








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.
Sakai Kikumori - VG5 - 160mm Santoku - Western Handle
V5-616
Brand: Sakai Kikumori 堺菊守
Line: VG5
Profile: Santoku
Edge Length: 162mm
Blade Height: 45.5mm
Edge Steel: VG5
Steel Type: Stainless
Grind: Convex
Construction: Awase/Clad, San-Mai
Cladding: Soft Stainless
Finish: Kasumi, Tsuchime
Bevel: Double
Bevel Symmetry: 50/50
Hand Orientation: Ambidextrous
Handle Shape: Western
Handle Material: Black Pakka
Ferrule/Bolster Material: Stainless Steel
Total Length: 285mm
Spine Length: 161mm
Thickness of Spine at Handle: 1.3mm
Thickness ½ way: 1.2mm
Thickness ~1cm from Tip: 0.8mm
Handle Length: 111mm
Weight: 95g
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.
Sakai Kikumori - VG5 - 190mm - Kiritsuke Santoku - Western Black Pakka Handle
V5-1600
Brand: Sakai Kikumori 堺菊守
Made in: Sakai, Osaka - Japan
Line: V5-SB
Profile: Kiritsuke Santoku
Edge Length: 190mm
Blade Height: 46mm
Edge Steel: VG5
Steel Type: Stainless
Construction: Awase/Clad
Cladding: Soft Stainless
Finish: Nashiji
Bevel: Double
Bevel Symmetry: 50:50
Hand Orientation: Ambidextrous
Handle: Western Black Pakka
Total Length: 325mm
Spine Length: 200mm
Thickness of Spine at Handle: 1.6mm
Thickness ½ way: 1.8mm
Thickness ~1cm from Tip: 1.1mm
Handle Length: 115mm
Weight: 181g
Saya/Guard: Sold Separately
Please Note: These pictures and measurements are examples. Your specific product may differ slightly in appearance and measurements.