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 Global 20 Piece Knife Block Set is a comprehensive collection of knives made from Cromova 18 high carbon stainless steel, known for its durability and sharpness. The set includes an array of knives such as paring, utility, prep, nakiri, boning, carving, and chef's knives, along with steak knives, a sharpening rod, and kitchen shears, all housed in a stylish walnut-finished ash wood block. The blades are ice-tempered and boast a Rockwell Hardness of 58°, ensuring they maintain a sharp edge longer.

Each knife features a 15-degree double bevel edge, enhancing sharpness and edge stability, making them highly effective for various kitchen tasks. The handles are made of stainless steel with a signature dimple pattern for a comfortable and slip-resistant grip. The handles are also weighted with sand to ensure excellent balance. However, it's important to note that these knives are not dishwasher safe and must be hand-washed with gentle dish soap and dried promptly to maintain their condition.

At 14.7 pounds, the set is relatively heavy, which could be a consideration for those with limited counter space or who prefer lighter knives. With dimensions of 20 inches in length, 14 inches in width, and 10 inches in height, the knife block set is substantial and may require adequate space in your kitchen. Made in Japan, this set comes with a limited lifetime warranty, affirming its quality and longevity. Given its price and the breadth of its offerings, it's best suited for serious home cooks or professional chefs looking for a high-quality, versatile knife set.

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.