Santoku and chef both are the most established kitchen knives available in the market. Though they both possess several benefits yet you may get confused about which one you should buy.
Moreover, they both contain some similarities and differences. Here in this article, we will evaluate an extensive comparison of Santoku knife vs Chef knife.
Short Comparison of Santoku Knives vs Chef Knives
| Santoku Knives | Chef’s Knives |
|---|---|
| Santoku knives encompass a straight and vertical blade. | Chef’s knives do not contain a flat or straight blade. They contain curved edges. |
| The edges of Santoku knives are made with multiple coatings of stainless steel. | The surface of Chef’s knives is made with only one layer. It does not contain multiple layers of steel. |
| The maximum size of Santoku knives is seven inches. | The maximum size of Chef’s knives is about 14 inches. |
| Santoku knives are extremely sharp. | Chef’s knives are less sharper than Santoku knives. |
| The length of the blade is shorter than Chef’s knives. | Chef’s knives contain a larger blade. Even the smallest knife has a bigger blade. |
Santoku Knives
Santoku Knives are made in Japan. They were generated in the 1940s and at that time the people of Japan utilized a wide variety of knives. Besides, the home chef used to buy different knives according to their necessities.
At that time, the Japanese were purchasing different blades for accomplishing different tasks. As a single blade could not perform one single task. Thus, the people of Japan needed different varieties of knives. However, after World War II, the people started using formal techniques to make knives.
After all, they preferred Santoku knives. Santoku knives can perform different tasks with a single blade. Moreover, the Santoku knives rapidly became popular among people. The characteristics of Santoku knives that made the people love to buy them are given below.
Characteristics of Santoku Knives
Santoku knives provide multiple benefits with their single blade. In other words, it contains one blade that can be used for all purposes. The best thing about santoku knives is that they are made with thinner blades. Plus, they contain sharp edges.
- All In One
Santoku knives made it easy for you to cut different dishes at once. You do not have to purchase different blades to fulfill your requirements. However, Santoku kitchen knives contain a blade that can work for different purposes. Thus, you can achieve all the tasks with this single-blade knife.
If you buy Santoku knives, you can easily cut the food in different shapes plus you can accomplish various tasks including cutting, chopping, and grinding.
- Thin Blades
All the Santoku knives possess thin blades. The think blades retain lightweight. Thus, the knives are easy to handle. The thin and light-weighted blades of Santoku knives make it easy for you to handle the knife. Also, the cutting procedure of the Santoku knives is simple.
Besides that, the Santoku knife contains hollow edges, that exist on the top of the blade. These hollow edges expand air pockets. This is how the food does not stick on the blade of the knife.
If you use a Santoku knife to cut food, be sure of getting neat slices as the hollow edges create air pockets for the food, thus the blade prevents the food from sticking.
- Various Varieties
Santoku knives are available in normal designs but there is a wide variety of styles are available. They contain different shapes, plus different edges styles.
Each shape gives you a different cutting style. Moreover, if you are looking for a knife that is made of different materials and provides you multiple benefits, then Santoku knives are best for you.
If we talk about the material of the knives, some of them are made of steel while the others are made of ceramic.
- Straight Edge
Santoku knives contain consecutive blades. They are straight to the edges. Though most of the blades contain straight edges yet some of them are like formal styles of chef’s knives.
All the chef’s knives have curved edges. Thus, some of the Santoku knives also contain curved edges but most of them have straight edges.
- Easy To Handle
Santoku knives possess different styles. They come in multiple designs of blades. However, the size of the blades is suitable. As the size is not very large thus, it is easy for you to handle the blade of santoku knives.
The smallest size of the Santoku knives is three inches. However, the normal size is seven inches and that is perfect to deal with a handle of the knife. Besides that, the biggest size of santoku knives is about nine inches.
- Extremely Sharp
If we talk about the sharpness of Santoku knives, they are sharper than chef’s knives. The blade of santoku knives is sharp enough to cut all kinds of food in minutes. Each angle of the santoku blade is 10 degrees strong and sharp.
However, each curve of the blade is 10 degrees sharpened than the usual blade.
- Single Bevel Edge
Santoku knives come with double and single types of edges. But mostly, they are available in single bevel edge.
The shape angle of the blade contains one ground. This makes the knife extra strong. The Santoku knives can deliver tiny pieces of food. Moreover, they can be used for both right and left-handed chefs.
After utilizing some techniques, you can skillfully cut the food into paper-thin slices.
- Multiple Functions
Santoku knives can be used for multiple purposes. They provide various functions. However, if you buy Santoku knives, you would not need to buy any other knife as the Santoku knives are all purposes thus, they can be used for all goals.
Besides, the best benefit of Santoku knives is that they contain thin and sharp blades. Also, they have hollow edges. Hence, they are good for soft and lighter food.
- Suitable Price
Santoku knives have a suitable price that everybody can afford. Moreover, they come at different prices according to their style and quality.
Though each brand, style, and design of knives possess different prices still the Santoku knives are eligible for everybody.
Chef’s Knives
Chefs that are known as cooks are popular for their professional cooking styles, thus chef’s knives are also concerned with skillful results. They fulfill different chores perfectly and provide you professional results.
However, if we talk about its manufacturing process, they were produced some years ago. They were manufactured in Germany, France, Japan, and in different towns of Seki city. Moreover, they are being used all over the world now. People love to buy Chef’s knives as they provide extraordinary results.
The basic reason behind its popularity is the qualities they possess. However, if you are thinking about buying a Chef’s knife, you should first look at the benefits they provide.
Characteristics of Chef Knives
Chef’s knives are now being supposed as one of the most popular kitchen knives in the World. They provide different advantages that can be helpful to you for everyday chores. Though they provide several advantages but the best quality of chef’s knives is that they are extremely versatile.
- Extremely Versatile
Chef’s knives are incredibly versatile. They are being considered universe because of their multiple advantages. They can fulfill every task competently. Not just mincing but you can also achieve many other tasks as well. They are best for slicing. Besides that, you can use Chef’s knives for dicing and chopping.
Moreover, they can be used for cutting any hard food. The best thing about Chef’s knives is that they can even break the bones. If you want a knife that can cut anything that you think of, then buying Chef’s knife would be the best option for you. They can perform any task with satisfaction.
- Incredible Blade
The incredible blade of Chef’s knives can accomplish different tasks. All you need to do is change its position. As each part of the blade perform a different function. Moreover, all the Chef’s knives contain full-figured blades. They contain a curve at the tip of the blade.
Here are some functions that you can have after shifting the portion of the blade.
Front Of Blade
Using this part, you can cut all the small things like onions, potatoes, and other minor vegetables. The front part of the Chef’s blade is popular for its small and neat cutting jobs.
Middle Blade Uses
The middle part of the blade can be used to chop two types of food. Using the middle part of the blade, u can slice the soft foods in an extremely elegant way.
Besides that, you can cut the firm food as well. You can use this part to slice the vegetables and many other soft and firm foods.
Benefits Of Blade Heel
The heel of the blade is ideal for slashing the firm food. The heel part usually exists at the starting point of the knife.
You can cut all kinds of firm food like butternut, watermelons, and pineapple.
Uses Of Spine
In case, you want to break the bones or any other hard part then use the spine of the blade. It is perfect for bones.
Besides that, the spine can also be used for shells of fishes.
Surface Of The Blade
The surface of the blade can attain different procedures. You can use the surface of the blade to function as a ladle for sliced food. Also, you can use the surface to provide a form to your meat.
- Curved Edge
The curved edges of the Chef’s knives are sharp enough to cut all the foods. However, maximum Chef knives do not include a hollow edge. But they contain sharply curved edges. A rocking motion is degreased in the Chef’s knives due to their curvy edge. The curved edges of Chef knives stimulate a rocking movement. The rocking motion of the curved edges is recognized as rock chop.
- Larger In Size
Like Santoku, Chef’s knives are also available in different styles and sizes. However, the Chef knives are larger as they contain a large size blade plus the larger holder.
The maximum size of the Chef blade is better than the santoku’s blades. The size begins from 4 inches. If you want to buy a larger knife, you can buy a Chef knife as it is an available larger size. They come with more than 15 inches long blades. This makes it easier for you to handle the knife in your hands.
- Sharp Edge
One of the features of Chef knives is their sharpness. The level of the Chef blades is about a 15-degree angle. However, the sharp edges of the Chef’s are suitable for those who want quick results.
- Double Bevel Edge
Chef’s knives have double bevel edges. The double bevel edge occurs when a V-shaped bottom is accessible on both walls of the edge. Thus, the edge of the blade becomes sharpen from both sides.
The Chef’s knives are best for the people who use to perform everyday chores. You can buy a double bevel Chef knife for daily household chores.
Besides, they are best for thick food. The heavy or large food items that may not be chopped with a typical knife, can be easily sliced with a double bevel Chef’s knife. Moreover, both left and right-handed people can hold and use the knife. It is comfortable to carry and to use due to its double bevel edge.
- Suitable For Bulky Food
Though Chef’s knives can be used for all purposes they are best for bulky food. Santoku or other knives may not cut the bulky food or hard food items but Chef’s knives can chop any kind of hard and soft food.
Bulky food like coconut, pineapple, and root vegetables. Moreover, they can be used for meat and bones as well.
- Valuable
Chef’s knives are beneficial. You get different advantages in just one product. Thus, the price of the product is suitable but it may be expensive for some people. However, if you are looking for a valuable product with several benefits, we recommend Chef’s knives as they possess multiple functions.
Top Santoku Knives
1. Mercer Culinary Santoku Knife
Key Features:
- Color: Black
- Style: Plain Edge
- Material: Delrin
- Brand: Mercer Culinary
- Material Of The Blade: High Carbon Steel
Mercer culinary Santoku knife is made of high carbon steel. It can accomplish various tasks. Moreover, the handle of the knife contains three padlocks. The substance used to make the handle of the knife is Delrin.
The handle is made of high-quality material thus, it is comfortable to hold. Besides that, the handle’s edge has a rounded shape that allows you to have a strong grip on the knife.
The handle of the knife is covered with aroma. However, the length of the handle is wide enough to maintain the balance.
The method of washing the Mercer culinary Santoku knife is quite easy. You can keep the knife clean after scrubbing it with your hands. You do not require any detergent to keep it clean.
One of the best qualities of the knife is that it has discoloration ability. The flawless color of the knife never fades away. Also, the product is rust-resistant.
2. J.A HENCKELS INTERNATIONAL CLASSIC Santoku Knife
Key Features:
- Brand: HENCKELS
- Style: Asian Cutlery
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Color: Black
- Material Of The Blade: Carbon
J.A HENCKELS INTERNATIONAL CLASSIC Santoku Knife was manufactured in Spain. The knife is made of high-quality German stainless steel. It is constructed with blameless and pure material.
The blade of the knife is flawless. It contains no crease or coating on it. Thus, it is sensible and comfortable to use. Besides that, the handle of the knife is completely forged designed to make it more powerful.
Moreover, the blade is made of extremely high integrity substances. It just not provides you long-lasting effects but also maintains its sharpness. The knife is long-lasting plus the blade stays sharp for a long time. It contains the ingredients that boost the maintenance of the blade.
If we talk about the structure of the handle then it looks just like other traditional styled knives. It involves a formal handle with three rivets. The rivets provide balance and stability to the knife. Thus, the handle is easy and comfortable to behold.
The cleaning method of the knife is simple. You can clean it with a wet costume. Plus, I can be cleaned with water. You do not need to be concerned about scrubbing it as it is safe to wash.
The length of the knife is a maximum of 7 inches. If you buy this product, you would get many features in just one knife. You can use this knife for chopping vegetables, cutting meat, and for preparing fish. It works flawlessly for each task.
The hollow designed edge of the blade is outstanding. It is elegant and sharp. The sharpness of the edge is suitable for cutting the food into tiny slices. Thus, you can use this part of the knife for the excess tiny cuttings.
After all, the product comes with a long-lasting warranty. It is safe to use, plus it maintains the stability of the blade for a long time. However, you can use it for a lifetime and still it will not get rusted.
3. Damascus Santoku Knife
Key Features:
- Material: High Carbon Stainless Steel
- Brand: Nanfang Brothers
- Color: Professional Damascus Stainless Steel VG10
- Material Of The Handle: Wood
- Size: 7 Inches
The best thing about this product is that it provides flawlessly stabilized performance. The size of the knife is 7 inches and it can be utilized with both hands. People who use left hands can also buy this knife as it is comfortable enough to be carried with right and left hands.
The design of the blade is unique. It contains a cutting edge in the shape of a curvy angle. The curve on the tip of the tool helps to chop the heavy food items. It is sharper and stronger more than the other ordinary blades. It helps us to cut the food in less time. Thus, the knife is a time saver as well. It saves our time by chopping the food quickly and in a more efficient way.
The product is lightweight, comfortable to use. Some other knives that may contain a huge size and weight do not work properly. But this Damascus-style knife is easy to handle plus it is sufficient for all types of food. In other words, it can cut all kinds of food items.
The material used to make this knife is excess strong and sharp. The material used to make the product is super steel. The professional steel VG10 is popular among other knives. It is professional high-quality material. Plus, it contains more than 65 sheets of stainless steel. Perfect Damascus high carbon steel is utilized to make this incredible knife.
Moreover, the knife is whipped with space for the heat procedure. It contains vacuum heat treatment that prevents the harmful effects of heat and maintains the stability of the knife.
Besides, you can choose this product as a gift too. It comes with an attractive glance. All the Damascus knives are made with high-quality ingredients. These high-quality components provide them a natural, unique and elegant texture. The handle of the knife is also attractive. It is colored with long-lasting pigments.
The brand Nanfang brothers is a popular brand among others. It is struggling to make the products for the last 27 years. Thus, the brand has 27 years of knowledge about knives.
Whether you are a chef or a normal person, you can buy this product as it would be the best choice for you. As it is suitable for everybody thus, you can give it to your loved ones as a gift. However, not just the high quality but it can also come with attractive packaging. It comes with a beautiful bandaged gift box.
It can make a perfect gift on different occasions. You can give it to your mother on mother’s day. Plus, you can give it to your father as a gift. Besides that, the product comes with a lifetime warranty. Also, it includes a refund and exchange option.
The material used to make the knife is different from other knives, as it contains long-lasting sharpness. Also, if you buy this product, still does not satisfy you then you would have an option to return it within 30 days. Moreover, if you get any objections, the company tries to solve all the problems. They give explanations for every problem.
Top Chef’s Knives
1. Victorinox Fibrox Pro Chef’s Knife
Key Features:
- Brand: Victorinox
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Style: Chef’s Knife
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: 10×1.25 inches width and 0.75 inches length
The Fibrox pro chef’s knife is adequate for everybody. Whether you are a chef or a normal person, you can use this knife. It is perfect for home as well as for restaurants.
The stainless steel wrapped on the blade enables the knife to cut the food in minutes. It can even chop the meat and creatively break the bones. The product is designed to fulfill all the tasks. It can achieve all the kitchen tasks including chopping hard items like pineapple and coconut.
The high durability and powerful ingredients of the knife made it among the most popular knives. However, it can generate precise cuts such as tiny slices of the food items. The sharp edge of the blade can cut all food into small substances. Besides that, the handle of the knife is made with TPE for creating a strong grip on the knife. It prevents the hands from slipping on the knife.
As you know, when a knife is wet, it usually slips away from your hands. But the professional Fibrox pro chef’s knife is one of those knives that do not slip even when it is moist or wet. The knife is formulated in a structure that is suitable for everybody.
The cleaning method of the knife is easy. It stainless steel and dishwasher safe substances of the knife make it easy to wash. Plus, the knife comes with a longtime warranty. If you buy this knife, you would get long-lasting results.
2. Imarku Chef Knife
Key Features:
- Material: Carbon plus Stainless Steel
- Color: Brown and Silver
- Material Of The Handle: PakkaWood
- Style: Plain
- Brand: Imark
The product is long-lasting. It provides high-quality results for a lifetime. It is manufactured with good quality ingredients. The high carbon flawless steel exists for a long time and makes the product long-lasting.
The knife is much stronger than the other products. It contains a good amount of carbon that makes it different from other knives.
Moreover, the blade can be used for different numerous purposes. It can cut meat, chop vegetables, and can cut soft items as well as hard.
Besides that, it comes with a more strong edge. It is extra sharp and can cut all the food items professionally. Things that make the knife different from others include the power of HRC. It comes with HRC that imposes it among the stronger knives.
The Pakkawood handle of the knife is comfortable to hold. You can hold it for a long time still it would not cause any harm to your fingers. It is comfortable, strong, and safe.
The sharpness of the knife is long-lasting. It is sharper than the other knives thus, you need to be careful while using it. But the extra sharpness of the knife stays even after you utilize the knife for a long time. You can cut the heavy and hard meat, can remove the meat from the bones and these items cannot have a bad impact on the knife. The sharpness will stay longer.
After all, you can buy this product to get all the features in one knife. Moreover, the high quality and attractive features of the knife make it a perfect gift for your family members and friends.
Conclusion
Both Santoku and Chef knives can make your life easier by providing you all benefits. You can easily achieve all the chores with one knife. They both work for different tasks thus, buying both Santoku and Chef knives can be valuable for you.
However, if you keep a low budget and need to buy one of them, then I would recommend you an outstanding Chef’s knife that contains several characteristics. If we talk about Santoku Vs Chef, chef’s knives can provide you unlimited benefits plus they can fulfill everyday life requirements.
