Gyuto or Santoku: Which Knife Should You Buy?　[2026]

In short:

If you’re not sure which to choose, we recommend a Santoku.
If you enjoy cooking or want a knife you’ll use for many years, a Gyuto (Chef’s Knife) is an excellent choice.

Of course, there are exceptions, but this is the recommendation we give to most of our customers.

Who Should Choose a Santoku?

• You mainly cook at home.
• You have a smaller kitchen or limited workspace.
• You’re buying your first kitchen knife.
• You want one knife for vegetables, meat, and fish.

The Santoku is the most popular all-purpose kitchen knife in Japanese households.

Who Should Choose a Gyuto (Chef’s Knife)?

• You often cut large vegetables or meat.
• You prefer a longer blade.
• You like using a push-cutting technique.
• You enjoy cooking.

Many people appreciate the advantages of a Gyuto even more as they gain cooking experience.

A Question We Hear Every Day

“Is a Santoku better for women?”

Not necessarily.

We recommend choosing a knife based on what you cook, rather than the size of your hands.

In fact, many women choose a 210mm Gyuto because they find it comfortable and versatile.

What’s the Difference Between a Gyuto and a Santoku?

Blade Length

Santoku: Most commonly 165–180mm
Gyuto: Most commonly 210mm or longer

Cutting Style

A Gyuto’s longer blade makes it easier to use a push-cutting technique, keeping the tip of the knife on the cutting board while slicing. This technique works especially well for larger ingredients.

Best Uses

A Gyuto is ideal for cutting large vegetables such as cabbage and Chinese cabbage, as well as larger cuts of meat.

Japan vs. Overseas

In Japan, the Santoku is the standard all-purpose knife for home cooking.
In Europe and North America, the Chef’s Knife (Gyuto) is the most common choice.

Our Recommendation as a Specialty Knife Shop

At our shop in Asakusa, we receive questions about choosing between a Gyuto and a Santoku almost every day.
We help customers compare different knives in person and recommend the best one based on their cooking style and intended use.
The type of steel, the weight, and the shape and material of the handle all affect how comfortable a knife feels.
Many customers are surprised after holding both knives:
“The Gyuto feels much easier to use than I expected.”
or
“The Santoku fits my hand perfectly.”

Summary

• Choose a Santoku if you’re buying your first knife.
• Choose a Gyuto if you enjoy cooking.
• If you’re unsure, visit a specialty knife shop and compare them in person.

Finally

At Japan Knife TOKU in Asakusa, Tokyo, we offer a carefully selected range of Japanese kitchen knives, including handcrafted Sakai knives, for both home cooks and professional chefs.
You’re welcome to visit our shop and compare different knives in person. We also provide advice for customers shopping online.
We also explain the differences between Gyuto and Santoku in our Instagram Reels—be sure to check them out!

Instagram

If you have any questions, please feel free to visit our shop or contact us through our inquiry form.

 

Japan Knife TOKU Product Lineup

Gyuto Knives

Santoku Knives

 

Japan Knife TOKU – Asakusa

Japan Knife TOKU is a specialty knife shop located in Asakusa, Tokyo.
We offer a wide selection of Japanese kitchen knives, with a focus on handcrafted knives from Sakai, Osaka, for both home cooks and professional chefs.
In addition to knife sales, we also provide knife sharpening services, sharpening classes, and hands-on sharpening experiences.