Santoku or Kamagata

The Santoku is a compact Japanese all-purpose knife for meat, fish, and vegetables and is the most sought-after Japanese knife shape in German-speaking countries. Its focus is on straight cuts on a cutting board.

ISSHO TABERU deliberately does not offer a Santoku, but rather the Kamagata: a traditional all-purpose shape whose straight rear cutting edge works just as cleanly on the board, but whose distinctive, pointed tip also allows for fine trimming and detailing. The Kamagata thus covers more tasks and remains more precise at the tip.

On this page, you will find our Kamagata models as a Santoku alternative: rust-resistant in the Damascus line and the Carbon line, or with hard carbon steel in the other lines. The transition is easy; both shapes handle similarly.

Frequently asked questions about Santoku knives

What is a Santoku?

The Santoku is a compact Japanese all-purpose knife for meat, fish, and vegetables. Its focus is on straight cuts on the board; in German-speaking countries, it is the most sought-after Japanese knife shape.

Does ISSHO TABERU carry Santoku knives?

No, deliberately not. Instead of the Santoku, we offer the Kamagata, which covers the same all-round needs and can perform more tasks due to its more precise tip.

What is a Santoku knife used for?

A Santoku is an all-rounder for meat, fish, and vegetables, focusing on straight cuts. The Kamagata from ISSHO TABERU takes on precisely these tasks, with a straight cutting edge for clean cuts and a tip for fine trimming.

What is the difference between Santoku and Kamagata?

Both are compact all-rounders. The Santoku focuses on straight cuts on the board; its rounder tip is limited in this regard. The Kamagata has a straight back part of the blade plus a distinct, pointed tip: It covers more tasks and remains more precise at the tip.

Santoku or Kamagata, which one should I choose?

For those seeking a versatile all-around knife, the Kamagata is an excellent choice. It cuts cleanly on the board like a Santoku and is also suitable for precise trimming with its tip.

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