10 Best Santoku Knife Sets 2025 in the United States

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.

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.

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.