Like a chef’s knife, the Japanese Santoku is a multipurpose knife used for just about every cutting job in the kitchen. The name means “three virtues.” and may refer to the three types of foods it works especially well with—vegetables, proteins, and fruit. Slightly shorter than the standard chef’s knife, a Santoku is very easy to maneuver—even in a smaller kitchen. There is just enough belly curve to enable rocking cuts, which enhances the knife’s versatility. This distinctive piece of kitchen cutlery performs beautifully and you will find that the new blonde Pakkawood handles fit your hand like a comfortable glove.