Do you know how to hold a santoku knife? The Japanese word “santoku” means “three virtues”. It’s one of the most important knives in a Japanese kitchen, but even after years of practice, some people still find it difficult to use. In this blog, we have an article about best santoku knife that you might want to read about it.
The Santoku bōchō or Bunka bōchō is a general-purpose kitchen knife originating in Japan. Its blade is typically between 13 and 20 cm long, and has a flat edge and a sheepsfoot blade that curves down an angle approaching 60 degrees at the point.’
Wikipedia.org
What is Santoku Knife
Santoku knife is a type of knife used in Japan. Santoku knife is a versatile knife that can be used for cutting vegetables, meats, and fish. It has a curved blade and a slightly bent handle. The curved blade allows it to easily follow the curve of the vegetable or meat without having to twist the blade. Santoku knives are made from steel and have blades with a flat edge. We also have an article about what is santoku knife to know more deeper about this.
In the culinary world, Santoku translates as “three virtues” which is often used to define its three main uses: slicing, chopping, and mincing.
fnsharp.com
How To Hold A Santoku Knife?
Hold a santoku knife correctly will allow you to cut food efficiently.
- To hold a santoku knife properly, grip the knife firmly between your thumb and index finger.
- Make sure your other fingers rest on the side of the blade.
- You also need to keep your wrist straight when using the knife.
- When holding the knife like this, close your hand around the entire handle so that your knuckles press against the back of the knife.
This way you’ll protect yourself from getting any cuts if accidentally drop the knife.
Practice makes perfect!
You may think that since it takes more time to master the technique, you won’t be able to enjoy the benefits of using these knives. But once you get used to the proper technique, you should find that it improves the quality of your cooking. Also, it increases your confidence when preparing foods and helps prevent injuries.
Here are some tips:
- Hold the knife at an angle to the right side of your body
- Keep your fingers and palm parallel to the direction of the blade
- Your wrist must always stay straight
- Bend the top of your forearm towards the table
- Avoid putting pressure on your wrist and elbow
Benefits of santoku knife
A santoku knife offers many advantages. First, this knife gives consistent results. It doesn’t require much effort because the blade follows the curve of the food being sliced. Second, it’s easy to prepare dishes with a simple shape such as salads. Third, this knife is easier to sharpen than other types of knives. Fourth, it’s safe to use because of its rounded edges. And lastly, it’s inexpensive compared to other types of knives.
How to choose a good santoku knife
There are different kinds of santoku knives available in stores. However, not all knives are suitable for every purpose. Here are some things to consider before buying a new knife:
Blade Size
Different types of meat need varying sizes of blade. For example, steak requires a larger blade while chicken needs a smaller one. Generally speaking, the size of the blade determines the thickness of the slice. If you plan to start chopping ingredients, then a thin-bladed santoku is appropriate. On the other hand, if you’re going to chop meat into small pieces, then a thicker-bladed santuku is better.
Handle Material
Many santoku knife come with handles made from wood. Wood provides a non-slip surface for your hands. Moreover, wood is naturally antibacterial which prevents the growth of bacteria that cause infections. Although wooden handles provide safety features, they tend to break down over time. So, try to buy a santoku knife with a plastic or stainless steel handle. Plastic handles last longer and don’t become slippery when wet. Stainless steel is strong and durable; it can withstand high temperatures and scratches.
Shine
The shine of a santoku knife depends on how well it was maintained by the manufacturer. A dull knife won’t give you the required control when slicing food. Therefore, look for a knife that comes with a shiny finish. To maintain the shine of a knife, wipe it regularly with a damp cloth. Never wash a knife with soap or detergent. Doing so could damage the surface making it difficult for the knife to regain its shine.
Blade Shape
Some people prefer to use a santoku knife whose blade curves upwards while others prefer those that curve downward. However, make sure that the curve of the blade does not interfere with the movement of the food. In addition, the curve should be designed in such a way that it follows the curvature of the food.
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