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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.
Blenheim Forge - Classic Range - Blue Super - 175mm Bunka - English Walnut Handle
WS3
Brand: Blenheim Forge
Made in: London, United Kingdom
Line: Classic Range
Profile: Santoku
Edge Length: 177mm
Blade Height: 52mm
Edge Steel: Super Blue
Steel Type: Carbon
Construction: Awase/Clad, San Mai
Cladding: Soft Iron
Finish: Kurouchi, Nashiji, Damascus, Forced Patina
Bevel: Double
Bevel Symmetry: 50:50
Hand Orientation: Ambidextrous
Handle Shape: Octagonal
Handle Material: English Walnut Handle
Ferrule/Bolster Material: Copper
Spine Length: 189mm
Thickness of Spine at Handle: 2.7mm
Thickness ½ way: 1.9mm
Thickness ~1cm from Tip: 1.6mm
Handle Length: 128mm
Total Length: 317mm
Weight: 173g
Saya/Guard: Sold Separately
Please note: These pictures and measurements are examples. Individual items may differ slightly in appearance and measurements.
Care advisement: This blade is fully carbon and care must be taken to avoid rust. Wipe dry after each use and ideally between preparing different products, especially when using acidic and salty products. A patina will form over time 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 soft woods and plastics.
Blenheim Forge - Stainless Clad Blue Super - 170mm Santoku - Fumed-Oak Handle
WSS1
Brand: Blenheim Forge
Made in: London, United Kingdom
Line: Stainless Clad
Profile: Santoku
Edge Length: 173mm
Blade Height: 55mm
Edge Steel: Super Blue
Steel Type: Carbon
Construction: Awase/Clad, San Mai
Cladding: Soft Stainless
Finish: Kurouchi, Forced Patina
Bevel: Double
Bevel Symmetry: 50:50
Hand Orientation: Ambidextrous
Handle Shape: Octagonal
Handle Material: Fumed-oak Handle
Ferrule/Bolster Material: Brass
Spine Length: 184mm
Thickness of Spine at Handle: 2.7mm
Thickness ½ way: 1.9mm
Thickness ~1cm from Tip: 1.1mm
Handle Length: 128mm
Total Length: 311mm
Weight: 166g
Saya/Guard: Sold Separately
Please note: These pictures and measurements are examples. Individual items may differ slightly in appearance and measurements.
Care advisement: This blade has a carbon core and care must be taken to avoid rust along the edge steel. Wipe dry after each use and ideally between preparing different products, especially when using acidic and salty products. A patina will form over time 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 soft woods and plastics.