The Best Santoku Knives of 2026

This seven-inch santoku knife from Wusthof is part of Reviewed’s top-ranked knife set. The heavy, stain-resistant blade is forged in Germany and comes with a limited lifetime warranty. It’s sharp, comfortable to hold, and easy to maneuver. Some cooks may find the handle pretty bulky, but it’s a quality knife you’ll enjoy for years to come.

Mercer Culinary’s santoku knife was part of our recent “Best Value” pick among knife sets. It’s a budget-friendly option that performs just as well as more expensive knives. It has great balance; it stays sharp for a good length of time. Unfortunately, it doesn’t include a blade guard, but it’s easy to see why these knives are so popular with culinary schools.

Said to be super sharp right out of the box, this Santoku knife also comes with a sharpening block and sheath so that you can keep it in great shape with ease. Inexpensive, this knife would be a great pick if you’re just getting into cooking or are looking for a low cost Santoku knife that’s well-balanced and easy to sharpen.

Customer reviews mention that they love using this knife to cut vegetables and that they were impressed with the craftsmanship of this knife.

This gorgeous santoku knife from Hast will make a fine addition to any kitchen. It’s lightweight, ergonomic, comfortable to use. And it’s made of a single solid material. Just note that the blade is a little bit narrow, and the black and gold variants are also coated in titanium, which can accumulate scratches. It’s usually available in matte silver, glossy, gold, and black.

Global’s seven-inch santoku knife is a Reviewed favorite, offering a super lightweight feel and a stunning look. It’s a little on the expensive side, so it makes a great wedding-registry item or gift, but it’s both comfortable to use and extremely sharp right out of the box. It’s unfortunately not suited for a rocking motion, however, so it might not replace your traditional chef’s knife.

Shun’s classic seven-inch santoku knife has a thin, ultra-sharp blade; it looks fantastic; it’s got a really comfortable handle. It’s also a pricey option, given that it’s handmade in Japan, and may require the occasional sharpening with regular use. But we think you’ll be thrilled with your investment.