15+ best Japanese santoku knife: Top-rated sharp, durable picks

Looking for the best Santoku knife means you’re looking for a blade that can truly keep up with your cooking flow. A great Santoku feels agile, steady, and instinctive, gliding through produce, proteins, and herbs with that light Japanese precision. In this guide, Kiichin brings together over 15+ Santoku picks trusted for their balance, edge retention, and everyday versatility, helping you choose a knife that makes every prep session smoother and more enjoyable.

1. Best Japanese Santoku Knife Under $50 for beginners

Affordable Santoku knives combine reliability, balance, and sharpness for those new to Japanese kitchen tools. These knives are lightweight, easy to handle, and perfect for practicing precision cutting techniques at home.  For those exploring Japanese vegetable knives, consider checking out our best Nakiri knife guide for complementary tools.

1. Muji Santoku Knife Silver 17.5cm
2. Nagao Santoku Knife VG-10 Steel 165mm
3. Pearl Metal Santoku Knife 165mm Serrated Blade No Sharpening 
4. Kai Corporation Multi-Purpose 165mm Santoku Knife 
5. Santoku Knife by Kai Corporation 150mm Stainless Steel Ultra

1.1 Muji Santoku Knife Silver 17.5cm

The Muji Santoku Knife is designed for simplicity and effectiveness. Its stainless steel blade provides clean cuts, and the ergonomic handle ensures comfortable use during prolonged chopping sessions. Ideal for home cooks exploring their first Japanese santoku knife, it combines minimalism with practicality.

Beginners will appreciate its balance and light weight, making it easy to control while prepping vegetables, fish, or meats. It ranks among top rated Santoku knife options for starter-friendly kitchens. It ranks among top rated Santoku knife options for starter-friendly kitchens. For detailed care tips, see our guide on how to clean a knife.

• Brand: Muji

• Blade material: Stainless Steel

• Blade type: Straight edge

• Blade finish: Polished

• Blade thickness: 2.5mm

• Total length: 28cm

• Handle material: Stainless steel

• Weight: 120g

• Price range: $25–35

1.2 Nagao Santoku Knife VG-10 Steel 165mm

Nagao’s VG-10 stainless steel Santoku knife combines sharpness with durability. Its ergonomic handle provides comfort during daily use, making it a top choice for beginners looking for a best Japanese Santoku knife at an affordable price. This knife pairs well with a Japanese fillet knife for versatile protein prep.

The knife excels at slicing vegetables, meats, and light proteins, ensuring consistent cuts without fatigue. Its sleek finish and edge retention make it a standout in top rated Santoku knife selections for home use.

• Brand: Nagao
• Blade material: VG-10 Stainless Steel
• Blade type: Straight edge
• Blade finish: Satin
• Blade thickness: 2.7mm
• Total length: 28.5cm
• Handle material: ABS resin
• Weight: 130g
• Price range: $40–50

1.3 Pearl Metal Santoku Knife 165mm Serrated Blade

Pearl Metal offers a serrated Santoku knife designed for effortless slicing of bread, tomatoes, and soft vegetables. Lightweight and balanced, this knife is ideal for beginner cooks who want versatility without complicated maintenance.

Its serrated edge reduces slipping and makes clean cuts easy, positioning it among top rated Santoku knife choices for entry-level users seeking reliable performance.

• Brand: Pearl Metal
• Blade material: Stainless Steel
• Blade type: Serrated
• Blade finish: Polished
• Blade thickness: 2.5mm
• Total length: 27cm
• Handle material: Plastic
• Weight: 125g
• Price range: $20–30

1.4 Kai Corporation Multi-Purpose 165mm Santoku Knife

The Kai Corporation Multi-Purpose Santoku knife offers versatility for everyday cooking. Its stainless steel blade maintains sharpness, and the ergonomic handle reduces hand strain during chopping, dicing, or mincing.

Ideal for beginners exploring Japanese santoku knife options, it performs reliably across vegetables, fish, and meats, and is recognized among top-rated Santoku knife models for its consistent quality.

• Brand: Kai Corporation
• Blade material: Stainless Steel
• Blade type: Straight edge
• Blade finish: Satin
• Blade thickness: 2.6mm
• Total length: 28cm
• Handle material: Plastic
• Weight: 135g
• Price range: $35–45

1.5 Kai Corporation Santoku Knife 150mm Stainless Steel Ultra

This Kai Santoku knife features a compact 150mm blade suitable for small kitchens or precise cutting tasks. The stainless steel construction offers durability and long-lasting sharpness, ideal for beginners seeking the best Japanese Santoku knife in a budget-friendly range.

Its lightweight build provides comfortable handling, allowing you to slice, chop, and dice vegetables or proteins with ease and consistency. This balance of control and simplicity makes it a dependable everyday knife for any home cook.

• Brand: Kai Corporation
• Blade material: Stainless Steel
• Blade type: Straight edge
• Blade finish: Polished
• Blade thickness: 2.4mm
• Total length: 27cm
• Handle material: Plastic
• Weight: 120g
• Price range: $30–40

2. Top-rated Japanese Santoku knife $50–$100 for professional uses

These Santoku knives provide a balance of affordability and professional-grade performance, making them perfect for culinary enthusiasts or semi-professional chefs.

1. Endo Shoji Tkg-Pro Santoku Knife 
2. Endo Shoji 24Cm Stainless Steel Santoku Kiritsuke Knife
3. Kai Corporation 165mm Santoku Knife Seki Magoroku
4. Kyocera 16cm Ceramic Santoku Knife Lightweight Sharp
5. Mac Santoku Knife 16cm Black

2.1 Endo Shoji Tkg-Pro Santoku Knife

Endo Shoji Tkg-Pro knives feature high-grade stainless steel with precision-forged blades. Their ergonomic wooden handles allow prolonged usage without fatigue, making them an excellent Japanese santoku knife for home chefs seeking professional results.

The blade offers excellent edge retention and smooth slicing performance, making it a top rated Santoku knife for various kitchen tasks, from vegetables to fish and meats.

• Brand: Endo Shoji
• Blade material: Stainless Steel
• Blade type: Straight edge
• Blade finish: Satin
• Blade thickness: 2.5mm
• Total length: 29cm
• Handle material: Wood
• Weight: 140g
• Price range: $55–65

2.2 Endo Shoji 24cm Stainless Steel Santoku Kiritsuke Knife

This Kiritsuke-style Santoku combines length and precision. The 24cm blade enables longer cuts and versatility, while its ergonomic handle ensures comfort. It is an ideal best Japanese Santoku knife for serious home chefs or semi-professional kitchens.

Its design emphasizes both performance and elegance, ranking it among top rated Santoku knife choices. With its sharp edge and balanced construction, this knife delivers consistent, professional-quality cuts every time, making it a reliable choice for any kitchen.

• Brand: Endo Shoji
• Blade material: Stainless Steel
• Blade type: Straight edge
• Blade finish: Polished
• Blade thickness: 2.6mm
• Total length: 34cm
• Handle material: Wood
• Weight: 160g
• Price range: $65–75

2.3 Kai Corporation 165mm Santoku Knife Seki Magoroku

Seki Magoroku knives by Kai combine centuries of Japanese craftsmanship with modern kitchen practicality. The 165mm stainless steel blade allows precise, smooth cuts, making it a Japanese santoku knife trusted in many professional and home kitchens.

Perfect for slicing vegetables, meat, and fish, its ergonomic handle reduces strain, positioning it as a top rated Santoku knife for long-term kitchen use. Its sharp edge, balanced weight, and comfortable grip ensure consistent, professional-quality results every tim

• Brand: Kai Corporation
• Blade material: Stainless Steel
• Blade type: Straight edge
• Blade finish: Satin
• Blade thickness: 2.5mm
• Total length: 28cm
• Handle material: Wood
• Weight: 135g
• Price range: $55–65

2.4 Kyocera 16cm Ceramic Santoku Knife

Kyocera ceramic Santoku knives offer lightweight precision and incredible sharpness. The 16cm blade is ideal for cutting vegetables and fruits, while its design ensures minimal wear and tear.

As a best Japanese Santoku knife, it combines functionality with modern technology, while its low weight reduces hand fatigue, making it perfect for consistent daily use. This knife stands out among top rated Santoku knife selections for home cooks and professionals seeking maintenance-free, durable cutting performance.

• Brand: Kyocera
• Blade material: Ceramic
• Blade type: Straight edge
• Blade finish: Smooth
• Blade thickness: 2.2mm
• Total length: 27cm
• Handle material: Plastic
• Weight: 95g
• Price range: $60–70

2.5 Mac Santoku Knife 16cm Black

Mac knives are renowned for their balance, sharpness, and durability. The 16cm black-coated Santoku provides clean, precise cuts while remaining easy to maintain, making it a Japanese santoku knife that is both practical and stylish for home chefs and professionals. 

Its ergonomic handle enhances comfort and safety during long prep sessions, allowing effortless slicing of vegetables, meat, and fish. With consistent performance, comfortable grip, and reliable construction, this knife is a top-rated Santoku knife suitable for everyday kitchen tasks and professional use.

• Brand: Mac
• Blade material: Stainless Steel
• Blade type: Straight edge
• Blade finish: Black-coated
• Blade thickness: 2.6mm
• Total length: 28cm
• Handle material: Resin
• Weight: 130g
• Price range: $70–80

3. Best Japanese Santoku knife over $100 (premium picks)

Premium Santoku knives combine superior materials, meticulous craftsmanship, and exceptional balance. These knives are designed for chefs, collectors, and enthusiasts who demand precision and longevity in the kitchen.

1. Jikko Nihonko Santoku Knife - Premium Japanese Carbon Steel Blade
2. 2-Pc Mitsubishi Nagomi Knife Set (Santoku Petty)
3. Misono Ux10 Santoku Knife
4. Binma Gresten Santoku Knife 17cm 816Tmm M Series
5. Sakai Takayuki Aoki #2 Forged Santoku Knife 170mm/6.7in

3.1 Jikko Nihonko Santoku Knife – Premium Japanese Carbon Steel Blade

The Jikko Nihonko Santoku Knife features a high-carbon steel blade forged for unmatched sharpness and durability. Its traditional Japanese profile ensures precise cuts on vegetables, meats, and delicate herbs, making it ideal for professional use.

Handcrafted by skilled artisans, this knife embodies the heritage of Japanese santoku knife craftsmanship. Its ergonomic handle reduces fatigue, while the thin blade allows for clean slicing, making it an excellent companion to Japanese vegetable knife or nakiri Japanese knife collections.

• Brand: Jikko Nihonko
• Blade material: Premium Japanese carbon steel
• Blade type: Santoku
• Blade finish: Polished
• Blade thickness: 2.5 mm
• Total length: 30 cm
• Handle material: Wood
• Weight: 180 g
• Price range: $120–150

3.2 2-Pc Mitsubishi Nagomi Knife Set (Santoku & Petty)

The Mitsubishi Nagomi Set includes a Santoku knife and a Petty knife, offering versatility for home or professional kitchens. The Santoku’s sharp VG-10 steel blade provides clean cuts for vegetables and meats, while the Petty is ideal for precise garnishing and small tasks.

Designed for longevity and performance, this set pairs beautifully with Japanese vegetable cleaver or best Japanese santoku knife collections. It is perfect for chefs who enjoy using multiple Japanese knives for different culinary needs.

• Brand: Mitsubishi
• Blade material: VG-10 stainless steel
• Blade type: Santoku & Petty
• Blade finish: Polished
• Blade thickness: 2.4 mm
• Total length: 29 cm (Santoku)
• Handle material: Resin
• Weight: 160 g
• Price range: $130–160

3.3 Misono UX10 Santoku Knife

The Misono UX10 is a professional-grade top-rated santoku knife favored by chefs worldwide. Its Japanese stainless steel blade combines edge retention and corrosion resistance, making it ideal for continuous kitchen use.

The ergonomic handle provides comfort during long prep sessions, and the blade’s thin, precise edge excels on Japanese vegetable knife tasks and delicate slicing. This Santoku is perfect for cooks looking for a premium knife that balances beauty and functionality.

• Brand: Misono
• Blade material: Japanese stainless steel
• Blade type: Santoku
• Blade finish: Polished
• Blade thickness: 2.3 mm
• Total length: 30 cm
• Handle material: Wood
• Weight: 170 g
• Price range: $180–200

3.4 Binma Gresten Santoku Knife 17cm 816Tmm M Series

Binma Gresten offers a Santoku knife with a versatile 17cm blade, designed for professional kitchens. Its ultra-sharp stainless steel edge makes slicing, dicing, and mincing vegetables effortless.

The knife is compatible with Japanese vegetable knife and nakiri Japanese knife techniques, providing precision and control. Its sturdy handle and balanced weight enhance cutting efficiency, making it a favorite among chefs and home enthusiasts alike.

• Brand: Binma Gresten
• Blade material: High-quality stainless steel
• Blade type: Santoku
• Blade finish: Polished
• Blade thickness: 2.4 mm
• Total length: 31 cm
• Handle material: Resin
• Weight: 165 g
• Price range: $150–180

3.5 Sakai Takayuki Aoki #2 Forged Santoku Knife 170mm/6.7in

The Sakai Takayuki Aoki #2 Santoku Knife is a premium forged knife combining traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern precision. The 170mm blade is ideal for chopping vegetables, slicing proteins, and precise garnishing.

Hand-forged and honed, this best Japanese santoku knife provides unparalleled sharpness and a long-lasting edge. Pair it with a Japanese vegetable cleaver or Japanese vegetable knife for a complete premium kitchen set. Its elegant design also makes it a collector’s favorite.

• Brand: Sakai Takayuki
• Blade material: Forged high-carbon stainless steel
• Blade type: Santoku
• Blade finish: Polished
• Blade thickness: 2.5 mm
• Total length: 31 cm
• Handle material: Wood
• Weight: 175 g
• Price range: $220–250

Choosing the best Santoku knife enhances your cooking experience, whether you’re preparing vegetables, meats, or herbs. From entry-level Japanese Santoku knives to high-end forged blades, each piece combines sharpness, balance, and longevity. Explore Kiichin’s curated selection of the best Japanese Santoku knives today and bring precision, artistry, and reliability to your kitchen.

FAQs – Frequently asked questions about Japanese Santoku knife