10 Best Santoku Knife 2025 in the United States

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.

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.

The Dalstrong Santoku Knife from the Spartan Ghost Series is a high-performance kitchen tool that excels in versatility and durability. One of its standout features is the premium S35VN powdered steel used for the blade. This material is known for its exceptional edge retention and resilience, making it particularly suitable for those who want a long-lasting, sharp knife. The knife’s Rockwell hardness of 61+ ensures it maintains its sharpness longer, reducing the need for frequent sharpening.

With a 7-inch blade length, this santoku knife offers a good balance between control and cutting capability, making it ideal for slicing, dicing, and mincing both meat and vegetables. However, it's worth noting that the blade length is slightly shorter than specified at 6 inches, which may affect cutting efficiency for larger items.

The handle is crafted from a striking combination of blood-red resin and black ash wood, designed to provide comfort and control. The D-shape fits well in the hand, offering a secure grip which is beneficial for precision tasks in the kitchen. However, the handle material is described as Polyoxymethylene (POM) in the specs, which may not offer the same premium feel as wood-resin combinations but does ensure durability.

At 1.32 pounds, the knife is on the heavier side for a santoku, which could be a drawback for users preferring lighter tools. Yet, this weight may contribute to a better balance. It's dishwasher safe, adding convenience for those who prefer machine cleaning, though hand-washing is recommended to maintain the blade’s quality.

The Dalstrong Santoku Knife is a robust and stylish option for home chefs looking for a reliable kitchen knife. It's very well-suited to those who value cutting performance and edge retention, though its weight may not suit everyone’s preference.