I partnered with Zaku Knife for this Sabi Santoku Knife Review. As always, all opinions are my own.
Why Investing in Quality Kitchen Knives Truly Matters
When my husband and I were engaged, I was so excited to create our bridal registry at a local big box store. I carefully picked out items I thought we’d use for years, including a beautiful butcher block knife set. In my mind, that felt like the ultimate “grown-up kitchen” upgrade—and I was thrilled when we received it.
Unfortunately, the excitement didn’t last long.
Those knives were… not great. They were poor quality, awkward to handle, and dull far faster than I expected. Sure, they looked pretty sitting on my countertop, but when it came to actually cooking; they just didn’t cut it (pun fully intended). I quickly learned that a bulky knife set doesn’t automatically equal good knives—or an enjoyable cooking experience.
Over the years, my perspective completely changed. Now that we dairy farm and I homeschool, I’m in the kitchen preparing home-cooked meals almost every single day of the week. From chopping vegetables to slicing meat and prepping meals from scratch, my knives get serious daily use. I’ve learned firsthand that having the right tools makes cooking not only easier, but far more enjoyable. Investing in quality knives isn’t a luxury—I fully believe it’s a necessity.
Zaku Knife Sabi Santoku Review
One knife that truly stands out in my kitchen is the Sabi Santoku from the Santoku Collection. This knife embodies everything I wish I had known years ago when I was building that registry.
Discovering the Right Knife Makes All the Difference
A Santoku knife is a versatile Japanese kitchen knife, named for its “three virtues”: cutting meat, fish, and vegetables. Its shorter, straighter blade makes it ideal for precise chopping and clean slicing—perfect for everyday cooking and multitasking in a busy kitchen.
At 165mm, this knife hits the sweet spot for length. It’s long enough to handle most tasks with ease, yet compact enough to stay nimble and controlled, even during detailed prep work.
Zaku Knife Sabi Santoku: Built for Everyday Cooking
What truly sets the Sabi Santoku apart is the VG10 steel blade. VG10 steel is known for its excellent balance of edge retention and corrosion resistance, making it incredibly dependable for daily use. In a real-life kitchen (not a showroom), that means the blade stays sharp longer and doesn’t require constant maintenance—huge wins when you’re cooking day in and day out.
The Tsuchime (hammered) finish isn’t just for looks, though it is undeniably beautiful. Those visible hammer marks help reduce food from sticking to the blade, which makes slicing smoother and cleanup easier. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference to me, when I’m chopping vegetables or prepping multiple ingredients at once.
Comfortable, Balanced, and Easy to Use
Another standout feature is the Japanese-style handle. The lightweight structure and center of gravity positioned close to the blade make the knife incredibly easy to control. It feels natural in my hand, allowing for quick movements, delicate cuts, and smooth transitions between tasks.
The wood-based handle design fits comfortably and securely, even during longer prep sessions. Whether you’re a hobby cook or someone like me who’s cooking daily, comfort matters more than you might think.
A Smart Investment for Any Kitchen
Looking back, I wish I had skipped the flashy knife block and invested in just one or two high-quality knives from the start. A well-made Zaku Knife is practical, rust-resistant, and versatile enough to handle nearly every kitchen task.
If you cook regularly—whether for your family, for fun, or for both—quality knives are absolutely worth the investment. They make cooking safer, faster, and far more enjoyable. And unlike that old knife block I once loved, this is a tool that truly earns its place on the counter.
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I’m a city girl turned country by my awesome husband and we have three busy boys and two darling daughters. I love spending time with my family, reading Karen Kingsbury novels, and catching up with friends while our kiddos have play dates. I’m blessed beyond measure and can’t wait to see what God has in store.
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This post currently has one response.
What a gorgeous knife! I could definitely use a new go-to daily knife for chopping. Thanks for sharing!