Why do Santoku knives have dimples?

A santoku is defined by its shape—a blunted front and flat cutting edge—but it usually has another distinctive feature as well: a row of shallow dimples on the side of the blade. These depressions, called kullenschliff or a Granton edge, reduce friction and help prevent food from sticking to the blade.

Why do some knives have indentations?

A knife most simply has either a rectangular or wedge-shaped cross-section (saber grind vs. flat grind), but may also have indentations, whose purpose is to reduce adhesion of the food to the blade.

Why do some knives have ridges?

These grooves are known as “jimping” or “gimping” and are intended to provide additional grip and control when using the knife with the thumb along the spine. These grooves are known as “jimping” or “gimping” and are intended to provide additional grip and control when using the knife with the thumb along the spine.

What are Kullens on a knife?

The kullens are the semi-circular hollows on either side of the blade, reduce adhesion and ease the cutting and separation of meats, cheese and vegetables. The blade and handle are compatible in width and weight, resulting in a well-balanced knife.

What is the advantage of a Santoku knife?

The main advantage steep beveling provides is that the knife is extra sharp — often much sharper than western knives. The sharpness of a santoku knife allows for extremely fine slicing or chopping, which is critical in many Japanese dishes, especially sushi.

Are single bevel knives good?

A single bevel knife can benefit from a sharpening angle anywhere from 15 – 17 degrees. This produces a very fine or sharp edge, which is essential when cutting delicate fish, seafood, meat and vegetables. As there is only one bevel, these knives require less work to sharpen.

Do dimples on knives work?

These dimples are excellent when carving or working with large and moist foods as the air pockets reduce friction and allow the knife to pass through food cleanly, evenly and with minimized sticking to the blade.

Do scalloped knives work?

The scallops allow the blade to slide past the food without catching or bending it. This helps moist or clingy food to fall away from the blade. However, these ‘kullens’ do not have an effect on the sharpness of the blade, unlike Granton Edges.

What is the purpose of a Swedge on a knife?

Swedge (also spelled swage) – A tapered or beveled false edge (usually not fully sharpened) along the spine of the knife. It reduces the point thickness for improved piercing ability.

Why do knives have a notch?

On a pocketknife blade, the knife choil is the notch between the cutting edge and the blade tang and serves to notify you where to stop sharpening the blade. When you think knife choil and pocketknives, Case immediately comes to mind.

Can you sharpen Santoku knives?

In general, Santoku knives can be sharpened to an approximate angle of 10 – 15 degrees. Santoku knives are generally easier to sharpen as they do not have a bolster. The most effective way to sharpen a Santoku is to use a whetstone. Whetstone sharpening gives a greater (sharper) knife edge than other methods.

How long is a Santoku knife blade?

Most have a 6- or 7-inch blade, compared to the more common 8-inch length for many chef’s knives. If you’re looking to add a santoku knife to your collection, these are the best ones.

Are Santoku knives dishwasher safe?

This knife is dishwasher safe, although hand washing is recommended. Shorter than most santoku knives that are typically about 7 inches long, this is a great knife for folks with smaller hands, or simply for those who prefer a smaller blade. It’s also great as a substitute for a utility knife for everyday cutting.

What is the zelite Infinity Alpha-Royal series Santoku knife?

The Zelite Infinity Alpha-Royal Series Santoku Knife is a beautiful and highly touted tool. Blade length should not be based on the size of the cook’s hands, but instead on what the knife will be used for, the size of the food to be cut, and the size of the cutting surface, as well as the comfort of the user.

What is the Granton edge on a Santoku?

The Granton edge keeps food from sticking, for easier cutting and chopping. A good santoku at a budget price, this has a stamped blade with a Granton edge that prevents food from sticking to the blade and minimizes friction.