








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.
Hitohira - FJ - SG2 - Mirror Polished - Bunka - 180mm - Western Linen Micarta Handle
AAA-361-2-01-CB180
Brand: Hitohira ひとひら (一片)
Made in: Seki-Gifu/ Japan
Line: FJ SG2 Mirror
Profile: Bunka
Edge Length: 179mm
Blade Height: 47mm
Edge Steel: SG2 Powder Metal
Steel Type: Stainless
Grind: Convex
Construction: Awase Clad
Cladding: Stainless
Finish: Mirror
Bevel: Double
Bevel Symmetry: 50/50
Hand Orientation: Ambidextrous
Handle Shape: Western
Handle Material: Linen Micarta
Ferrule/Bolster Material: Stainless Steel
Total Length: 296mm
Spine Length: 173mm
Thickness of Spine at Handle: 1.8mm
Thickness ½ way: 1.8mm
Thickness ~1cm from Tip: 0.9mm
Handle Length: 120mm
Weight: 173g
Saya/Guard: Purchased Separately
Please note: These pictures and measurements are examples. Individual knives may differ slightly in appearance and measurements.
Ryusen - GURENHIRYU KAI - SPG STRIX - Nickel Damascus - Kiritsuke Santoku - 175mm - Poplar Handle
GH-107
Brand: Ryusen Hamono 株式会社 龍泉刃物
Line: GURENHIRYU KAI
Made in: Echizen, Fukui - Japan
Profile: Kiritsuke Santoku/Bunka
Edge Length: 175mm
Blade Height: 47mm
Edge Steel: SPG STRIX
Steel Type: Stainless
HRC: 65±
Construction: Awase (Clad), San Mai
Cladding: Soft Stainless
Finish: Damascus (Sekiso)
Bevel: Double
Bevel Symmetry: 50/50
Hand Orientation: Ambidextrous
Handle Shape: Octagonal
Handle Material: Stabilized Poplar Wood
Ferrule/Bolster Material: Stabilized Poplar Wood
Spine Length: 200mm
Thickness of Spine at Handle: 1.8mm
Thickness ½ way: 1.6mm
Thickness ~1cm from Tip: 0.6mm
Handle Length: 128mm
Total Length: 327mm
Weight: 138g
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.
Ryusen - Oukokuryu - SG2 - Damascus - Bunka - 175mm - Stabilized Poplar Handle
OK-203
Brand: Ryusen 株式会社 龍泉刃物
Made in: Echizen, Fukui - Japan
Line: Oukokuryu
Profile: Bunka
Edge Length: 175mm
Blade Height: 46mm
Edge Steel: SG2
Steel Type: Stainless
Construction: Awase (clad), San Mai
Cladding: Soft Stainless
Finish: Damascus (Sekiso)
Bevel: Double
Bevel Symmetry: 50/50
Hand Orientation: Ambidextrous
Handle Shape: Hybrid
Handle Material: Stabilized Poplar
Ferrule/Bolster Material: Stainless Steel
Spine Length: 181mm
Thickness of Spine at Handle: 2.8mm
Thickness ½ way: 1.8mm
Thickness ~1cm from Tip: .3mm
Handle Length: 130mm
Total Length: 313mm
Weight: 185g
Saya/Guard: Sold Separately
Please note: These pictures and measurements are examples. Individual items may differ slightly in appearance and measurements.
Sakai Kikumori - Seiun - VG10 - Damascus - Santoku - 180mm - Ebony Handle
SEI-600
Brand: Sakai Kikumori
Line: Seiun
Made in: Sakai - Japan
Smith: Satoshi Nakagawa
Profile: Santoku
Edge Length: 170mm
Blade Height: 48mm
Edge Steel: VG10
Steel Type: Stainless
Construction: Awase (clad)
Cladding: Soft stainless Damascus
Finish: Damascus (sekiso)
Bevel: Double
Bevel Symmetry: 50/50
Hand Orientation: Ambidextrous
Handle Shape: Octagonal
Handle Material: Ebony
Ferrule/Bolster Material: Buffalo Horn
Spine Length: 187mm
Thickness of Spine at Handle: 3.4mm
Thickness ½ way: 2.4mm
Thickness ~1cm from Tip: 1mm
Handle Length: 129mm
Total Length: 314mm
Weight: 175mm
Saya/Guard: Sold Separately
Please note: These pictures and measurements are examples. Individual items may differ slightly in appearance and measurements.