Wüsthof Classic 5-inch Hollow Edge Santoku

The Wüsthof Classic 5-inch hollow edge santoku is a compact Japanese-style knife for everyday vegetables. Its short, wide blade dices an onion and minces garlic, and the flat profile suits a straight up-and-down cut. It is also a good alternative to a utility knife; the blade is taller, which leaves more room between your hand and the board and makes chopping more comfortable.

A row of oval hollows along the blade traps a thin layer of air between steel and food, so slices of potato drop off the blade cleanly. Wüsthof grinds its santokus to a finer angle than its chef’s knives, which suits thin, precise slicing.

At 5 inches, it suits a compact cutting board and anyone who wants a second knife for quick jobs, and its short blade is easy to control as you build speed with knife skills. It is also a good knife to have on hand when children like to help in the kitchen. It also makes a good gift, since the size and shape are unusual enough that the recipient is unlikely to own one already. Rinse and dry it after cutting acidic foods such as tomatoes. For more length, the Classic 7-inch hollow edge santoku handles larger produce, and the Classic Ikon 5-inch santoku is the contoured-handle alternative. Our kitchen knife shapes guide explains how a santoku differs from a chef’s knife.