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Santoku Knives
Translated to mean “three virtues”, Santoku knives are effective all-purpose tools that vary in shape from the western chef knife but serve the same purpose in terms of their utilitarian functionality. The “three virtues” to which the word Santoku refers align with the three tasks of slicing, dicing, and mincing. Their shape is unique to other knives in that Santokus resemble truncated chef knives with altered tips and minimal camber. Unlike the blades of German knives that sweep upwards to meet the tip, the spines of Santokus are rounded downwards to meet the knife edge. Please note that the lack of camber interferes with a traditional rocking motion so Santokus are more often use in a chopping manner.
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Kyocera Innovation Black 5.5-inch Ceramic Santoku (ZK-140 BK)
At 5.5 inches, this is the smaller of the two Innovation Black santoku knives we carry, sized for preparing a few vegetables at a time with close control. The flat edge suits push cuts, so slicing scallions, dicing an onion and mincing parsley all happen with a straight down-and-forward stroke.Kyocera’s figures show this ceramic holding its sharpness twice as long as the company’s older Z206 material. The blade will not brown a cut apple or pick up a metallic taste from vinegar, and it cannot rust. Ceramic is also brittle, which is why Kyocera recommends steel for boning and frozen food.Customers ask us how to sharpen a ceramic santoku. A honing rod will not restore this edge, and Kyocera specifies diamond for the job. The Kyocera Diamond Wheel Sharpener is the home option. For a worn edge or a chipped tip, Kyocera sends owners to EVERSHARP, its authorized service provider (details on Kyocera’s sharpening service page).
5.5-Inch or 6-Inch Santoku?The Innovation Black 6-inch Chef’s Santoku gives a little more length for larger vegetables and a full cutting board. The same knife comes in the 4-Piece Set. With a white blade, it is the Innovation White 5.5-inch Santoku. Learn More$80.00 -
Kyocera Innovation Black 6-inch Ceramic Chef's Santoku (ZK-160 BK)
Kyocera calls this shape a chef’s santoku. It has the flat edge of a santoku and a 6-inch blade, enough length for chopping a head of broccoli or slicing a cucumber end to end on a full-size board.Kyocera lists chopping, slicing, dicing and mincing among its jobs, and the ceramic blade earns its keep on fruit and vegetables. It cannot rust and does not react with acidic ingredients. In Kyocera’s paper-cutting tests, Innovation blades lasted twice as long before dulling as the brand’s traditional ceramic. Since ceramic chips under twisting or impact, keep a steel knife nearby for bones, frozen food and hard cheese.Knife Merchant sells Kyocera as an authorized dealer, which customers ask about before buying. The answer affects coverage, since Kyocera’s limited warranty excludes knives sold by unauthorized dealers.
Chef’s Santoku or Chef’s Knife?The Innovation Black 7-inch Chef’s Knife adds an inch and a pointed tip. For a smaller hand or a short prep list, the 5.5-inch Innovation Black Santoku is easier to manage. It is also the larger of the two knives in the Innovation Black 2-Piece Ceramic Knife Set. Learn More
