10 Best Santoku Knife 2025 in the United States

The WÜSTHOF Gourmet 5" Santoku Knife and cutting mat set offers a well-made, compact knife suited for everyday kitchen tasks like chopping, dicing, and mincing. Its blade is forged from high carbon stainless steel, which means it stays sharp longer and resists rust and corrosion. The 6-inch blade length is a bit shorter than some santoku knives, making it easier to handle for users who prefer more control or have smaller hands. The blade features a plain edge with hollow indentations that help reduce food sticking, improving slicing efficiency.

The handle is made of durable synthetic material (Polyoxymethylene), designed to withstand heat, impact, and discoloration, providing a comfortable and secure grip. Weighing just under a pound, this knife is lightweight and balanced, so it won’t tire your hand during prep work. The included 10-inch TPU cutting mat is flexible, easy to clean, and gentle on the blade, helping to preserve sharpness.

The knife is hand wash only, which means extra care is needed to maintain it, as it is not dishwasher safe. Also, the shorter 5" blade might not suit those who prefer a larger cutting surface for bigger tasks. This set is a solid choice for home cooks seeking a reliable, easy-to-use santoku knife with a handy cutting mat, especially if you want quality materials and a sharp blade without the bulk of a longer knife.

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.

The HexClad Santoku Knife is a versatile kitchen tool with a 7-inch Japanese Damascus stainless steel blade, making it suitable for cutting meat, fish, and vegetables with precision. The 67-layer Damascus steel construction ensures the blade stays sharp for extended periods, which is a significant advantage for those who frequently cook.

The knife is crafted using the 3-step Honbazuke method, which provides a sharp 12-degree cutting edge, balancing hardness and flexibility. This means it can handle various kitchen tasks efficiently without losing its edge quickly. The Pakkawood handle adds to the knife's ergonomic design, offering a comfortable and secure grip, which is essential for control and safety during use. However, the knife is not dishwasher safe and requires hand washing and frequent honing to maintain its sharpness, which might be a drawback for those looking for low-maintenance kitchen tools.

Weighing 9.9 ounces, the knife is well-balanced, reducing hand fatigue during prolonged use. With a lifetime warranty against manufacturer's defects, it provides peace of mind, although certain misuses can void this warranty. If you’re looking for a high-quality, multi-purpose kitchen knife, the HexClad Santoku Knife is a strong contender, especially for those who appreciate the craftsmanship and durability of Japanese Damascus steel.