Customer Reviews

J.A. Henckels Twin Five Star 7-Inch High Carbon Stainless-Steel Santoku Knife

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I have a set of Sabatier knives and bought this Henkel to augment that. I now rarely grab my Chef's knife (the former workhorse). This Santoku styled knife (which I believe is technically Japanese in style rather than Chinese) is do-everything, go-everywhere kind of knife. As I say, I use this knife almost exclusively now. It is a pleasure in the hand, well balanced, and easily moved about. The blade is damned sharp and has been easily kept so. Where this performer really shines is in chopping: the blade dances around the cutting board with minimal effort and maximum effect. If you are new to knives, you might consider getting just this and a couple of paring knives (and a bread knife, but for bread I usually go cheep and serated). If you have a complete set already, take this next step and discover a new dimension in cuttlery.

With over 26 years of practical experience in professional kitchens, as an Executive Chef, and Corporate Chef, I have used many knives. About four years ago I purchased this knife, and it instantly became my favorite. From its balance, to it's high quality edge holding Solingen German steel blade, I always find myself picking this little sweetie over my former favorite, Wusthof 8 inch Chef knife. Don't get me wrong I still love my Wusthof, but the santoku has become a part of my hand. If this knife lacks anything, it could be stamped from a thicker piece of steel, for more heft, but then it would no longer be a true Santoku. Two small calouses on my hand attest to how much I use this, my most valuable tool! Chef Eddie Ray Chapter

I'm head over heels for the Henckels 5-star line & this knife is perfect for speed chopping rough & bias cut veggies & meat for Asian. The weight & balance is great. I like to process all the ingredients in bulk on the weekend & then cook the indiviual meals fresh throughout the week. I never get fatigued using this knife for lengthly chopping sessions. The knife holds an edge very well like all high end Henckels. This knife is head & shoulders above other less expensive santoku knives I've used in feel & performance.

Back in college I sold cutlery by a company called Cutco, and still enjoy those knives; I thought there were unparalleled, but the henkels knives are far and away the best out there. While my cutco knives can be sent back for replacements, free, forever, they are nothing compared to the henkels (I own the full set of Henkels five star knives, and a few Wustof Culinar pieces). The henkels remain sharper longer. This knife is heavy yet easy to control; the handle is phenomenal. A beginning cook can learn to properly chop with this knife, as it is easy to keep your knuckles against the blade as you go. I am an experienced chef, and this knife makes me want to stand in the kitchen and chop everything in sight. This knife is like parabolic skis: when you learn to ski on straight skis and then make the jump to higher quality parabolics, there is no turning back - your technique is magically improved and you have more fun. It looks kind of big and cumbersome, but it really is not. Get yourself a good steel to sharpen after each use - a few swipes back and forth is all it needs to keep it like new. Go to a restaurant supply store and get yourself a big plastic cutting board. Wash it by hand, and by god keep it out of a messy cluttered drawer! You'll have this fantastic knife for the rest of your life with proper care.

I read the review from above and it helped me decide to purchase this knife. The knife is SOLID, much beefier and heavier than I expected. No need to worry about the blade flexing on you as you cut or chop or dice or cleaver. I have a Henkels set, but not the 5 star and I have to sharpen the knives more often than I expected, so far this knife has held a better edge. Forget the mezzaluna do it with the Santoku!

I purchased one for myself several months ago and loved how smoothly it sliced through both vegetables and meat. I gave this one to my sister after preparing pizza toppings with the dull chef's knife she had. The 7 inch is a good size - longer and I find I want to put my hand on the back of the blade to steady it rather than on the handle where it belongs. Definitely go for the full tang and heft of this knife made of high carbon stainless steel. It holds its edge and has good balance. Just remind the new user that this knife is a thin cleaver and not a chef's knife that requires a rocking motion. It's not a difficult transition.

I purchased this knife for my wife who, after using the first time, proclaimed the knife to be quite sharp and then show me the bandage on her finger. She has often told me how much she likes this knife's carving and slicing abilities as well as how it has reduced hand fatigue & labor when preping food(we have a catering business). Haven't had it long (a month or so) so I can't say how durable the edge will be over a long period of time but it's still just as sharp now as the day I gave it to her(bought more band-aids) and she uses it daily, several times a day with an Ironwood Gourmet Acacia Wood End Grain preping board.

I bought this knife for $.. from bed bath and beyond. At first I loved it. It handles well, and keeps a keen edge. I treated this knife as the pride of my collection, not letting it sit dirty for any longer than necesary. I didnt' eve leave it to dry, as I made shure to towel dry it every time. Not even in the dishwaher. All for nought.. It already has rust stains after a meer 3 months of ownership.

Do not like the 5 star handle. The Wusthof knife like this with Kullens blade and Grand Prix handle is a better selection.

For approximately six months I owned this knife. I used it everyday as it far outshined my other henkel chefs knife in balance, cutting efficiency and need for regular sharpening. Until a few weeks ago when I was peeling a clove of garlic with the knife. Lo and behold...I know have a two inch blade attached to the handle and five inches of steel sitting on the countertop. I am currently looking for other brands of this knife style as I was unhappy with the manufactures complete lack of response regarding my complaint.