[2025] Sakaitoku Knife Recommendations: Santoku and Gyuto Knife Lineup

My name is Okudaira, and I am the owner of Japan Knife TOKU.
We personally inspect and select knives made by artisans from all over the country, focusing on knives from our local area of ​​Sakai, Osaka, and deliver the finest selection of knives to you.
This time, we will introduce the differences between the Santoku and Gyuto (Chef's) knives recommended by Japan Knife TOKU.

 

##What are a Santoku knife and a Gyuto knife?

 

There are many different types of knives, but among them, the Santoku knife and Gyuto knife are probably the ones that most people are familiar with. They are typical knives that are widely used by everyone, from home use to professionals.

 

▶ Santoku knife

 This is an all-purpose knife that was created in Japan after the Meiji period.
It is called a Santoku knife because it can be used for three purposes: cutting meat, fish, and vegetables. It combines the advantages of a deba knife, a nakiri knife, and a gyuto knife.

 

▶ Gyuto knife

 This is a Western all-purpose knife. Also known as a chef's knife, it has a long blade and a sharp tip, making it well suited to the meat-eating culture of the West.

 

## Difference between Santoku knife and Gyuto knife

Comparison items	Santoku knife	GYuto knife
Origin	Japan	Western
Purpose	Meat, fish and vegetables	Meat, fish and vegetables
Blade length	150mm to 180mm is the mainstream	180mm to 240mm is the mainstream
shape	Wide and rounded at the tip	Slim and sharp cutting edge
Weight	Mostly relatively light	Slightly heavy
subject	For general households	Cooking enthusiast/chef
Price range	Most are between 10,000 yen and 20,000 yen.	Most are in the 10,000 to 30,000 yen range.

 

 

#### Who is a Santoku knife suitable for?

・People who are using knives for the first time
・People who mainly cook at home
・People who want to cook meat, fish, and vegetables with one knife

The Santoku knife is the most popular knife in Japanese households.
It is light and easy to handle, and is recommended for beginners, women, and the elderly.

 

#### Who is a Gyuto knife suitable for?

・People who often handle relatively large ingredients
・People who often need to shred or mince food
・Professionals and people who love cooking

Gyuto knives are easy to cut with the blade still on the cutting board,
It makes tasks like shredding cabbage and chopping onions easy.
Knives with a blade length of 210mm or more are suitable for those who have some experience in cooking.

 

## Japan Knife TOKU Recommendations: Lineup

Japan Knife TOKU carries a selection of Santoku and Gyuto knives.
We will guide you to the best one based on your needs, budget, appearance, etc.

 

### Recommended Japan Knife TOKU

Asuka

- The design is a subdued three-ply Damascus
・The handle is shaped like a chestnut, making it easy to hold and lightweight

Sakaitoku Knife | Santoku Knife Asuka 3-ply

 

Tanegashima's black-finished Santoku

・The black finish gives it a rugged look that's cool
- The blade is made with a steel called Shiroichi Steel, giving it excellent sharpness.

Sakaitoku Knife | Santoku Knife, Black finish, Shiroichi steel, Sakura pattern, Kagoshima, Tane knife

 

Takumi Yo

- Beautiful 69- layer Damascus pattern and cutting edge
・The 10- sided black handle fits comfortably in your hand

Sakaitoku Knife | Santoku Knife Yo/Takumi

 

### Recommended Gyuto Knives

Hammered Damascus Gyuto Knife

・The hammered patterns and Damascus pattern made with a chisel are beautiful.
- Moderate weight makes it easy to handle for long periods of time

Sakaitoku Knives | Chef's Knife Hammered Damascus VG10

 

Black Hammered Lacquer Handle Gyuto Knife

・The black hammered pattern is cool
・Japanese-style octagonal handle fits comfortably in your hand

Sakaitoku Knives | Chef's Knife, Black Hammered Molybdenum, Burnt Lacquer Handle

 

Tanegashima Japanese Gyuto Knife

・The 270mm blade length is ideal for chefs
・Ao-ni steel and rosewood handle for a premium finish

Sakaitoku Knives | Japanese Chef's Knife, Seed Knife, SUS Rosewood Handle

If you are having trouble choosing between a Santoku knife and a Gyuto knife, please feel free to contact us.
You can actually see the products in store, or order online.
Sakaitoku Knives will also provide you with careful support with resharpening your knives after purchase.

 

##Let's go to a knife store!

Japan Knife TOKU Shop is a knife specialty store that opened in Asakusa, Tokyo on April 5, 2025.
・Tobu Asakusa Station North Exit ( 1 minute walk )
・4 minutes walk from Asakusa Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line
Address: 6F NW Building Asakusa Station, 1-11-4 Hanakawado, Taito-ku, Tokyo

We are also accepting applications for sharpening courses and sharpening experiences.
If you are in the area, please come and visit us.

Access to Sakaitoku Asakusa Knife Store

 

##Please feel free to contact us!

We also welcome inquiries such as, "The knife has become dull" or "Can this knife be sharpened?"
For enquiries regarding sharpening, please click here
Inquiry about sharpening

 

Japan Knife TOKU also has channels on YouTube , Facebook and Instagram .

If you are unsure which knife to choose, please consult Sakaitoku Knives. We also post tips on how to choose and sharpen knives on social media and YouTube .

Japan Knife TOKU - YouTube
Japan Knife TOKU • Instagram