Japan’s smiths are devoted to creating the perfect blade and in their deep study of knives, they’ve introduced tiny intricacies to drastically improve the utensil. Case in point: the santoku knife. Santoku is a Japanese term that means “three virtues” and, as its moniker suggests, this knife is a triple threat. Capable of slicing, dicing and mincing, this highly-versatile companion can tackle almost any kitchen chore you throw at it.
The knife typically has a 7-inch razor-shape blade with a traditional tsuchime (hammered) finish. Aside from looking remarkably striking, these dimples prevent ingredients from sticking to the blade and ensure clean cutting. On top of that, the blade sports a slight curve that runs from the spin to the edge to support smooth slicing.
A good santoku knife should feel like an extension of your arm and be fitted with a comfortable handle that will allow you to chop away for hours on end. Here, four of the best santoku knives on Amazon which fit that bill.
1. Zwilling 7-Inch Santoku Knife
This full tang santoku knife features a 7-inch blade which is triple-riveted for greater control while cutting. The blade itself is forged from Zwilling’s propriety high-carbon stainless steel—the formula of which has been perfected over 280 years—then ice-hardened to ensure it retains its sharpness and strength longer. Rather than the traditional hammered finish, this knife has several oval cut-outs that allow cooks to slice ingredients paper-thin without worrying about them sticking to the blade.
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2. Wusthof 7-Inch Santoku Knife
Wusthof forges its santoku knives with laser-guided precision. That means the 7-inch blade is not only precise but exceptionally sharp. With a 14-degree edge on each side, the blade will slice through all manner of ingredients with ease, while the oval cut-outs will prevent food from catching on the blade.
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3. Dalstrong Santoku Knife
This burly santoku knife is as tough as nails and built to last a lifetime. The 7-inch blade is sandwiched between 66 layers of high-carbon stainless steel and then nitrogen cooled to make it even more robust. Of course, the full tang blade is also triple-riveted for added durability. Instead of the traditional finish, Dalsrong has opted for rectangular divots that also serve to minimize resistance. The “military-grade” handle is impervious to heat, cold, and moisture and delivers superior control via a natural pinch grip.
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4. Zelite Infinity Santoku Knife
The full-tang knife design features 67 layers of high-carbon stainless steel which has been nitrogen cooled for added durability and longevity. It’s also resistant to stain and rust, naturally. While the blade is as pointed and sharp as they come, the handle is rounded to give a comfortable and secure grip.
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