A santoku knife is like the best friend of any great chefs knife. While chefs knives will do most of your “heavy lifting in the kitchen”, a santoku is going to make sure that you can take care of smaller, more intricate cutting with ease and efficiency.

Santoku knifes are big enough where they can even replace a great chefs knife, but too big to do the detail work of a paring knife – which makes those 3 the essential knifes that any home cook should have in his or her kitchen.

What to Look for in a Great Santoku Knife

There are a few things that you want to look for when you’re considering what santoku knife to buy. Make sure to really focus in on these few keys, and don’t get sold on the idea of getting your santoku through a traditional “box” or knife “block”. A good santoku is worth paying the extra money for.

• Weight – A Santoku that is worth having is going to be lighter than a chefs knife, largely because you won’t be cutting quite as robust of meats. It’ll be lighter, but you should still feel some weight in the handle.
• Comfortable grip – This really goes with any knife, but if it doesn’t fit your hand well, you won’t like it. If you don’t like it, you probably won’t use it well.
• Price – I’ve seen really good santoku knives for $20, and I’ve seen crap ones for $100. Ultimately, make sure to read the reviews and make sure you’re getting something with a good reputation.
• Sharpening – Better knifes don’t need to be sharpened every day, just as we mentioned with traditional chefs knives. If used regularly, sharpening once per week with a santoku knife is plenty. You’re going to be using a santoku mostly for cutting of veggies, fruits, and lighter meats, so it shouldn’t be a frequent need.

Consider all these factors when you’re considering your next santoku knife!

Santoku Knife Kitchen Knife Professional Japanese Chef Knife, 7 Inch Sharp Blade with Hollow Edge, Full Tang Forged by German HC Stainless Steel with Ergonomic Handle

WÜSTHOF Gourmet Two Piece Asian Cook’s Knife Set | 2-Piece German Knife Set with 7.5″ Santoku Knife & 3″ Straight Parer | Laser Cut High Carbon Stainless Steel Kitchen Knife Set Model 92-0-1-1

TUO Santoku Knife 7 inch – Kitchen Knife – Vegetable Knife Cutlery – Hollow Ground German Steel Blade – Pakkawood Handle – Fiery Series

Wusthof 4172-7 Classic IKON Hollow Edge Santoku, 5-Inch, Black, Stainless

ZYLISS 2 Piece Santoku Knife Set with Sheath Covers, Stainless Steel

7 inch Santoku knife by Findking-Dynasty series-3 layer 9CR18MOV clad steel w/octagon handle chef’s Knife

Santoku Knife – MAD SHARK Pro Kitchen Knife 8 Inch Santoku Knife, 7Cr17MoV German High Carbon Stainless Steel Knife with Ergonomic Handle, Ultra Sharp, Best Choice for Home Kitchen and Restaurant

Sabatier Forged Stainless Steel Santoku Knife with EdgeKeeper Self-Sharpening Sheath, 5-Inch

Bravedge Kitchen Knife Chef Knife Santoku Knife Versatile Cooking Knife with 7″ Sharp Stainless Steel Metallic Paint Double Bevel Blade Ergonomic Handle PP Sheath Elegant Gift Box for Family Gourmet

Santoku Knife – MAD SHARK Pro Kitchen Knives 8 Inch Chef’s Knives, Best Quality German High Carbon Stainless Steel Knife with Ergonomic Handle, Ultra Sharp, Best Choice for Home Kitchen and Restaurant

Mercer Culinary M22707BL Millennia 7-Inch Granton Edge Santoku Knife, Blue

Santoku Knife – MOSFiATA 7″ Super Sharp Professional Kitchen Cooking Knife with Finger Guard and Knife Sharpener, German High Carbon Stainless Steel 4116 with Micarta Handle and Gift Box