What’s the difference between the chef’s knife and the santoku knife?

The traditional Western-style chef's knife and the Japanese-style Santoku knife are the two varieties of chef knives used as versatile kitchen equipment in the field of performance cutlery. Although the two chef knives serve comparable functions, they do differ in terms of everything from shape and design to cutting methods and styles. Read this guide if you're not familiar with these two kitchen knives.

What is a Chef's Knife?

The Western-style chef's knife, which is sometimes referred to as the most crucial kitchen equipment since it has so many applications, is an absolute must for expertly preparing meals.

The best way to hold a chef's knife is with a pinch grip, which entails placing your right (or left) index finger underneath the bolster and "pinching" the blade between the knuckle of your forefinger on one side and your thumb on the other while keeping the rest of your fingers securely tucked under the handle.

The chef's knife has many components that are utilized for various tasks. The sharp tip of the blade is ideal for fine tasks like scoring meat and removing fat, while the heavy-duty heel is terrific for slicing through huge slabs of meat and even bones, as well as dense fruits and vegetables like squash and melons.

Additionally, some cooks lightly crush things like garlic using the flat of the blade.You'll start cutting through all of your slicing, dicing, and mincing duties like a pro after you learn how to use different areas of the blade and acquire the skills necessary to create varied knife cuts.

What is a Santoku Knife?

Santoku, which means "three virtues" in the context of food, is frequently used to describe the three primary functions of this knife: slicing, chopping, and mincing. The primary cutting edge for slicing, the heel for vigorous chopping, and the tip for fine work are three separate portions of the blade that some cooks claim these three attributes relate to. Others go on to claim that it merely alludes to the tool's capacity to chop fish, veggies, and meat. Regardless of the translation you select, there are several cooking applications for the Santoku knife.

The Santoku knife is made differently from the chef's knife; it is lighter and smaller, with the blade's form being the most obvious distinction. The Santoku knife, which is between 6 and 7 inches long, contrasts the Western-style chef's knife's large belly and pointed tip with a shorter, broader blade with a "flatter" cutting edge and curved tip. 

The Santoku's flatter edge allows for more up-and-down chopping, which calls for raising the blade off the cutting board in between each cut.  The "Granton" or "scalloped" edge of the Santoku knife, which has indentations that provide tiny air pockets to get between the blade and your components to help prevent them from adhering between slices, is another distinctive characteristic of the knife.The Santoku knife is a go-to instrument for activities requiring the creation of absolutely uniform parts as a result of this attribute. The Santoku blade's breadth is particularly excellent for transferring and scooping up substances.

When to Use a Santoku vs. a Chef’s Knife

The chef's knife and the santoku are both useful kitchen tools that may be used for a variety of tasks, but there are certain advantages to utilizing one over the other.

The Japanese-style Santoku is ideal for fine, delicate slicing, but the Western-style chef's knife is often broader and heavier, making it the workhorse of the kitchen.The chef's knife is a must for cooking proteins since it has the length and weight to cut through huge slabs of meat and even bones, even if both are regarded as versatile instruments for slicing, dicing, and mincing fruits, vegetables, and herbs. While fish is frequently prepared using the Santoku,While the Santoku should be your go-to knife for recipes that demand delicately sliced and flawlessly uniform components, the chef's knife may also be the best option when slicing through large and/or dense items like melons, squashes, and other autumn vegetables.

Personal choice and chopping method can also play a role in deciding between the chef's knife and the Santoku.Because it is lighter, smaller, and more manageable, the Santoku may be preferred by those with tiny hands, whereas those with bigger hands may like the chef's knife owing to its weight.

In any case, each knife has a certain use in the kitchen, so having both in your collection of kitchen knives is advantageous.