Suncraft Senzo Professional 6.5-inch (165mm) Santoku

A santoku is the Japanese all-purpose knife, and the Senzo Professional version puts that shape on an SG2 powdered steel core. The flatter edge and rounded tip favor straight-down chopping and forward push cuts, so it moves quickly through a head of cabbage or a boneless chicken breast.

At 6.5 inches, the blade is compact enough for a small kitchen and tall enough to keep your knuckles off the board. SG2 is a hard steel that holds a keen edge for a long time between sharpenings, which suits a cook who prepares meals every day. A mosaic pin in the black pakkawood handle and the welded stainless bolster give the knife a polished appearance, and the welded joint keeps water from working into the handle. It is a sensible first Japanese knife for a home cook and a dependable second knife for a professional.

Santoku or Bunka?

The Senzo Professional Bunka Knife has a pointed tip for fine work.