Santoku or chef’s knife – this question comes up with almost every knife purchase. Both knives can cut meat, fish and vegetables. Both are useful in any kitchen. But they do it differently – and depending on how you cook, one of them will suit you considerably better.

The fundamental difference

The chef’s knife is the European all-purpose knife. It has a broad, slightly curved blade that allows the rocking motion – the blade tip stays on the board while the handle rocks up and down. Fast, efficient and intuitive for anyone who cooks in a European style.

The santoku comes from Japan and means “three virtues” – meat, fish, vegetables. It has a straight, tall blade without a curved belly. The preferred technique is the push cut: the knife is pressed straight down and pushed slightly forward. This produces more uniform, thinner slices – ideal for vegetables and fish.

The chef’s knife – European classic

The chef’s knife (20–25 cm) is the world’s best-selling kitchen knife – for good reason. The curved blade allows fast chopping and rocking, the width provides stability when cutting meat, and the length enables gliding cuts through large pieces.

The chef’s knife is ideal for you if you:

• Process a lot of meat and poultry
• Want to work quickly using a rocking motion
• Cut larger quantities in a short time
• Are looking for a single versatile knife

The santoku – Japanese alternative

The santoku (14–18 cm) is shorter and lighter than a chef’s knife – which makes it especially handy. The flat blade without a belly curve lies fully on the board and produces evenly thin slices with the push cut. Many cooks with smaller hands prefer the santoku because it feels more precise.

The santoku is ideal for you if you:

• Cut a lot of vegetables and fish
• Need uniform, thin slices
• Prefer a lighter, more compact knife
• Work with a push cut or want to learn it

Direct comparison

Our clear recommendation

Our tip for beginners

Santoku 16 cm · Olive Wood

Forged, sharp, light. Our best-selling knife – ideal for anyone still undecided.

89.90 €

To the santoku

For meat & volume cooking

Chef’s Knife 21 cm · Olive Wood

The workhorse of every kitchen. Forged, balanced, built for everything.

129.90 €

To the chef’s knife

Why not both? The perfect duo

Many cooks who start with a santoku later add a chef’s knife – and vice versa. Together they cover everything. Our 5-piece knife set includes both and is the most economical option:

🔋 The VOCUT 5-piece knife set