Kikuichi WDT Series Warikomi Damascus Tsuchime 7.1-inch (180mm) Santoku

For push cuts and fine dicing, Kikuichi’s WDT santoku pairs a 7.1-inch (180mm) blade with the flat edge and rounded tip of the Japanese all-purpose shape. The hammered 17-layer damascus wraps a VG10 core, and Kikuichi says the tsuchime finish helps food release from the blade, a real help when slicing potatoes or zucchini.

Kikuichi describes the series as a knife that will shine both on the board and in the block. The Western-style birch handle suits a cook who wants a Japanese blade without switching to a wa handle, and the moderate length works well on a home cutting board. It is a good choice for a cook who chops straight down with no rocking motion, and who prepares mostly vegetables and boneless proteins, such as chicken thighs and pork loin.

A Vegetable Specialist

The WDT 6.7-inch (170mm) Nakiri is the vegetable specialist. A Kikuichi 180mm Universal Santoku Saya protects the edge.