasty Series santoku knife
Beautiful octagonal rosewood handle
Findking's popular Dynasty Series knife range uses a special type of steel that's good for retaining sharpness, meaning you'll need to sharpen this less often. The two-tone blade's construction is special, too; it's forged with three layers. This blade doesn't have the Granton edge that other santoku knives do but has a special clad dimple textured finish for easy food release. This 7-inch knife's handle is stunning. It's made from African rosewood and shaped octagonally for a firm and steady grip.
Tuo Black Hawk Series santoku knife
With a handsome pakkawood handle
Tuo's Black Hawk Series knives are made from German, high-carbon, stainless steel and get a precise vacuum heat-treatment and nitrogen cryogenic tempering, offering hardness, flexibility, and lasting performance. This 7-inch blade is sharpened using the traditional Japanese Honbazuke method, which is done by hand in three stages, resulting in the perfect cutting angle of 14 to 16 degrees on each side. This knife boasts full-tang construction with triple rivets. It also has a handsome handle made from luxury imported black pakkawood.
Farberware EdgeKeeper santoku knife
Self-sharpening case ensures the blade doesn't dull
From a best-selling brand, this budget-friendly, 7-inch santoku knife has a really clever unique selling point — the case it comes with has built-in EdgeKeeper sharpening technology so you hone it every time you use it, ensuring an always-sharp result. The blade is made from high-carbon steel that offers durability and will resist rust. This knife has a black plastic handle that is gently shaped to offer an ergonomic fit in your hand.
Imarku santoku knife
Comes in a high-quality black gift box
The blade of Imarku's 7-inch santoku knife is made from razor-sharp, premium German high-carbon stainless steel, so it's rust-proof as well as wear-, stain-, and corrosion-resistant. The blade's thickness is 2.5mm (0.1-inches), and it has an edge that's been hand-polished to 15 to 18 degrees on each side. This knife's attractive looks are thanks, in part, to its lovely handle. It's made of smooth, polished pakkawood. Imarki states the curve and angle of the handle is ergonomically designed for a comfortable and ambidextrous hold.
Bravedge santoku knife
Comes complete with safety sheath
This affordable 7-inch choice is a more lightweight option than other products. It has a hygienic and comfortable-to-hold polypropylene and ABS plastic handle with a woodgrain-effect pattern. There is a slip guard just above the blade to make this knife a safe slicing solution. The blade is made from high-quality stainless steel and has a metallic painted finish. Unlike other options, this practical knife is safe to go in the dishwasher.
Stay sharp
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These santoku knives all offer a superb slicing solution. Our overall staff pick, the Mercer Culinary Renaissance santoku knife, has a traditionally styled handle and a well-balanced, full tang construction.
One knife that offers a very clever design is the Farberware EdgeKeeper santoku knife. This option comes with a self-sharpening sheath, so the blade is always freshly honed.
If you're looking for classic Japanese looks, then consider the Findking Dynasty Series santoku knife. This knife has a striking two-tone blade and a very attractive octagonal rosewood handle.