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There are several significant differences.

First, the steel on the Santoku knife is generally both harder and thinner. This makes for a much sharper edge, but also one more prone to chipping. A Santoku knife is less suitable for chopping than a chef's knife.

Second, the edge of a Santoku knife is usually straighter, with less curve or belly than a chef's knife. This means there will be less rocking motion possible with the knife, and so the user's technique must be different to accomplish similar tasks.

The Santoku is a fine kitchen knife, but is engineered different from a typical chef's knife. One can accomplish nearly all of the same tasks with the two knives, but with different techniques. The Santoku is -generally- harder to sharpen, more prone to chipping, and harder for Western-trained chef's to use. Once the user makes the necessary adaptations, the Santoku will hold a sharper edge longer.

I've studiously avoided saying that one is better than the other, as I don't believe this to be the case. They require different techniques, and have slightly different geometries.

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Q: How is a santoku knife different from a chefs knife?
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You can purchase a Santoku Knife from a store called Bed Bath and Beyond. They have them in stock most of the time for prices ranging from $20 to hundreds of dollars. You can get specialty sets from the likes of celebrities such as Paula Deen as well. Visiting their website will show you their entire inventory of Santoku knives.


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What tools do chefs use?

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What are santoku knives for?

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How do you pronounce Santoku?

San-toe-koo