Professional and home chefs alike know that the Santoku is one of the knives everyone should have in their kitchen.

Thanks to the wide blade, flat edge, and curved tip, a Santoku is a go-to knife for chopping vegetables while saving time.

In addition, “Santoku” is the Japanese term for “three virtues”, represented by slicing, mincing, and dicing.

In this post, we’ll try to help you find the best Santoku knife for your meal preparation work this year, so check out the top-performing models below and take your pick.

Our Best Santoku Knives

10. Mac SK-65 – Best Multi-purpose Santoku Knife

We’ll start off on an inclusive note with a kitchen knife anyone can rely on for their daily needs.

Our aim was to identify the best Santoku knife for multiple purposes, whether slicing, chopping, dicing or more.

From our perspective, the Mac SK-65 knife is a fine choice for day-to-day kitchen use.

The model features a 6 ½-inch blade, perfect for beginners and experienced chefs alike.

At the time we were reviewing it, the Mac SK-65 was being sold for about $100 on Amazon.com.

Main Features

 5“ blade

 High-carbon stamped stainless steel

 69” overall knife length

 2 mm blade thickness

 Triple-riveted Pakkawood handle

Design & Usability

Mac’s SK-65 model is designed to please a wide range of users that need a “workhorse” knife.

The blade is made from high-carbon stainless steel and measures 6.5 inches.

As a result, you benefit from quick and swift operation regardless of the items you’re working with.

At 5.4 ounces, the SK-65 may be a bit light for some people’s preferences, but it’s great when cooking for long hours.

A slight disadvantage is its asymmetrical cutting edge, which may not work for left-handed users.

Quality & Performance

Mac is a highly appreciated brand in the mainstream cutlery industry.

Their models are known for withstanding even a decade of frequent use, as long as they’re taken care of properly.

Several SK-65 customers complained about rust spots or chipping, but most of the time it’s in the way you maintain your knife.

What makes the Mac SK-65 stand out is its amazing performance in terms of sharpness.

It’s reputed for holding an edge for a long time, so you can count on it for demanding kitchens.

9. Yoshihiro HDSA18 – Best Damascus Japanese Santoku Knife

Damascus steel is globally praised for its spectacular quality.

Obtained through the traditional Japanese method of hammering layers, Damascus Santoku knives are really a class of their own.

One of our personal favorites is the 7-inch Yoshihiro HDSA18.

The model is breathtaking all around, from craftsmanship to performance.

At $119 on Amazon, it does come at a price, but it’s worth every penny if you’re a devoted chef.

Main Features

 VG-10 Japanese stainless steel

 HRC 60 (Rockwell Hardness Scale)

 16 layers of hammered Damascus steel

 7-inch blade with 2-mm spine

 Full tang mahogany wood handle

Design & Usability

You will be blown away by how beautiful the HDSA18 is right out of the box.

All Yoshihiro knives are handcrafted by Japanese artisans, and anyone can appreciate the tremendous attention for detail only the best Japanese santoku knives offer.

The HDSA18 model, in particular, contains 16 layers of manually-hammered steel.

As a result, the 7-inch blade will have a traditional wave pattern that’s just as pretty as it is practical.

The knife is full tang, ending in a triple-riveted, Western-style handle made from mahogany wood.

Quality & Performance

When we reviewed the best Japanese chef knives of the year, a Yoshihiro model was our #1 choice.

With this fact in mind, this model’s price point, and the spectacular finish, you can imagine that it’s top quality.

Performance-wise, the HDSA18 has a fine weight of 6.2 ounces, perfect for obtaining optimum balance.

While the model is incredibly sharp, some users complained about the sharpening process when the time came.

Apparently, it’s difficult to get it as sharp as it initially was.

8. Oxford CHEF 7″ – Best Santoku Knife for Gift Giving

We often recommend chef knives as lovely gifts for special occasions.

Whether you’re attending a housewarming party or wedding, a high-quality knife will be a wonderful addition to their kitchen.

From where we stand, the 7-inch Oxford CHEF knife is the best Santoku knife for gift-giving.

It is currently priced at around $70 on Amazon, but it shares some of the features and quality specs of far pricier models. It is also one of the best budget Santoku knives you can get but it looks like like an expensive Japanese knife.

Additionally, you get plenty of extra value through accessories and packaging.

Main Features

 7-inch Japanses AUS10 Super Steel blade

 66 layers of Damascus steel

 62 Rockwell hardness

 Military-grade G10 fiberglass handle

 Gift box included

Design & Usability

Depending on your tastes, the Oxford CHEF Santoku can either be eye-catching or a bit on the tacky side.

Most buyers like its sleek finish, especially the mosaic detail on the handle similar to pricier knife sets.

However, some feel that the Damascus pattern, scalloped edge, and large branding are a bit too much.

In any case, the model is gift-ready, with its classy box.

The Oxford CHEF Santoku doesn’t come with a protective cover, though.

Quality & Performance

Aside from a few preference-related complaints, there isn’t that much negative feedback surrounding this Santoku.

The 7-inch blade contains 66 layers of VG-10 Japanese super steel, ending in a G10 military-grade handle, which was build to withstand cold, heat, and moisture.

Moreover, the blade has a Rockwell hardness rating of 62, ensuring a long product life.

Some feel that the balance is too handle-oriented, compared to traditional Santokus, and that there’s little to no rocking motion typically needed for knife-intensive slicing dicing and mincing tasks.

Still, the bolster-heel area is reported to be very comfortable for active chefs.

Cheapest Product

7. Kyocera Advanced Ceramic Revolution 4.5″ – Cheapest Santoku Knife

Traditionally, Santoku knives are made of high-quality Japanese steel.

Nevertheless, modern home kitchen demands have resulted in the production of ceramic Santoku knives.

Ceramic is a nice alternative for those in need of a budget-friendly alternative for smoothly slicing vegetables on a daily basis.

We support this miniature model from the Kyocera Advanced Ceramic Revolution Series as one of the cheapest but best performing Santoku knife options with a ceramic blade.

It has a list price of $35 on Amazon, but you can often find it on sale (at the moment of this update, it was selling for $23).

Main Features

 4.5-inch ceramic blade

 0.64-ounce weight

 3 color options

 7-inch overall knife length

 Zirconia Z206 trademark ceramic material

Design & Usability

This Kyocera Advanced Revolution mini knife features a 4.5-inch blade made from Zirconia Z206, a ceramic blend created in Japan exclusively for the brand.

When purchasing your knife, you can choose from three different colors for the plastic handle and three size variants (3″, 4.5″, and 7″).

Together with the blade and handle, the knife measures 7 inches.

While the ceramic knife is not recommended for tough vegetables or meats, it’s fine for thinly slicing soft veggies.

Quality & Performance

Unfortunately, quality seems to be the major drawback with the Kyocera Santoku.

The blade is extremely brittle, with numerous reports of chipping, cracking, and breaking, even when used properly.

On the bright side, the Kyocera knife arrives perfectly sharp and is applauded for retaining an edge far longer than a steel knife.

Despite its light weight of 0.64 ounces, the model is said to be quite well-balanced.

Also, it provides a clean performance every time you slice vegetables.

However, at this price point, don’t expect too much from this tiny knife. If you are looking for the best ceramic Santoku knife, take a look at Kyocera’s Advanced Ceramic LTD Series Santoku Knife. Well, that’s a workhorse.

6. Global GS-37 – Best Santoku Knife for Small Hands

Maneuvering a chef’s knife can be a nightmare for a person with smaller hands.

Most Santoku knives are designed to accommodate regular to large hands, while the blade is usually 7 inches long.

However, there is a user-friendly alternative for small-handed customers. The Global GS-37 knife is perfect for swiftly preparing meals, even if you don’t have the average-sized hands.

It can currently be bought for $49.95 on Amazon, where it enjoys dozens of 5-star reviews.

Main Features

 25-inch blade

 Cromova 18 stainless steel blade

 Anti-slip steel handle

 1-inch full length

Hollow ground blade

Prevents food from sticking

Design & Usability

The design specs of the GS-37 are perfect for customers that fit the profile we described above.

While the blade is just 5.25 inches long, the entire knife measures just around 9 inches.

As with all Global knives, the GS-37 has a full steel construction, with an anti-slip handle, and it’s made dishwasher safe.

It maintains the classic Santoku silhouette, with a wide blade and a curved and pointed edge.

Even if you don’t have small hands, the model does an amazing job at fine chopping, dicing, or slicing.

Quality & Performance

It’s well-known in the cutlery industry that Global knives are top quality.

Considering the one-piece design, the GS-37 is as durable as can be, with no reports of breaking or chipping.

In addition, the hollow ground Santoku blade ensures that food doesn’t stick while you’re slicing.

Even though the model weighs only 3.8 ounces, you benefit from just the right balance.

The GS-37 comes extremely sharp, but it may not hold an edge as long as you’d want it to.

5. Dalstrong Mini – Best Mini Santoku Knife

On this note, we have yet another recommendation of a small but very, very powerful knife.

In the mini Santoku category, you can’t get any better than the 5-inch Dalstrong knife.

Don’t underestimate its small blade – the Dalstrong Mini packs in the performance of traditional Santoku knives (and possibly even more).

When we were reviewing the Dalstrong Mini Santoku, it was priced at about $90 on Amazon, where it also has an astounding average rating of 4.9 stars from dozens of happy customers.

Main Features

 5-inch AUS-10V Japanese steel blade

 HRC 62+

 G10 military-grade handle

 8-12degree angle per side blade edge

 66 layers of high-carbon stainless steel

Design & Usability

The coolest part about the Dalstrong Mini is that it looks and works exactly like a regular Santoku, just that it’s far more compact.

It features a 5-inch AUS-10V steel blade with a Tsunami Rose Damascus pattern and dimpled sides for easy, stick-free slicing.

Moreover, it comes gorgeously packaged in a deluxe box, with a high-quality sheath and polishing cloth included.

It also means that you can offer the Dalstrong Mini as a gift, at a fraction of the price of a full-sized Santoku.

Quality & Performance

There’s no doubting the quality of Dalstrong cutlery.

Rarely can you find complaints about their knives, and when you do, it’s usually just nitpicking.

The 5-inch blade of the Mini Santoku glides through veggies and meats like butter, ensuring a smooth slice every time.

Owing to the reduced measurements, the knife is super simple to maneuver no matter how small your hands are.

Overall, it’s a highly versatile knife you can count on for working with any medium-sized foods.

4. J.A. Henckels 31170-181 – Best 7-inch Santoku Knife

As you know by now, classic Santoku knives have blades that are 7 inches long.

Considering that this is the average length for the style, you’ll have a broad range of traditional models to choose from.

So how do you know which one is worth it?

We believe the J.A. Henckels 31170-181 is one of the best Santoku knife options in its class, with plenty of features you’ll enjoy.

It has a full Amazon price of around $92, but you can frequently find it with huge discounts, up to 50% off.

Main Features

 7” high-carbon German stainless steel blade

 4 ounces

Full bolster and tang

 16” long knife

Ergonomic POM handle

Design & Usability

The Henckels model has the size specs of a standard Santoku: 7” blade, 16” full length, and 6.4-ounce weight.

Consequently, you’ll be able to use it for almost all common kitchen tasks.

It’s especially useful for mincing, dicing, and thin slicing, particularly when working with vegetables, meat, and fish.

A slight design flaw is its poor packaging – the Henckels Santoku comes without any protective cover, in a cheap-feeling plastic box.

Other than that, the full tang and bolster prove to be greatly effective.

Quality & Performance

Generally speaking, the model is reported to be of excellent quality.

It’s manufactured by a company with a strong reputation in the industry and has all the perks you could desire from a Santoku.

The Henckels knife passes the ripe tomato test with flying colors, providing paper-thin slices.

It’s nicely balanced, with a weight of 6.4 ounces to support the process.

Although some foods may stick to the edge of the blade, you’ll have an easy time controlling the knife when rapidly chopping.

3. Shun Premier TDM0702 – Best Santoku Knife with Premium Quality

Speaking of quality – we couldn’t have completed our best Santoku knife countdown without shining light on one of the most competitive brands and models.

We’re talking about Shun Premier and the TDM0702 – a true gem among commercial Santoku knives.

Both elegant and powerful, the Shun Santoku costs around $180 on Amazon, but you may be lucky enough to find it on sale for less than $180.

Either way, this pricey beauty is worth the long-term investment.

Main Features

 7-inch blade, 12.2 overall length

 VG-10 Japanese super steel

 32 layers of Damascus steel

 60-61 Rockwell hardness rating

Premium Pakkawood handle

Design & Usability

Just a look at the Shun Premier 7-inch Santoku is enough to take your breath away.

The craftsmanship exceeds that of all the other top knives in our guide by a mile, with a polished finish that will make it sparkle in your kitchen.

The Shun knife has a traditional Santoku silhouette, with a 7-inch blade made of 32 layers of steel using the Damascus tradition.

Furthermore, the Shun’s handle is made from premium Pakkawood and designed to slide like a glove in your hand.

Quality & Performance

It’s obvious that the Shun Santoku is in a league of its own in terms of quality.

Indeed, you pay a considerable price for it, but you get a striking piece of cutlery that will last a lifetime.

Performance-wise, its edge retention has surprised even professional chefs, while the balance is perfect for swift movement.

To make the most of your Shun knife, we strongly recommend that you put effort into maintaining and sharpening it as necessary to avoid chipping, scratching or breaking.

2. Victorinox 41529 – Best Santoku Knife under 50 Dollars

Although we always recommend preparing a hefty budget for a long-lasting chef knife, we’re aware that not everyone can afford to.

Nonetheless, you can benefit from one of the best Santoku knife models even if you’re tight on cash.

The Victorinox 41529 Santoku is definitely among them.

You may be familiar with the brand for their famous Swiss Army knife, but you should also know that their kitchen knives are top value.

The 41529 model, for example, is currently only about $45 on Amazon.

Main Features

 7-inch high-carbon stainless steel blade

 15 inches long

 Anti-stick Granton edge

 6 ounces weight

 Signature Fibrox Pro handle

Design & Usability

The Victorinox 41529 has a traditional Santoku form, with a standard 7-inch blade made from stainless steel high in carbon.

They have designed the model with their signature Fibrox Pro handle, which provides a secure grip whether it’s wet or dry.

The 41529 knife weighs 4.6 ounces, making it a bit on the light side for the preferences of some chefs.

Still, it can be an advantage for home chefs who want to prevent wrist fatigue when cooking for longer hours at a time.

Quality & Performance

For the price, you enjoy surprising quality with the Victorinox 41529.

Aside from a few complaints regarding the thinness of the blade, there aren’t many negative reports from consumers.

Your Santoku will arrive super sharp and ready to dice, slice, and mince most common foods.

Thanks to the ergonomic handle and lightweight, the Victorinox 41529 is easy to maneuver.

In addition, the maintenance process is less laborious than with other knives in its category.

Best Product

1. Wusthof WU4183 – Best Santoku Knife of 2019

Now, for the moment we’ve all been waiting for – the best Santoku knife of the entire year.

When choosing our #1 model, we took into account features such as functionality, quality, sharpness, maneuverability, and overall performance.

In this regard, we couldn’t have picked a better Santoku than the Wusthof WU4183.

Priced at just a bit over $100 on Amazon at the moment, the Wusthof WU4183 boasts an insanely high customer average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Main Features

 7” German steel blade

 Rockwell hardness rating: 58

 Full tang, bolster, and blade

 Triple-riveted Polypropylene handle

 Hollow edge that prevents sticking

Design & Usability

For the WU4183 model, Wusthof blends the best of both German and Japanese cutlery features.

While the shape is that of a regular Santoku, the blade is made from durable German steel.

The 7-inch blade also features a hollow ground extra sharp edge so vegetables won’t stick to the sides when cutting.

Moreover, the model has a full tang construction, ending with a comfortable Polypropylene handle.

The knife weighs 4.8 ounces, while the full length from blade to handle is 14 inches.

Quality & Performance

Thanks to the special German steel used for the blade, you won’t experience problems that usually occur with other Santoku knives.

In other words, chipping, breaking or rust spots won’t be an issue.

However, you should be careful and sharpen the knife in a suitable way to boost its long-term edge retention.

Even though there are some quality control complaints, you can immediately send your knife back and get a replacement, owing to Wusthof’s lifetime warranty.

Verdict

In closing, you’ll now have a far much time deciding on what the best Santoku knife for you is.

We’re confident that any of the models recommended will do your cooking justice, saving you time and effort in the process.

As a parting suggestion, don’t forget to choose your Santoku based on blade length and handle design preferences.

For more cutlery inspiration, don’t hesitate to take a peek at our best chef knives review and expand your collection. Or maybe you need a paring knife, in which case we got a list on that too!

Enjoy stepping up your chef game!

This post was last updated in December 2019