Top 20 Best Santoku Knife Reviews In 2020

Santoku knives are the chef’s best friends. They are so versatile that having one in the kitchen will save many hassles out of preparing ingredients for yummy dishes.

But how can you choose a perfect companion amongst thousands of products out there? That’s a hard task, especially if you are not a pro in this field.

Don’t worry! I got your back. I have searched and tested several Santoku knives to give you unbiased reviews on the best ones. You can read all about them right below.

Scroll down now!

Read more:

• Top 17 Best Butter Keepers Reviews In 2020
• Top 18 Best Grill Cleaner Reviews In 2020
• Top 18 Best Milk Frother Reviews In 2020
• Top 20 Best Single Serve Blenders Reviews In 2020

Top 20 Best Santoku Knives Reviews In 2020

Zelite Infinity Santoku Knife 7-inch

Today’s list will open with a product by Zelite Infinity that belongs to the Alpha-Royal series. It comes in a lot of sizes, but I am reviewing the 7’’ version.

I bet you will love this knife at first sight, and I’m not even exaggerating. It looks stunning with exquisite Damascus pattern on the surface. Your friends would surely be envy of you for having such a knife!

The visual beauty of this item is further complemented by a hollow ground blade, and this feature isn’t there for decoration only. It works to minimize friction as well as give smooth cuts. Plus, it is non-stick for effortless cleanup. The new blade comes razor-sharp, so you should handle with attention.

Another outstanding feature must be the black rounded handle, which is triple riveted to the full tang to provide a comfortable grip. Also, you don’t need to worry about heat and moisture as it is resistant to both.

To top all the goodies off, this Zelite Infinity knife is backed with a lifetime warranty.

OXO Good Grips Professional Santoku Knife

OXO is a familiar name when it comes to household appliances. You must have heard of this brand and its excellent products before, right? If not, give this knife a try. You will see that OXO is famous for good reasons.

At first glance, it looks similar to the Zelite Infinity knife in most ways. For example, the OXO product features a ground blade, which has kullens running along the edge. These patterns help to reduce friction and prevent foods from sticking. Therefore, cleaning the knife is a breeze even if you have to wash it by hands.

The stainless steel blade is hardened for strength, so it will cut meat, fish, and vegetables with much ease.

As you see, its blade is great, but the handle is no less excellent. The rubber handle is ergonomically designed and contoured so that you find it comfortable to hold. It also provides that familiar non-slip, pressure-absorbing feel, whether wet or dry.

And the last thing to convince you into a purchase is the manufacturer’s lifetime warranty.

Kyocera Advanced Ceramic Revolution Santoku Knife

Santoku refers to three basic cutting tasks: slicing, dicing, and mincing. And this Kyocera is a real Santoku knife that handles these tasks excellently.

Unlike above products, this Kyocera ceramic blade is made out of zirconia material in Japan. It doesn’t have a shiny look as stainless steel but brings about a firm and heavy feel in grey shade. Appearance aside, it is ultra-sharp and durable. Kyocera claims that this blade will maintain their edge up to 10 times longer than steel blades.

If doubtful, you can buy a knife and test it yourself.

There is more to say about the blade. It is incredibly lightweight, about half the weight of equivalent steel knives. When it comes to performance, it cuts precisely and smoothly with minimal resistance, and there is little elbow grease needed.

I don’t know if this is a minus or not, but there is only one size for this knife, which is 5 ½ inches. It would attract more customers if the manufacturer provided more size options. But to make up for that, it comes in a lot of colors for those who want to add some fun to cooking.

Dalstrong Santoku Knife Shogun Series

This is my go-to Santoku knife, and maybe yours if you give it a try! This Dalstrong Santoku knife belongs to the Shogun series.

What makes this knife unique is the ultrasharp Japanese steel cutting core, which is sandwiched between 66 layers of premium high-carbon stainless steel. As a result, its blade is super strong, durable, and stain-resistant. Meanwhile, there are small rectangular divots along the edge to minimize resistance and enhance non-stick properties. At the end of the day, it makes slicing foods easy as pie.

The edge of its blade is not something you need to worry about like with other products. In particular, it is hand-finished and nitrogen-cooled for extra harness and flexibility.

The military-grade blade continues to make this knife better than you can expect. It is impervious to cold, heat, and moisture while providing a natural yet firm grip via the non-slip surface.

In Dalstrong we trust! The brand backed this product with a money-back guarantee.

If you ask about its drawbacks, I have to tell that there is none so far, except for its mediocre look. But in the end, quality is our priority, right?

Wusthof 4183 Classic Hollow Edge Santoku Knife

Wusthof is another favorite choice of chefs and ordinary cooks alike, including me. Let’s discover the reasons why in my following review.

German and Japan are two nations that produce the best Santoku knives, and this Wusthof 4183 combines the best features of both worlds. It has a German blade and a Japanese-style blade.

Its blade is a standard Santoku blade with a hollow ground edge and full tang construction. I have talked about the benefits of this design above, so let’s leave space for other impressive features, like the full bolster and finger guard. These two make it absolutely safe for you to use the knife in the kitchen. Other Santoku knives are great, but they seem to forget about safety features.

As an added bonus, it comes with a robust and comfortable riveted handle.

On the flip side, it is somewhat expensive, but I find it worthy for the excellent performance. There will be hard to find a knife with the same quality in a low price range.

Shun Cutlery Premier 7-inch Santoku Knife

Shun is undoubtedly the definition of Santoku knife. When mentioning this kind of Japan knife, we cannot miss Shun products at all cost. This time, I will introduce to you the Cutlery Premier 7-inch version by this globally famous brand.

It stands out from the competition by many reasons, and its unique look must be one of them. Judging from the outside, the Shun cutlery knife feels rugged and sturdy with a wooden handle and Damascus steel blade.

The handle is beautifully crafted and contoured to fit into your hand nicely. You will find it comfortable to hold even for a long time.

The blade is even more notable. It is made out of super steel featuring 34 layers on each side and hammered tsuchime finish for unmatched performance. Despite all that, the whole knife is still light and agile to handle, making it a top performer in the kitchen. You can use it for a wide variety of purposes such as chopping, slicing, etc.

As you may already expect, this Shun Cutlery Santoku knife costs a fortune to bring home. Of course, its quality is superior, so don’t hesitate to buy it if you can afford.

Farberware 5243363 Ceramic Knife Set

Farberware cannot compare to Shun in terms of popularity, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that Farberware products are junk. In contrast, their knives are of decent quality, and this set is an example. It includes a 5-inch knife and a 3-inch paring knife, each of which has a blade cover.

Farberware doesn’t use steel but ceramic to craft their Santoku knives. Ceramic is known to be strong and long-lasting, so be assured about the cutting ability of these Farberware cutlery. They will glide through foods with much ease. As an added perk, ceramic blades are resistant to rust and wear.

But there is a small price to pay: ceramic blades are difficult to get sharpened.

The handle looks quite funny at first glance, but it is really ergonomic. It provides a firm yet comfortable grip, and you don’t have to worry about the knife slipping out of your hand accidentally.

Cleanup is easy as both knives are dishwasher-safe. But hey, don’t be lazy; hand-washing will help your cutlery last longer.

Zwilling J.A. Henckels 31170-141 Classic Hollow Edge Santoku Knife

This is a classic Santoku 5-inch knife by Zwilling J.A. Henckels. For more versatility, you can also purchase the 7-inch version.

It boasts a fully forged construction that offers durability against the test of time. Meanwhile, the seamless transition from blade to handle gives the knife an elegant look. Your friends would be envious of you for having such a stunning cutlery!

Let’s take a closer look.

The blade is fabricated from high-quality German stainless steel, coated with a satin finish, and finely honed for long-lasting sharpness. You can experience smooth and precise cuts using this Santoku knife by Henckels. Running along the hollow edge blades are small indentations to prevent foods from sticking to the knife.

About the handle, it is tripled riveted for balance and comfort.

There are some complaints about its lack of safety features. I agree on that.

Global G-48 7-inch Santoku Knife

This knife is different from all other knives on the list, as it is crafted out of a single piece of high-quality stainless steel. It looks sleek as the whole thing is steel, but things can get dangerous at times, particularly when the knife is wet.

You don’t have to be so scared of this knife though. Handle it with care and you will be fine.

The strength of this Global 7-inch cutlery obviously doesn’t lie in the handle, but the blade. The hollow-ground blade is sturdy with long taper to protect the edge. And more notably, the edge is ultra-sharp and needs no sharpening over a long time.

Global is confident in its products, that’s why it backed this model with a lifetime warranty. For the price of under 100 bucks this is a real bargain.

Wusthof WU4182 Santoku Knife

Don’t you mind if I introduce to you another Wusthof product? Trust me, it won’t make you disappointed.

This is another knife forged from one single piece of steel, but the handle is sandwiched between two layers of polyoxymethylene. That is why you don’t see any difference between this knife and other traditional designs.

Such a handle is more comfortable and safer for you to hold compared to the steel handle of Global Santoku knife. Plus, to give you complete protection, the thing comes with a full bostler and finger guard.

You will feel absolutely safe when slicing and mincing foods with such a knife. And with confidence, you can achieve smoother cuts.

Wusthof employed the Precision Edge Technology to yield a sharper blade that holds the edge better. But to keep it always sharp, you need to hone it often.

You cannot get lazy this time, as the WU4182 Santoku knife is not dishwasher-safe. It seems inconvenient, but look on positive sides as handwashing will extend the lifespan of the blade.

Shun DM0702 Classic 7-inch Santoku Knife

As said above, Shun supplies the market with the best Santoku knives. So it doesn’t hurt to have another Shun product here: the classic 7-inch version. It boasts many similar features to the Cutlery Premier knife, but there are unique things as well.

Like its sibling, this knife is precision-forged from high-carbon stainless steel. Therefore, it is super strong and holds a sharp edge. But while the Cutlery is clad with 34 layers, this DM0702 only has 16 layers of stainless steel. Still, it is enough to produce a rust-free Damascus look that many competitors fail to offer.

Likewise, the D-shaped handle is made out of Pakkawood, but it looks less rugged and more elegant than that of the Cutlery Premier, owing to the smooth finish.

Shun had safety in mind when designing this knife for customers. They included a stainless steel bolster to protect you from accidentally cutting yourself.

This is a versatile knife you need in the kitchen. It chops walnuts as easily as it slices apples. So far I find only a small downside: it isn’t the easiest to sharpen. Fortunately, you have the free sharpening service from Shun, although it might take quite a while.

Farberware 5119324 Nonstick Resin Santoku Knife

If you want to add some colors to the kitchen, this Farberware is a right choice. It has a baby blue color that is rare to find on the market. At first sight it looks like a toy, but when it cuts, you know it is a true knife made for cutting tasks.

People buy this knife for two main reasons, first is the color and second is the non-stick resin coating. This resin finish works well to limit foods from sticking to the knife, thereby making it effortless for cleanup later. A good news is this Farberware knife is dishwasher safe.

The handle has a soft silicone feel to it that feels exactly like a silicone phone case. But luckily, it still provides a firm grip and doesn’t get slippery when wet.

The thing doesn’t impress with its cutting ability though. It is not very sharp, and quick to get dull.

This cute Santoku knife comes with a blade cover, which is also in baby blue. This cover works to protect the blade and ensure safety when the knife is not in use.

Victorinox Swiss Army 7-inch Rosewood

This is the only Victorinox product in the list, so pay close attention. It is an elegant Santoku knife that fits for all tasks, from chopping, mincing, slicing to dicing.

Granton blade is already well-known. It creates air pockets to prevent food from sticking to the edge and minimize friction. Meanwhile, its material of European steel accounts for the superior cutting ability, which is further complemented by a flat spine.

I think what makes this Victorinox stand out is the hand polished rosewood handle that provides a firm and comfortable grip regardless of your hand size. Also, there is a nice balance between the handle and the blade, which improves the overall ease of use.

There is not much to complain about this beautifully crafted rosewood knife, but it is too lightweight for some. A weighted feel would be preferred.

Zwilling J.A. Henckels 31120 – 183 Professional

Another Santoku knife from the Germany. It comes from the brand Zwilling J.A. Henckels.

The whole knife looks sleek and professional. You will feel like a top chef working in some world-class restaurant once you hold this knife on hand. I’m not exaggerating it, trust me.

Take a closer look at the blade. It is forged from a single piece of high carbon stainless steel and laser-controlled for an ideal cutting angle. Combined with the ice-hardening technique, this knife is super hard and sharp. You can make smooth and precise cuts even you are a clumsy person who doesn’t frequent the kitchen.

To improve your experience to the fullest, this cutlery features a traditional-style black synthetic handle that is riveted for ergonomic purposes.

J.A Henckels stands behind all its knives, and this model is no exception. You will get a full warranty for it.

Calphalon Santoku Knife

Calphalon is one of the companies at the forefront of kitchenware industry. Take a look at this Santoku knife by Calphalon to see whether its quality is on par with its reputation.

It features fully-forged blade, bolster, and tang so that it is able to withstand the test of time. The full tang design also helps to achieve better balance and superior strength. However, the edge geometry is pretty basic, so foods may find ways to stick to the knife. This is not a deal breaker for the price.

The handle is carefully contoured so that it fits right into the palm of your hand. A unique feature to this knife is the identification etched onto the handle end, which comes in handy when you store it in the knife block.d

To make you more confident in buying and using this knife, Calphalon covered it with a full lifetime warranty.

Cangshan TC Series 1021165 Swedish Sandvik

Cangshan is a brand specialized in manufacturing kitchen knives. Their products combine Western and Eastern qualities to bring you the best performance in the kitchen. This knife is one of their best-sellers, and it has won a German award for the design.

There is a lot to love about this award-winning design, the most notable of which is the uniquely tapered tang. This feature makes this cutlery perfect for precise cutting or in other words, it will improve the overall aesthetics of the dishes you are preparing.

The full-tang blade is forged from high alloy steel, which is claimed to hold an edge 5 times longer than German steel. It is exceptionally sharp when out of the box.

Both blade and handle measure 5 inches.

Each Santoku knife by Cangshan comes with a carbonized solid ashwood sheath.

Yaxell Gou Santoku Knife

This is a premium Santoku knife manufactured by Yaxell of Japan. It falls into the high price range, so take a look if you have a generous budget.

The most impressive thing about this cutlery is probably its blade, which is clad with 101 layers of high carbon stainless steel. 101, that is really amazing! Compared to the Shun knife with 34 or 16 layers, this Yaxell model is really a beast.

You can guess how easy the thing cuts through foods. Everything becomes a piece of butter under the blade of this knife.

The handle embraces traditional style with three stainless steel riveted on the body. It is made out of canvas-micarta, which is extremely durable. For those who don’t know, canvas-micarta is an odorless durable material made of resin and lenin.

All in all, this is a go-to option for those who needs a Santoku knife that lasts forever.

Global GN-006 Santoku Knives

If you are into the Global brand, I have another model here so you can consider.

This thing features a seamless design, which looks stunning and is hygienic as well as easy to maintain. But just like the Global G-48 7-inch, it is a bit dangerous to use this knife in wet conditions. You should handle it with extra care.

The handle has a rounded spine that ensures all-round comfort for users. You can hold the knife firmly without feeling tired.

When you place this knife beside a standard chef’s knife, you will see it is much shorter and more nimble. Therefore, it is perfect for basic cutting tasks with small veggies such as dicing onions or julienning carrots. The edge is hollow-ground, so no need to worry about foods sticking to the blade.

Cooking Light Santoku Knife Set

Last but not least, I will introduce to you another Santoku knife set by Cooking Light. Don’t skip any line unless you want to miss out on a great option.

First off, I must say that this is a real budget-friendly product. For more than ten bucks you will have two knives: a 5-inch and a 7-inch knife with matching blade covers.

The manufacturer managed to equip each with a high carbon stainless steel blade for extra sharpness. Such a blade can hold an edge as well as any expensive models. You can use it for several foods, including meats, fish, veggies, and many more.

Meanwhile, the ergonomic handle is easy to use and gives you a firm grip. However, it is somewhat awkward to use if you have a big hand.

The Ultimate Guide To Choosing Best Santoku Knife In 2020

What do you need to consider before buying a Santoku knife? You will find a detailed answer in the below buying guide. Don’t worry; there are not a lot of things to remember.

Blade

The most important factor here is undoubtedly the blade, because in the end, a knife is made to cut. There is no point in buying a beautiful knife but cannot make smooth cuts.

The blade should be sharp and strong to cut a wide variety of foods easily. Either stainless steel or ceramic blade is fine, but for ease of sharpening, stainless steel has an edge over its counterpart.

You should choose a thin blade for precise cutting, but it shouldn’t be too thin or else it would be prone to chipping. If you don’t need precision in the kitchen, you can choose a fairly thick blade which feels weighted on hands.

Handle

Another important that makes a quality knife is the handle. It should be as ergonomic as possible so you don’t feel any fatigue even when holding it for a long time. If possible, seek a contoured handle so it fits into your palm nicely.

You would be better off with a non-slip handle as well as it reduces the chances of dropping the knife accidentally.

Durability

Both the handle and the blade should be durable so that you can use it for a long time. For more confidence, it is best to buy a product backed by a lifetime warranty. Then when there are any problem arising, the manufacturer will help you.

Maintenance

The best Santoku knife should require little maintenance over time, particularly sharpening and honing.

Safety

Some knives are too sharp that they are dangerous to use without safety features. Look for a cutlery that gives you protection by featuring bolster, finger guard, etc.

Price

Last but not least, it is the price that we should keep in mind when shopping for a good Santoku knife.

The best product doesn’t need to be the most expensive, but you shouldn’t be too thrifty either. At the end of the day, you get what you pay for. My advice is to consider your budget. Ask yourself, how much you can invest in a knife? Then after having the answer, narrow down the list and pick up the highest-quality product among them.

FAQs

Are santoku knives any good?

Of course yes. Santoku knives are really adept at cutting very thin slices to enhance the aesthetics of the whole dish. You can use them for slicing, dicing, and mincing some foods such as boneless meat, cheese, vegetables, etc.

What is the best brand of santoku knives?

Some of the best brands of Santoku knives include Shun, Wusthof, Dalstrong, Global, and many more. I have tried to include the best-selling product of these reputable brands in the list.

What should I look for in a santoku knife?

Like common knives, a Santoku knife consists of the blade and the handle. You should look for a strong and sharp blade, along with an ergonomic handle. Refer to the buying guide for more details.

What size of santoku knife should I get?

There is not a fixed answer to this question, and it depends on your cutting purposes. If you want to cut small foods, a mini 5-inch Santoku is the best. FYI, 5.5 inches is the standard length of Santoku blade in Japan.

What knives do chefs prefer?

Both chef knives and Santoku knives are widely used by chefs, and each has its own strengths. If you don’t know which one to use, you can simply choose a hybrid knife that combines traditional knives and Santoku knives into one.

The Bottom Line

This is the end of today’s list. I have reviewed a lot of Santoku knives so hopefully you can pick up a quality option for your needs. If you still cannot make a decision, feel free to contact me so that I can give you some advice.

Thanks for reading!