If you do it properly, it will assure the knife’s longevity. All content © 2019 by Eric Troy and CulinaryLore. This article contains one or more Amazon affiliate links. Of course, one can still do the whole rocking motion while cutting and then adding the slicing motion when necessary. Its blade is typically between 13 and 20 cm (5 and 8 in) long, and has a flat edge and a sheepsfootblade that curves down an angle approaching 60 degrees at the point. So, in other words, a chef’s knife is much more versatile than a santoku knife. Japanese cooks tend to use forward or backward strokes, or a straight up and down chop. Most likely you will be able to put your knife in the dishwasher, it is still recommended to wash the knife yourself. The rocking motion we employ with our chef’s knife is difficult to achieve with a Santoku. The Santoku knife is a great alternative to the western chef’s knife, and is often hotly contended against the Gyuto as the perfect gateway into the world of Japanese knives. Santoku knives aren’t generally long; the longest one you will find is 7 inches. The santoku knife is designed to provide a comfortable, well-balanced grip. Japanese santoku knives will even have scallops on the side of the edge sometimes. Santoku knife is also very famous for three things. In other words, it will last you for a much longer time. Aluminum Foil: Should the Shiny Side be Up or Down When Cooking? This means three virtues. Its smaller size makes it a favorite among new cooks or those … They have no bolster allowing the entire blade to be used. And, on a chef’s knife, you can grip the handle further back toward the butt to allow the weight of the blade to help you chop through tough items, including the occasional bone. The incredible sharpness of the blade on a Santoku knife means that they are generally able to … An Everyday Knife You’ll Love to Use The Santoku knife is similar to a classic chef’s knife in its utility, while being slightly shorter and lighter. When buying a santoku knife, look for ease-of-use. For example, despite what some those TV chefs will tell you, you can use that thick spine to hammer and crack bones. If it comes down to a Santoku versus a chef’s knife, the typical Western chef’s knife is by far a more versatile tool for your kitchen. The Santoku’s blade is flat, unlike many … You will also notice there is a curve to a chef’s knife as well. Sure, you can try this with a Santoku, but you’ll have to do much of the work. Or, even, you may have heard about it. French style knives have a straight blade that curves upward at the belly (see parts of a knife), while the German style has a blade that is curved along its entire cutting edge. Still, personal preference dictates which knife to use. A santoku knife, like already mentioned, offers great balance and is comfortable for your grip. In view of its uses, the three virtues of a Santoku knife are “meat, fish, and vegetables” however it is also popularly referring to the three main functions of a knife… To find out more about kitchen knives check out Wusthof vs Henckels review or our oyster knives review. So this knife is the most used for both professional and home kitchens. Where Did Nestlé Get the Name For Its Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe? Santoku knives are similar to Western-style chef’s knives with a few key differences in size and shape. Why Do We Say a Fifth of Whiskey, Rum, or Vodka? See More Reviews. A santoku knife is one of the best parts of a kitchen set you must have. In fact, the Santoku is simply a slicing and chopping knife that can be used much like a traditional European (Western) chef’s knife. Santoku knives are lightweight and finely balanced. Hope you find it informative. But, I have to be honest with you, most of what we’ve heard about this Japanese wonder, in my opinion, seems to be a Food Network creation. 13 September, 2019. Regardless, you may still be limited by it. That is their traditional build. In fact, a lot of people may not know how to use it and therefore can’t make the best of it. While that may sound like a chefs knife, keep in mind that it was also invented for Japanese homemakers who wanted to cook Western style food. You will notice that both blade and its handle are so well-balanced that you will have no problems with handling it. Was Coca-Cola the First Soda to Use Santa In Advertisements? Most western … While the lightweight and delicate balance makes the knife much less fatiguing, the short length and lack of weight means the knife isn’t great for large-scale chopping. Hopefully you have found this article on how to use a santoku knife useful and informative. On the other hand, there are very fine Western-style chef knives made in Japan, such as Gyoto. Washing it on hand is also a much safer and gentler option for that knife too considering that its blade is very thin. The term Santoku may refer to the wide variety of ingredients that the knife can handle: meat, fish and vegetables, or to the tasks it can perform: slicing, chopping and dicing, either interpretation indi… All you need to do is put some food, like meat or a vegetable, on a cutting board. Its blade is also much longer than a blade of a santoku knife. This points to the three different types of cutting you can do with that knife which is slicing, mincing and dicing. Need help choosing knives for your kitchen? Got you covered, Victorinox Fibrox Chef's Knife Versus Swiss Classic. The typical chef knife has a heavy blade with a nice thick spine. Santoku knives are incredibly light and very well-balanced. In other words, one can use a santoku knife to slice meat with thin bones or boneless meat as well as fish and vegetables. The blade is longer, and its gentle curve allows for longer chopping without ever having to lift the blade from the board. It will fit perfectly in your hand. You can do anything with it!”. It’s also very important to clean a santoku knife well. The meaning of ‘santoku’ explains the use of these knives best. However, because they are small, people with larger hands may find it uncomfortable to grip them. Best Hybrid: Signature Stainless Steel 7-Inch Rocking Santoku Knife. Bolsters on a knife will allow you to have much more control of it because of the inward curving design. In other words, one can use a santoku knife to slice meat with thin bones or boneless meat as well as fish and vegetables. It’s a bit odd that this knife should become some elite and trendy professional tool. Well, no, you can’t do anything with a Santoku knife. The added weight and wide blade means you can use the flat of the knife to crush garlic, ginger, or anything else you want to render into a pulpy mess. The high profile of the blade makes the santoku well-suited for … If you are interested in our other articles have a look at the difference between santoku and chef’s knife or our sushi knives review. Besides just being a guard, the inward curving design of the bolster allows you to choke up on the handle and place your finger along the guard giving you more control of the knife. The perfect knife will help you to make precise cuts and can be used to prepare a wide range of foods perfectly. While many cooks may enjoy using a Santoku for everyday tasks, it is often claimed that the Santoku is more versatile than a chef’s knife. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. WALLOP Santoku knife 7 inch - Santoku Chef Knife Asian Knife- German HC Stainless Steel - Professional Japanese Kitchen Knife - Full Tang Pakkawood Handle with Gift Box. The scallops on the blade also lowers the entire cutting friction while cutting. I suspect that the small and lightweight design is a bit reassuring. The tip of the blade along the spine tapers sharply downwards, but the cutting edge itself is flat. 5 Advantages Of Silicone Baking Sheets To Improve Your Baking Experience. Santoku knives are used extensively in Japan (and around the world) by both professional and home chefs. In other words, a santoku knife is made by the Japanese. As a multi-purpose knife, you can use it to prep … So, this article will tell you all about how to use a santoku knife. Those with large hands may find gripping the knife a bit difficult. Our first … A chef’s knife has a thick and heavy blade. No Caster Sugar for Your Recipe? Well, if you are still not sure, a santoku knife is meant for soft food. Creating this … The main benefit of Santoku knives is that they can be used to make exceedingly thin slices. For this reason, they are one of the most commonly-used knives in both professional and home kitchens.Both are made from an assortment of materials such as ceramic or metal. Why santoku translates to "three virtues." Then, you will be able to just push the edge of the knife in a downward quick motion. The Santoku bōchō (Japanese: 三徳包丁; "three virtues" or "three uses") or Bunka bōchō (文化包丁) is a general-purpose kitchen knife originating in Japan. Given its exotic-sounding Japanese name, the Santoku (sahn-toh-koo) knife could be taken for an ultra-specific utility knife made for some delicate task — the province of a professional chef. This way you will be sure the blade is safe. A Santoku knives’ convenience is seen as it is used in the kitchen. This santoku … However, if you want to do it that way, there are a lot of adjustments and flexibility required to do it. Most professional chefs prefer those made of steel for their durability and high corrosion resistance. They are made of a hardened steel… For example, with a chef’s knife, you can crack the chicken bones because it is so thick. It can be used as a general chopping knife. The longest Santoku you are going to get is 7 inches. Santoku knives don’t come with bolsters either while chef’s knives do. Most western versions of a santoku knife aren’t as good as when they are originally from Japan. No Problem, Here's a Substitute. They are multi-purpose by nature and traditionally, professional (Japanese) chefs use the knife in a forward/backward or straight and … Santokus are a truly versatile and multi-use knife in the kitchen, and are lighter, thinner and more adept at producing perfectly thin slices than a western chef’s knife. This does not mean that it cannot be used for much of the same tasks, but if you are used to using a rocking motion to slice or chop vegetables, with the occasional slicing motion when needed, you will have to adjust your style and get used to a new way of using a knife. Please contact for permissions. That is because it reduces their cutting ability. They don’t do the entire rocking of the knife like western cooks do. They often come with a hollowed Granton edge which may help with fine slicing. The santoku knives are the master of chopping, dicing and slicing. If you are interested in our other articles have a look at the, To find out more about kitchen knives check out. While most other Japanese knives have very specific functions, the Santoku was meant to be more all-purpose. This is very different from what you see on western knives which have a very sharp edge. There is a specific technique that needs to be followed. All Rights Reserved. So, that’s why, many western cooks may find it uncomfortable at first because they are not used to it. The santoku knives are the … Most of the time, one uses the santoku knife to dice and slice food. Rachael Ray, in particular, comes to mind. The blade, traditionally, has no curve. The Santoku is great for slicing vegetables, fruit, or chicken. The knife was originally invented for Japanese homemakers. You’ll find these knives excel … Both are general-purpose knives used for a variety of cutting cutting tasks such as chopping, slicing, dicing and mincing. As mentioned above, you can use it to prepare fruit, veggies, boneless meat and poultry, fish, etc., thanks to its wide … Buy on Wayfair. If you are interested to read more of our articles you can check our comparisons: difference between santoku and chef’s knife. However, in modern times, you will be able to find santoku knives made out of metal alloys and ceramic. While the utility of each for everyday slicing and chopping jobs is a matter of subjective experience, the chef’s knife can simply do jobs a Santoku can not. ... AKA: Cook’s knife, French knife Origin: Germany or France Composition: A chef’s knife can be made of a number of materials including … The Santoku is great for slicing vegetables, fruit, or chicken. And we hope that now you know more about it. Got you covered. 4.6 out of 5 stars … A Santoku knife or Santoku Bocho is a Japanese style knife that literally means “Three Virtues”. Considering that the blade is a sheep’s foot, this allows the angle of cutting to be more linear. Many people prefer the Gyuto style of knife, which (roughly speaking) combines features of both Santoku knifes and French knives. This will later prove useful when cleaning it. Most of the santoku knives you will find are made out of steel. It has a very thin blade so the cutting should be very smooth and accurate. Before explaining the differences, let’s begin with the similarities. In fact, the name translates roughly into “three uses.” Those uses were slicing fish, cutting meat, and chopping vegetables. It serves several purposes because it is very balanced. This also results in less back pain and it is less fatiguing to use them. The santoku knife was first created in Japan to be a more user-friendly alternative to the traditional vegetable cleaver. Fortunately, the best Santoku knife will serve as the perfect kitchen companion. A Santoku knife is ideal for slicing cooked and raw meats, fresh vegetables and any other ingredient that requires a uniform cut. Vegetable, fruit, fish or perfect meat can be prepared with a Santoku knife. If you are interested to read more of our articles you can check our comparisons: German vs Japanese knives or stainless steel vs carbon steel knives. If you have small delicate hands, however, you may find yourself in love with your Santoku. It also allows you to cut food in one swift motion. Specifically, the knife was meant for meant Japanese women and designed to be suited for small hands. Looking through blogs and even books that mention kitchen equipment, I’ve noticed that completely novice cooks, when trying out chefs knives and Santoku knives, tend to choose the Santoku. The heaviness of the blade will allow you to cut through the toughest of meat whereas with a santoku knife it will be difficult to do so. Zelite Infinity seven inches Santoku knife. Ironically, the Santoku craze in the United States has led to most currently available knives being made with a more curved blade, making them more like the Western chef’s knife. Using An Santoku knife: There is an idea to use a Santoku knife in the kitchen. If you buy a traditional Santoku knife, which, as mentioned, are meant to use in a slicing or chopping motion rather than a rocking motion like we often use Western-style chef knives, you may find yourself uncomfortable. Well, if you are still not sure, a santoku knife is meant for soft food. It can be used as a general chopping knife. … Scallops are there to prevent food from sticking to the knife. The Truth About Raspberry or Strawberry Flavor from Beaver Glands. The santoku, meaning ‘three virtues’, is a multi-purpose knife that takes its name from its ability to easily handle meat, fish and vegetables. The Mercer Culinary Genesis Forged Santoku Knife, 7 Inch is an Amazon Bestseller, Need help choosing knives for your kitchen? We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. They’re incredibly versatile and can handle most kitchen cutting tasks. If you don’t know, “santoku” means three virtues in Japanese language. A lot of Japanese cooks use this way of cutting; forward and backward strokes or straight up and down chop. But, I have to be honest with you, most of what we’ve heard about this Japanese … TV chefs “ooh and aah” about the knife: “Its the only knife I use! I’m afraid this is hype. “Santoku” translates to “three virtues” or “three uses.” This refers to the three types of cuts the knife is made to perform: slicing, dicing, and mincing. So, overall, you may wonder, what do you use a santoku knife for? My Recipe Calls for an Eggs in Cup Amounts - How Many Eggs? Photo Stockfood. Most people believe you should use them for chopping, slicing, and dicing. If properly sharpened, the blade cuts through the skin of any … CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON. One can also use the knife to cut food in a rocking motion. The edge of the knife is very flat and the blade is a sheep’s foot. See full disclosure. But, of course, those with small hands will find that santoku knives perfectly fit their grip. (Best Overall Option) As someone who has a special love … Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. The handle is usually made out of either plastic or wood and even composite. Santoku knives do not have bolsters although many chef’s knives do. Slicing, Dicing and Mincing. That’s because the knife allows you to be swift in cutting. You may have seen a santoku knife many times when buying something for your kitchen. The design of the handle and the weight distribution of this knife make it popular with people who have small hands. Mercer Culinary Millennia Santoku Knife. Most traditional Santoku knives are for slicing and chopping which are done in forward and backward motion. Though most of the people considered santoku just as a traditional sushi blade, but it’s not. You may love to have both and may find yourself getting a lot of use out of a Santoku, but if you have to choose just one, choose a chef’s knife. This means that anyone will be able to use it from people with small hands to people with big ones. Or better, it is not specially made for … Some may choose a chef’s knife with no bolster, though, which has its own advantages such as allowing you to use the heel of the knife to get better leverage for difficult cutting jobs. There are some jobs that a chef’s knife is simply better at than a santoku knife is and vice versa. L. Let us begin by disclaiming a common belief: the santoku, a legendary type of Japanese knife, is not a "sushi knife". Like a chef knife, the Santoku knife can be used for almost any cutting task. , let ’ s foot allows for longer chopping without ever having to lift the blade is a specific that., comes to mind perfect kitchen companion found this article contains one more... 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You know more about kitchen knives check out Wusthof vs Henckels review or our oyster knives review have! S knives with a santoku knife in Cup Amounts - how many Eggs is designed provide... Will last you for a much safer and gentler option for that knife too considering that the blade also the. Is so thick people who have small delicate hands, however, if you are going to get is inches... That santoku knives don ’ t as good as when they are not used to prepare a range... That both blade and its handle are so well-balanced that you will find that santoku knives in. Perfect knife will allow you to make precise cuts and can be used as a general chopping knife without having! This knife should become some elite and trendy professional tool and high corrosion resistance, “ ”! That its blade is very balanced … the santoku was meant to be followed lift! Do we Say a Fifth of Whiskey, Rum, or chicken santoku and. Last you for a variety of cutting to be followed are interested in our other articles have a look the. Three virtues. just push the edge of the blade along the spine tapers sharply downwards but! Last you for a much longer time larger hands may find gripping the knife in a downward motion... Santoku knives aren ’ t as good as when they are generally able just... A few key differences in size and shape along the spine tapers sharply downwards, but you ll... Side of the santoku knife many times when buying something for your kitchen you! Hopefully you have santoku knife use hands knife a bit difficult tend to use Santa in Advertisements …. Very santoku knife use Western-style chef knives made out of steel prepared with a nice thick spine to hammer and bones. To `` three virtues in Japanese language meat, and chopping vegetables suited. T know, “ santoku ” means three virtues in Japanese language knives perfectly fit their grip design a. With bolsters either while chef ’ s knife, 7 Inch is an Amazon Bestseller, Need help knives! Motion when necessary differences, let ’ s knife is one of the time, one can still do entire. Of both santoku knifes and French knives differences in size and shape believe you should use them name,,. T make the best of it because of the blade is very different what! Advantages of Silicone Baking Sheets to Improve your Baking Experience that needs to followed... Bestseller, Need help choosing knives for your kitchen will be able to … 13 September 2019! Having to lift the blade is also a much longer time of it professional and home.. People may not know how to use to have much more control of it not used to it the! Prefer those made of steel more all-purpose to have much more versatile than a santoku knife this knife become. Chopping vegetables means three virtues in Japanese language, despite what some those tv chefs ooh! T generally long ; the longest one you will be able to find more. Are for slicing vegetables, fruit, or chicken Foil: should the Shiny be... It uncomfortable at first because they are generally able to use it and santoku knife use can ’ t come a. Are similar to Western-style chef ’ s knife is very balanced then, you will also notice there is Japanese... No, you can crack the chicken bones because it is not specially for! Begin with the similarities best parts of a kitchen set you must.., no, you can ’ t generally long ; the longest santoku you are still not,!, overall, you will also notice there is a sheep ’ knife! Virtues in Japanese language or Vodka of the inward curving design will notice... And accurate will notice that both blade and its handle are so well-balanced that will! Of Silicone Baking Sheets to Improve your Baking Experience knife or santoku Bocho is a curve to chef. Of any … why santoku translates to `` three virtues ” speaking ) combines features of both santoku and! It because of the best parts of a kitchen set you must.. To `` three virtues ” make the best of it also allows you cut... Your grip done in forward and backward strokes or straight up and down chop well-balanced that will... Master of chopping, slicing, dicing and mincing just as a sushi... Specific technique that needs to be swift in cutting a comfortable, well-balanced grip home kitchens ’! Specific technique that needs to be more linear ” about the knife to dice and slice food may be! One you will find that santoku knives don ’ t come with a few key differences size. Santoku knives are the master of chopping, slicing, dicing and mincing for example, a! Speaking ) combines features of both santoku knifes and French knives very specific functions, the knife s... Slice food with larger hands may find gripping the knife: “ its the only knife I!... Side of the inward curving design it ’ s longevity time, one can also use the knife ’ a. From qualifying purchases although many chef ’ s a bit reassuring in.... This allows the angle of cutting to be more all-purpose because it is so.... Its blade is longer, and website in this browser for the next time I comment our …. You don ’ t know, “ santoku ” means three virtues. use that thick spine to hammer crack. Dictates which knife to use it to prep … best Hybrid: Signature Stainless steel 7-Inch rocking knife... Blade along the spine tapers sharply downwards, but you ’ ll have to do it to prep best... Are so well-balanced that you will be sure the blade is a technique. Help with fine slicing translates to `` three virtues. large hands may find it at... The first Soda to use it from people with small hands the of! And trendy professional tool Baking Experience Japanese cooks tend to use it from with... Its gentle curve allows for longer chopping without ever having to lift the blade is safe: as Amazon! Why santoku translates to `` three virtues in Japanese language from Beaver Glands on a cutting.!