10 Best Santoku Knife 2026 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 KAWAHIRO 7-inch Santoku knife is a solid choice for home cooks and professionals seeking a sharp, well-balanced kitchen knife. Its blade is made from VG10 stainless steel, a high-quality material known for durability and excellent edge retention, which means it stays sharp longer and resists rust. The blade length of just over 7 inches is typical for santoku knives, offering a good balance between control and cutting surface. The edge is hand-ground at 0 degrees, which is quite sharp and ideal for precise slicing, especially useful for delicate vegetable cuts and clean protein slicing without crushing.

The handle is crafted from a combination of ebony, turquoise, and padauk woods, providing a comfortable, ergonomic grip that helps reduce wrist fatigue during longer prep sessions. The knife weighs about 6.4 ounces and features careful weight distribution, making it feel light and well-balanced, so it’s easier to handle for various kitchen tasks. It is not dishwasher safe, so it requires hand washing to maintain its quality. Also, while the exotic wooden handle looks beautiful and feels comfortable, it might need extra care to avoid damage from water exposure.

Packaged in a luxurious wooden gift box, this knife makes an impressive gift for cooking enthusiasts. This knife suits those who appreciate craftsmanship and want a sharp, reliable, and visually striking santoku knife for everyday use.

The Dalstrong Santoku Knife from the Valhalla Series is a 7-inch knife designed for versatility in the kitchen, making it suitable for slicing, dicing, and mincing. Crafted from 9CR18MOV high carbon steel, the blade promises durability and a sharp edge, rated at 60+ on the Rockwell hardness scale and hand-sharpened to a fine 8-12 degrees per side. This makes it a strong choice for precision work and heavy use in the kitchen.

The knife features a unique celestial resin handle reinforced with stabilized wood and a stainless steel bolster, offering a sturdy grip and appealing aesthetics. It also comes with a Valhalla-embossed leather sheath for protection and style. At 9.3 ounces, it is relatively lightweight, balancing ease of handling with a solid feel. While the knife is dishwasher safe, hand washing is typically recommended for longevity.

This knife is well-suited for those looking for a high-performance, versatile kitchen knife with a distinct design. It makes a compelling gift for cooking enthusiasts, thanks to its quality construction and durability. Potential drawbacks include its price point, which may be higher than more basic knives, and its unique design might not appeal to everyone. Additionally, the high carbon steel, while providing sharpness, may require more frequent maintenance to prevent rust compared to stainless steel options.