What is a Santoku knife and what is it used for?

Both Santoku and chef’s knives are versatile tools for everyday kitchen tasks. The main difference lies in blade shape and cutting style rather than overall capability. A Santoku knife features a flatter cutting edge that supports precise, straight chopping motions, while a chef’s knife has a curved blade designed for a rocking motion.

Santoku knife:

• Flatter cutting edge

• Straight chopping motions

• Designed for controlled, precise cuts

Chef’s knife:

• Curved blade profile

• Rocking cutting motion

• Available in various blade lengths for different preferences

A fluted edge is a blade design option available on many Santoku knives. The small indentations create air pockets that can help reduce sticking during cutting. This can support smoother ingredient release, depending on the ingredient and cutting technique.

Both knives are versatile and well suited for everyday kitchen tasks. For larger ingredients such as pumpkins or roast meat, a chef’s knife with a longer blade may offer additional leverage. When knives of similar size are compared, the choice often comes down to cutting style and personal preference.

A Santoku knife is ideal for precise, controlled cutting during routine kitchen prep. Its wide blade and balanced design make it effective for slicing, dicing and chopping. Santoku knives come with smooth or fluted edges, depending on preference.

A Santoku knife is a versatile choice for most kitchen tasks. Its balanced design makes it comfortable and easy to control.

Recommended if you:

• Cook regularly at home

• Value precision and control

• Prefer a versatile all-purpose knife

• Enjoy Japanese-style knife design

• If you are still unsure which knife best suits your needs, our knife buying guide offers helpful criteria and tips to support your decision.

Yes. Thanks to its balance, straight cutting motion and wide blade, a Santoku knife is easy to control and well suited for less experienced cooks.

Most Santoku knives have a blade length of around 17 cm, offering an ideal balance between control, precision and versatility for most kitchen tasks.

Proper care helps preserve sharpness and extend the life of your Santoku knife.

Care tips:

• Hand-wash and dry immediately after use

• Use wooden or plastic cutting boards

• Store safely in a knife block or blade guard

• Sharpen regularly to ensure optimal performance

For long-term sharpness, learn more about proper sharpening techniques in our guide to sharpening your kitchen knife.