





The Santoku is the other main multi-purpose knife in Japan, alongside the Gyuto. This is typically someone's first Japanese knife purchase unless they prefer slightly larger knives like the Gyuto/Chef.
Santoku typically range from ~165mm - ~180mm (6.5"-7"). Professionals tend to gravitate towards the longer lengths, and home users, those with smaller hands, or cramped kitchens tend to prefer the shorter lengths.
Santoku can have quite flat profiles (more edge contact with the board starting at the heel), with less belly, and a less pronounced tip vs. Gyuto/Chef knives, and are also generally taller for more of their length, giving them extended height. This profile shape allows Santoku to be slightly better geared toward chopping and push/pull cutting motions vs. the more forward rocking motion of a western Chef. The Santoku is sometimes colloquially called the Home Chef because its reduced length and less brittle tip vs. the Gyuto/Chef make it easier to use for the everyday user.
There is a variation on the Santoku profile with a clipped tip, called a Kiritsuke Santoku, although some people use the term Bunka (we use whichever term is used by the brand or craftsperson(s) when we label the knives). The tip is also known as a "K-tip", "diamond tip", "reverse tanto tip", and "kiritsuke tip," none of which should be confused with the Kiritsuke knife which is single bevel and a different knife entirely. This pointed tip allows for more adeptness and precision at the tip when needed, but is more brittle.
If this is a gift for someone it is a safer bet to choose a standard profile of shorter length, in stainless steel.
HADO - Kirisame - White #1 Stainless Clad - Nashiji - Ko Bunka - 135mm - Scorched Oak Handle
1000313
Brand: HADO
Line: Kirisame
Made in: Sakai, Osaka - Japan
Smith: Yoshikazu Tanaka 田中
Sharpener: HADO
Profile: Ko Bunka
Edge Length: 128mm
Blade Height: 47mm
Edge Steel: Shirogami #1 (White #1)
Steel Type: Carbon
Construction: Awase (Clad), San Mai
Cladding: Soft Stainless
Finish: Nashiji (Textured)
Bevel: Double
Bevel Symmetry: 50/50
Hand Orientation: Ambidextrous
Handle Shape: Octagonal
Handle Material: Scorched Oak
Ferrule/Bolster Material: N/A
Spine Length: 144mm
Thickness of Spine at Handle: 3.2mm
Thickness ½ way: 1.9mm
Thickness ~1cm from Tip: 0.5mm
Handle Length: 135mm
Total Length: 271mm
Weight: 122g
Saya/Guard: Sold Separately
Please note: These pictures and measurements are examples. Individual items may differ slightly in appearance and measurements.
Care advisement: Carbon with Stainless Cladding
This blade has a stainless cladding around most of the knife except for the edge, which is fully carbon. Care must still be used to avoid rust especially on the carbon portion of the blade. Wipe dry after each use, and ideally between preparing different products, especially when using acidic and salty products. A patina will form over time on the carbon portion helping increase stain resistance slightly. Hand wash and dry only. Store away from liquids and open windows. Keep the blade covered when storing or traveling. Use only on appropriate cutting surfaces such as softer woods and plastics.
Hitohira - NM - Tsuchime - Santoku - 130mm - Red Pakka Handle
AAA-430B-01-CA130
Brand: Hitohira ひとひら (一片)
Line: NM
Made in: Echizen, Fukui - Japan
Profile: Santoku/Home Chef
Edge Length: 131mm
Blade Height: 37mm
Edge Steel: VG-1
Steel Type: Stainless
HRC: 61±1
Construction: Awase (Clad), San Mai
Cladding: Soft Stainless
Finish: Tsuchime (Hammered)
Bevel: Double
Bevel Symmetry: 50/50
Hand Orientation: Ambidextrous
Handle Shape: Western
Handle Material: Pakka
Ferrule/Bolster Material: Stainless Steel
Spine Length: 137mm
Thickness of Spine at Handle:
Thickness ½ way:
Thickness ~1cm from Tip:
Handle Length: 107mm
Total Length: 245mm
Weight: 102g
Saya/Guard: Sold Separately
Please note: These pictures and measurements are examples. Individual items may differ slightly in appearance and measurements.
Care advisement: Stainless
This blade is stainless steel. While it is resistant to stains and corrosion, “stain-less” does not mean “stain-proof.” Care must still be taken to keep the blade dry when not in use. Wipe dry after each use and ideally between preparing different products, especially when using acidic and salty products. Hand wash and dry only. Store away from liquids and open windows. Keep the blade covered when storing or traveling. Use only on appropriate cutting surfaces such as softer woods and plastic.
Hitohira - NM V10 - Damascus - 130mm Santoku - Pakka Handle
AAA-440-CA130
Brand: Hitohira ひとひら (一片)
Line: NM
Producing Area: Echizen-Fukui/ Japan
Profile: Santoku
Edge Length: 131mm
Edge Steel: VG10
Steel Type: Stainless, Damascus
Cladding: Stainless Damascus
Bevel: Double Bevel
Bevel Symmetry: 50:50
Hand Orientation: Ambidextrous
Handle: Pakka Western
Total Length: 245mm
Spine Length: 137mm
Handle Length: 108mm
Blade Height: 36mm
Thickness of Spine at Handle: 1.5mm
Thickness of Spine Half Way: 1.4mm
Thickness of Spine ~1cm from Tip: 1.0mm
Weight: 105g
Saya: Purchased Separately
Please Note: These pictures and measurements are examples. Individual knives may differ slightly in appearance and measurements.