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10 Best Santoku Knife 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Wüsthof Performer 7" Hollow Edge Santoku Knife, Black

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,364
Blade Edge
Weight and Balance

Most important from
287 reviews

Blade Edge
It can cut through anything and feels great in your hand. The edge retention is impressive.
Weight and Balance
This knife is incredibly sharp and feels balanced in hand while cutting.

The Wüsthof Performer 7" Hollow Edge Santoku Knife stands out in the kitchen knife category for its blend of innovative design and high-quality materials. With a blade made of high carbon stainless steel, it boasts a remarkable hardness of 104 Rockwell, making it durable and resistant to various forms of wear and tear. This knife is particularly effective for chopping, slicing, and dicing, whether you're working with vegetables, meat, or fish, thanks to its sharp, hollow edge that reduces friction and enhances cutting efficiency.

One of its key strengths is the ergonomic Hexagon Power Grip handle, designed to provide a secure and comfortable hold, even in demanding conditions. This feature is especially beneficial for both home cooks and professional chefs who require precision and control while working. Additionally, the knife’s sleek, all-black appearance adds a modern touch to any kitchen.

The Wüsthof Performer Santoku Knife is a solid choice for anyone looking to invest in a high-quality kitchen tool that offers precision and versatility. It is ideal for those who enjoy cooking and appreciate innovative designs.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,364
Blade Edge
Weight and Balance

Most important from
287 reviews

Blade Edge
It can cut through anything and feels great in your hand. The edge retention is impressive.
Weight and Balance
This knife is incredibly sharp and feels balanced in hand while cutting.
#2

imarku Chef Knife 7 Inch Kitchen Knife Ultra Sharp Santoku Knife - 7Cr17Mov Japanese Chefs Knife, Kitchen Gadgets 2025, Apartment Essentials, Birthday Gifts for Him Her, Best Gifts for Women Men

Rating
9.7
Blade Edge
Weight and Balance
Blade Length

Most important from
9415 reviews

Blade Edge
The knife impresses with an incredibly sharp, precision-forged blade that glides effortlessly through a wide range of foods, making slicing and carving much easier.
Weight and Balance
Its balanced weight and comfortable pakkawood handle provide a secure grip that feels solid and reduces hand fatigue during extended use.
Blade Length
The 7-inch blade's heft helps cut through tough crusts and dense ingredients with fewer strokes, offering superior control and efficiency.
Blade Material
Though not dishwasher safe, the blade’s rust resistance and durability make it a reliable daily kitchen companion when properly maintained.

The imarku 7-inch Santoku knife is a solid choice for home cooks and even those working in restaurant kitchens. It features a high-carbon stainless steel blade (7Cr17Mov), which is known for good rust resistance and durability, making it suitable for regular chopping, slicing, dicing, and mincing tasks. The 7-inch blade length is versatile, fitting well within the typical range for Santoku knives—long enough to handle most ingredients but still easy to control. Its hollow edge design helps prevent food from sticking to the blade, which can speed up prep work and improve cutting precision.

The blade’s sharpness is enhanced by a hand-polished edge set at 15-18 degrees per side, providing a keen edge that holds up well during frequent use, although it will still require regular honing to keep it at peak performance. The handle is made from Pakkawood, an engineered wood material that feels comfortable in hand, offers a secure grip, and resists cracking or expanding better than traditional wood handles. At 6.9 ounces, the knife strikes a good balance—not too heavy to tire your wrist but with enough weight to feel sturdy and well-balanced during cutting.

One minor drawback is that it’s not dishwasher safe, so it needs hand washing to maintain its lifespan. Presented in a gift box, it is also a thoughtful present for cooking enthusiasts. This Santoku knife offers excellent value with quality materials and user-friendly features, making it ideal for those wanting an efficient, sharp, and comfortable everyday kitchen knife.

Rating
9.7
Blade Edge
Weight and Balance
Blade Length

Most important from
9415 reviews

Blade Edge
The knife impresses with an incredibly sharp, precision-forged blade that glides effortlessly through a wide range of foods, making slicing and carving much easier.
Weight and Balance
Its balanced weight and comfortable pakkawood handle provide a secure grip that feels solid and reduces hand fatigue during extended use.
Blade Length
The 7-inch blade's heft helps cut through tough crusts and dense ingredients with fewer strokes, offering superior control and efficiency.
Blade Material
Though not dishwasher safe, the blade’s rust resistance and durability make it a reliable daily kitchen companion when properly maintained.
#3

WÜSTHOF Gourmet 5" Santoku & 10" Red Cutting Mat Set

Rating
8.5
Blade Material
Blade Edge
Handle Material

Most important from
1148 reviews

Blade Material
This knife is crafted with traditional German expertise, ensuring durability and quality that can be passed down through generations.
Blade Edge
This knife stays sharp longer and delivers precise, effortless cuts, making it a worthwhile investment for serious home cooks.
Handle Material
The handle’s smooth finish and solid construction provide a comfortable, secure grip without any awkward protrusions or recesses.
Weight and Balance
The lightweight design is ideal for those with sensitive wrists or who prefer a knife that won’t cause fatigue during prep work.

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.

Rating
8.5
Blade Material
Blade Edge
Handle Material

Most important from
1148 reviews

Blade Material
This knife is crafted with traditional German expertise, ensuring durability and quality that can be passed down through generations.
Blade Edge
This knife stays sharp longer and delivers precise, effortless cuts, making it a worthwhile investment for serious home cooks.
Handle Material
The handle’s smooth finish and solid construction provide a comfortable, secure grip without any awkward protrusions or recesses.
Weight and Balance
The lightweight design is ideal for those with sensitive wrists or who prefer a knife that won’t cause fatigue during prep work.

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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