Are Santoku blades ambidextrous?
Been in the market for my first good knives - mostly want either a Chef's Knife or Santoku as well as a paring knife.
I'm left handed and unsure if Santoku blades will work just as well for me or not. I'm obviously not a pro but before I spend $60-$100 on a knife I'd like to make sure I'm buying something intelligent that will last. I've only ever used a Chef's Knife but the more I read the more I think a Santoku might be better for me.
Best Answer
Any knife that has a symetrical blade profile should be ambidexterous in use. Santoku and chef knives typically come with a symmetrical profile1, so you should be able to get a decent choice, whichever of the types you finally choose. Whether you chose a V-shaped or double-bevel, a hollow cut or a convex blade is ultimately up to you, your intended uses and your honing skills. Some knifes feature an asymmetrical edge, but as these are often intended for special uses and for left- or righthanded use (depending on the orientation of the sides), a good manufacturer should point this out.
If in doubt, either ask your sales person or simply look closely at the blade. Another option is laying the blade flat on the table (or on a wooden block, if the hilt gets in the way) and pressing along the cutting edge. The angle of the sharp edge will "lift" the spine. If it behaves the same way on both sides, you should be fine, whichever is your dominant hand.
And a big thanks to a ESultanik below who reminded me: Knife handles are not necessarily designed ambidexterously, even if the blade is. In fact, I suggest "trying on" every knife you are willing to spend more than a few dollars on - it should feel safe and comfortable and fit your hand size and grip well. A handle that doesn't fit your hand is uncomfortable at best, dangerous at worst.
1This forum discusses various styles, including pictures.
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Quick Answer about "Are Santoku blades ambidextrous?"
Western knives or double-edged knives such as Santoku or Gyuto can be used equally by right-handed or left-handed people. Single-edged Japanese chef knives have left-handed products in addition to regular right-handed products.Are Santoku knives double bevel?
A double bevel knife, such as the Santoku Ganjo, has many uses. Generally speaking, it can be used for a wide variety of tasks that to do not involve extremely intricate work such as cutting fish to make sushi or peeling long, unbroken pieces of thin vegetables.Is there such thing as left-handed knives?
Left-Handed Kitchen Knives If you or a loved one is a left-handed cook, do we have the cutlery for you! Rada Cutlery makes a wide array of knives that are sharpened on both sides of the blade, ensuring that left-handed users can get the same effortless, perfect cuts that right-handed cooks do.What is special about a Santoku knife?
Santoku knives or to give them their full name Santoku bocho knives, which translates as 'three uses', are ideal for mincing, dicing and slicing, as they feature a straight edge with a narrow sheep's foot blade. These knives have evolved from the traditional Japanese vegetable knife which has a rectangular blade.Is there a difference between left and right-handed knives?
Typically, because most people cut from the right side, the left side of the blade is flat while the right side is sharpened at a fairly steep angle. Most chef's knives are sharpened 50/50, or the same angle on both sides, but it's worth being on the lookout for knives where lefties need not apply.The Best Santoku Knives
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: HASAN ZAHRA, Tom Swinnen, Alireza Kaviani, Expect Best