Santoku means “three virtues,” and this knife was designed to excellently perform three common cutting needs in Japanese cooking: slicing, chopping and mincing. The blade is straight like a cleaver rather than slightly curved like a chef’s knife, its western equivalent. This straight edge means that the knife does not rock back and forth like a chef’s knife; rather the cutting motion is more up and down. The indentations on the sides of the blade create pockets of air that reduce friction when cutting. Its excellent balance stems from the proportional design of blade to handle, and the proportions of its width to weight. The size is ideal for smaller hands or smaller jobs.

This knife is made of high quality, high carbon Japanese stainless steel, which is stain and rust resistant. The fully forged full tang construction offers exceptional weight and balance. Heat-treated and ice-hardened steel creates a strong durable blade that holds a sharp edge longer. The smooth contoured handle is expertly crafted and shaped to provide a safe, comfortable grip. The full tang construction combined with a thick bolster on Anolon® Classic Cutlery ensures superior balance for precision and control.