Kyocera Innovation Black 5.5-inch Ceramic Santoku

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.