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10 Best Santoku Knife 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Mercer Culinary M22707 Millennia Black Handle, 7-Inch Granton Edge, Santoku Knife

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,328
Blade Edge
Handle Material

Most important from
804 reviews

Blade Edge
For slicing soft cheese, the Granton edge helps reduce sticking, but the knife is less effective than a hollow-ground chef's knife for this task.
Handle Material
Its ergonomically designed handle ensures a non-slip grip, enhancing safety during use.

The Mercer Culinary M22707 Millennia Santoku Knife is a solid choice for both professional chefs and home cooking enthusiasts. The blade, made from high-carbon Japanese steel, is known for durability and long-lasting sharpness, making it easy to maintain. The 7-inch blade length is versatile for various kitchen tasks like chopping, mincing, and cutting, and its Granton edge helps reduce sticking, making slicing smoother, especially for softer foods like cheese and vegetables.

The handle is made from Santoprene and features textured finger points for a non-slip grip, enhancing safety and comfort during use. Its ergonomic design provides good control and reduces hand fatigue during prolonged use. It's important to note that the knife is not dishwasher safe and requires careful hand washing to maintain its performance and longevity. If you prefer low-maintenance kitchen tools, this may be a drawback.

The knife weighs just 3.17 ounces, contributing to its ease of use and maneuverability, though some users might find it too light and prefer a more substantial feel for better balance. The construction is stamped rather than forged, which may affect durability and perceived quality. In essence, the Mercer Culinary Millennia Santoku Knife excels in sharpness, ergonomic design, and versatility, offering precision and comfort despite the need for hand washing and its light weight being a potential downside for some.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,328
Blade Edge
Handle Material

Most important from
804 reviews

Blade Edge
For slicing soft cheese, the Granton edge helps reduce sticking, but the knife is less effective than a hollow-ground chef's knife for this task.
Handle Material
Its ergonomically designed handle ensures a non-slip grip, enhancing safety during use.
#2

Dalstrong 3pc Knife Set - Gladiator Series Elite - Chef Essentials - Chef Knife, Santoku Knife, Paring Knife - G10 Handle - High Carbon German Steel - w/Sheaths - NSF Certified

Rating
9.8
Blade Edge
Weight and Balance

Most important from
3216 reviews

Blade Edge
Sharp as a razor and keeps its edge well with minimal maintenance.
Weight and Balance
The knives have incredible weight in your hand, extremely balanced, and super sharp.

The Dalstrong 3pc Knife Set from the Gladiator Series Elite presents a versatile collection for any kitchen, featuring an 8” chef knife, a 7” Santoku knife, and a paring knife, catering to a range of cutting tasks. The standout feature is the use of high-carbon German steel for the blade, known for its durability and sharpness. The blades are full-tang and polished to a precise 16-18 degrees edge, offering a reliable cutting experience with an impressive Rockwell hardness rating of 57+. This ensures the knives maintain their edge well over time. The handles are crafted from ultra-premium G-10 fiberglass, providing military-grade durability, comfort, and superior control. However, users should note that these knives are not dishwasher safe, requiring hand washing to maintain their quality.

In terms of balance and weight, the set weighs 1.7 pounds, offering a satisfying heft that contributes to its stability and ease of handling. The design is award-winning, with ergonomic considerations to enhance comfort during prolonged use. Each knife comes with its own PerfectFit sheath, making it convenient for storage and transport.

While the set is labeled NSF certified, which assures sanitary safety, some users might find the set's price point a bit high. The knives are highly rated with a 4.7-star average from over 3,200 reviews, reflecting strong customer satisfaction. The set is ideal for both professional chefs and home cooks who value quality and reliability in their kitchen tools. With the added benefit of a lifetime warranty, Dalstrong offers a trustworthy investment, though it's important to consider if the need for manual care aligns with the user's lifestyle.

Rating
9.8
Blade Edge
Weight and Balance

Most important from
3216 reviews

Blade Edge
Sharp as a razor and keeps its edge well with minimal maintenance.
Weight and Balance
The knives have incredible weight in your hand, extremely balanced, and super sharp.
#3

Dalstrong Santoku Knife - 7 inch - Vanquish Series - Forged High Carbon German Steel - POM Handle - Razor Sharp Kitchen Knife Gift- Asian Vegetable Knife - NSF Certified

Rating
9.6
Blade Length
Blade Material

Most important from
470 reviews

Blade Length
The 7-inch blade is incredibly sharp and handles well across various tasks.
Blade Material
The knife is well-made with thick, durable steel, making it both loved and respected for its sharpness.

The Dalstrong Santoku Knife from the Vanquish Series stands out with its 7-inch high-carbon German steel blade, designed for durability and precision in the kitchen. This knife is versatile, making it ideal for tasks like slicing, dicing, and mincing, effectively combining the benefits of a chef’s knife and a vegetable cleaver. The blade’s razor-sharp edge, honed to 9-11 degrees, ensures smooth cuts, while its Rockwell hardness rating above 55 suggests a robust build that can withstand frequent use.

The knife features a black POM handle that is both water and heat-resistant, promising comfort and long-term use. The handle's design integrates a Dalstrong Lion Head pin, adding a touch of elegance and symbolizing the brand's quality assurance. Despite its sturdy construction, it weighs 8 ounces, which strikes a balance between heft and maneuverability, making it easy to handle during extended kitchen tasks.

It's crucial to note that the knife is not dishwasher safe, requiring hand washing for maintenance, which could be seen as a drawback for those seeking convenience. Packed with a custom-fit sheath, it offers safe storage and portability, enhancing its appeal as a gift. While its packaging and lifetime warranty add value, those prioritizing top-tier edge retention may need to periodically sharpen the blade to maintain its performance. Suitable for home cooks and professionals alike, the Dalstrong Santoku Knife delivers power and quality with a design inspired by luxury, yet demands attentive care.

Rating
9.6
Blade Length
Blade Material

Most important from
470 reviews

Blade Length
The 7-inch blade is incredibly sharp and handles well across various tasks.
Blade Material
The knife is well-made with thick, durable steel, making it both loved and respected for its sharpness.

Buying Guide for the Best Santoku Knife

Choosing the right Santoku knife can significantly enhance your cooking experience. Santoku knives are versatile kitchen tools, ideal for slicing, dicing, and chopping. When selecting a Santoku knife, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision and find a knife that feels comfortable and performs well in your kitchen tasks.
Blade MaterialThe blade material of a Santoku knife affects its sharpness, durability, and ease of maintenance. Common materials include stainless steel, high-carbon steel, and ceramic. Stainless steel is resistant to rust and easy to maintain, making it a good choice for everyday use. High-carbon steel is known for its sharpness and edge retention but requires more care to prevent rust. Ceramic blades are extremely sharp and lightweight but can be brittle and prone to chipping. Choose a blade material based on your preference for maintenance and durability.
Blade LengthSantoku knives typically have blade lengths ranging from 5 to 7 inches. The length of the blade determines the knife's versatility and ease of handling. A 5-inch blade is more maneuverable and suitable for smaller hands or precise tasks, while a 7-inch blade offers more cutting surface and is better for larger tasks. Consider the types of ingredients you frequently work with and your comfort level with different blade lengths to choose the right one for you.
Blade EdgeThe edge of a Santoku knife can be either straight or granton (scalloped). A straight edge provides clean cuts and is easier to sharpen, making it ideal for general use. A granton edge has small indentations that create air pockets, reducing friction and preventing food from sticking to the blade. This is particularly useful when slicing thin or sticky ingredients. Decide based on your cutting needs and whether you prefer a knife that minimizes sticking.
Handle MaterialThe handle material of a Santoku knife affects its comfort, grip, and durability. Common handle materials include wood, plastic, and composite. Wooden handles offer a traditional look and comfortable grip but require more maintenance to prevent damage from moisture. Plastic handles are durable, easy to clean, and often have ergonomic designs for a secure grip. Composite handles combine the benefits of both wood and plastic, offering durability and comfort. Choose a handle material that feels comfortable in your hand and suits your maintenance preferences.
Weight and BalanceThe weight and balance of a Santoku knife influence its ease of use and control. A well-balanced knife feels comfortable and stable in your hand, reducing fatigue during extended use. Lighter knives are easier to maneuver and suitable for quick, precise cuts, while heavier knives provide more power for cutting through tougher ingredients. Consider your strength and the types of tasks you perform most often to determine the ideal weight and balance for your knife.

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