What Is a Santoku Knife?
Sep 27, 2026
A Santoku is a compact Japanese all-purpose kitchen knife used for vegetables, boneless meat and fish. Modern Santoku knives are commonly double bevel and often around 165–180 mm for home use.
What does a Santoku look like?
It normally has a fairly tall blade, a less pronounced point than a Gyuto and an edge that is relatively flat through much of its length.
What is a Santoku good at?
Everyday chopping, push cutting and slicing of vegetables, herbs, boneless meat and fish. Its compact length makes it comfortable on smaller cutting boards.
What size is a Santoku?
Many home Santoku fall around 165–180 mm. Shorter examples feel agile; longer examples provide more reach.
What is a Santoku not for?
Heavy bones, frozen food, prying and twisting a fine edge sideways. It is an all-purpose slicer, not a bone cleaver.
Santoku or Gyuto?
Santoku is usually shorter and more compact. Gyuto is usually longer and more pointed. For the direct comparison, read Santoku vs Gyuto.
For the full guide to sizes, steel, care and technique, read the Santoku Knife Guide or browse Santoku Knives.
