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10 Best Santoku Knife Sets 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Shun Classic 9 Piece Chef’s Block Set, Includes 7 Shun Classic Knives, Honing Steel and 22-Slot Knife Block, Handcrafted Japanese Knife Set, Damascus Stainless Steel Cladding, Pakkawood Handle

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,493
Blade Edge

Most important from
10 reviews

Blade Edge
These knives are incredibly sharp, making cutting anything feel like slicing through butter.

The Shun Classic 9 Piece Chef’s Block Set offers a comprehensive selection of high-quality knives, including an 8-inch Chef's Knife and a 5.5-inch Santoku Knife, among others. The set's blades are made from VG-MAX steel, featuring 68 layers of Damascus cladding, which ensures exceptional sharpness and durability. The 16-degree edge allows for precise cutting, making it a great choice for those who value performance in the kitchen.

The D-shaped Pakkawood handles are designed for comfort and control, suitable for both right and left-handed users, enhancing the user experience. This set also includes a convenient 22-slot bamboo knife block for organized storage and a honing steel for maintenance. Each knife is handcrafted in Japan, reflecting traditional craftsmanship and high standards of quality.

On the downside, the knives require hand washing, which can be less convenient for some users. Additionally, the set is relatively heavy at 11.6 pounds, potentially making it cumbersome to move. The premium materials and craftsmanship also come at a higher price point, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers. For those looking for a durable and sharp knife set with a classic aesthetic, this Shun set could be an excellent choice.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,493
Blade Edge

Most important from
10 reviews

Blade Edge
These knives are incredibly sharp, making cutting anything feel like slicing through butter.
#2

Shun Premier 8 Piece Professional Block Set, Features 6 Shun Premier Knives, Honing Steel and 11-Slot Bamboo Knife Block, Handcrafted Japanese Knife Set, Pakkawood Handles

Rating
9.8
Weight and Balance
Set Composition

Most important from
38 reviews

Weight and Balance
These knives are beautiful, lightweight, and strong, making cutting tasks incredibly easy.
Set Composition
Chopping up tough root vegetables is a breeze with these knives.

The Shun Premier 8 Piece Professional Block Set is a high-quality choice for both professional chefs and home cooking enthusiasts. This set includes an 8-inch Chef’s Knife, 4-inch Paring Knife, 6.5-inch Utility Knife, 9-inch Bread Knife, 5.5-inch Santoku Knife, 9.5-inch Slicing Knife, Honing Steel, and an elegant Bamboo Knife Block. The knives are crafted from VG-MAX steel with 68 layers of Damascus cladding, ensuring superior sharpness and durability.

The hammered tsuchime finish on each blade reduces drag and prevents food from sticking, making cutting tasks smoother and more efficient. The handles are made from Pakkawood, offering a comfortable and secure grip, suitable for both left and right-handed users. Weighing 11.85 pounds and featuring an 11-slot block, the set is well-balanced and aesthetically pleasing in any kitchen.

However, the premium quality comes at a higher price point, which may not be suitable for all budgets. Additionally, these knives require hand washing and regular maintenance to maintain their sharpness, which might be inconvenient for some users. This set is ideal for those looking for a blend of traditional Japanese craftsmanship and modern functionality in their kitchen tools.

Rating
9.8
Weight and Balance
Set Composition

Most important from
38 reviews

Weight and Balance
These knives are beautiful, lightweight, and strong, making cutting tasks incredibly easy.
Set Composition
Chopping up tough root vegetables is a breeze with these knives.
#3

Shun Classic 10-piece Knife Block Set

Rating
9.6
Blade Material
Blade Edge
Weight and Balance

Most important from
99 reviews

Blade Material
The Damascus finish is stunning, and the blades come extremely sharp.
Blade Edge
Using a good wooden cutting board is essential to maintain the edge of these knives.
Weight and Balance
The balance, finish, and sharpness of these knives are exceptional.
Set Composition
The set includes a beautifully made bamboo block with extra slots for expanding the collection.

The Shun Classic 10-piece Knife Block Set is an impressive collection for anyone serious about their cooking tools. The set features high-quality VG-MAX cutting core blades with a beautiful 34-layer stainless Damascus cladding, known for its sharpness and durability. The blades are hand-sharpened to a precise 16-degree angle, ensuring excellent cutting performance. The Rockwell hardness rating of 60-61 indicates the blades are strong and retain their edge well over time. The knives come with D-shaped ebony PakkaWood handles, which are both strong and moisture-resistant, providing a comfortable and secure grip.

This set covers a wide range of kitchen tasks with its variety of knives, including a paring knife, a utility knife, a chef’s knife, and a santoku knife among others. The set also includes a honing steel to maintain the sharpness of the blades and multipurpose kitchen shears, all housed in a deluxe 13-slot bamboo block that adds to the aesthetic appeal of your kitchen.

However, there are some considerations to keep in mind. The set is quite expensive, which may not be suitable for those on a budget. The knives are not dishwasher safe and require hand washing and immediate drying to maintain their quality, which might be a bit tedious for some users. Additionally, the set is relatively heavy at 11.75 pounds, which could be a factor for those who prefer lighter kitchen tools. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Shun Classic set offers exceptional quality and performance, making it an excellent choice for dedicated home cooks and professional chefs alike.

Rating
9.6
Blade Material
Blade Edge
Weight and Balance

Most important from
99 reviews

Blade Material
The Damascus finish is stunning, and the blades come extremely sharp.
Blade Edge
Using a good wooden cutting board is essential to maintain the edge of these knives.
Weight and Balance
The balance, finish, and sharpness of these knives are exceptional.
Set Composition
The set includes a beautifully made bamboo block with extra slots for expanding the collection.

Buying Guide for the Best Santoku Knife Sets

Choosing the right santoku knife set can significantly enhance your cooking experience. Santoku knives are versatile kitchen tools that are perfect for slicing, dicing, and mincing. When selecting a santoku knife set, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Understanding these specifications will help you make an informed decision and find a set that suits your cooking style and preferences.
Blade MaterialThe blade material is crucial as it affects the knife's sharpness, durability, and ease of maintenance. Common materials include stainless steel, high-carbon stainless steel, and ceramic. Stainless steel is resistant to rust and easy to maintain, making it a good all-around choice. High-carbon stainless steel is harder and holds an edge longer but requires more care to prevent rust. Ceramic blades are extremely sharp and lightweight but can be brittle and prone to chipping. Choose a material based on your willingness to maintain the knife and your preference for sharpness and durability.
Blade LengthSantoku knives typically come in blade lengths ranging from 5 to 7 inches. The length of the blade affects the knife's versatility and ease of use. A 5-inch blade is more maneuverable and better suited for smaller hands or detailed work, while a 7-inch blade offers more cutting surface and is ideal for larger tasks. Consider the types of food you usually prepare and your comfort level with handling different blade lengths to determine the best option for you.
Handle MaterialThe handle material impacts the knife's comfort, grip, and overall balance. Common handle materials include wood, plastic, and composite. Wooden handles offer a traditional feel and good grip but require more maintenance to prevent damage from moisture. Plastic handles are durable, easy to clean, and often more affordable, but may not provide the same level of grip as wood. Composite handles combine the best of both worlds, offering durability and a comfortable grip. Choose a handle material that feels comfortable in your hand and suits your maintenance preferences.
Blade EdgeThe blade edge determines how the knife cuts and how often it needs to be sharpened. Santoku knives typically have a straight edge with a slight curve towards the tip, making them excellent for chopping and slicing. Some santoku knives feature a granton edge, which has small indentations along the blade to reduce friction and prevent food from sticking. If you frequently cut sticky or delicate foods, a granton edge can be beneficial. Otherwise, a straight edge is versatile and easy to maintain.
Weight and BalanceThe weight and balance of a santoku knife affect its handling and comfort during use. A well-balanced knife feels comfortable and secure in your hand, reducing fatigue during extended use. Heavier knives provide more cutting power but can be tiring to use for long periods, while lighter knives are easier to maneuver but may require more effort to cut through tougher foods. Consider your strength and the types of tasks you perform in the kitchen to find a knife with the right weight and balance for you.
Set CompositionSantoku knife sets can vary in the number and types of knives included. Some sets may include multiple santoku knives of different sizes, while others may include complementary knives such as paring knives or utility knives. Consider your cooking habits and the types of knives you frequently use to determine the best set composition for your needs. A well-rounded set can provide versatility and convenience in the kitchen.

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