Carl Mertens Foreman 7″ Hollow Edge Santoku Knife
Best premium santoku for home cooks seeking ergonomic precision and craftsmanship.
Experience the exceptional Carl Mertens Foreman Santoku Knife, a masterpiece of German craftsmanship forged in Solingen. Each knife is meticulously handcrafted from a single piece of high-grade chromium molybdenum steel through 40-45 intricate steps, ensuring a substantial feel and superior quality. This award-winning design by Carsten Gollnick masterfully blends form and function. The ergonomic handle, crafted from oiled walnut, provides a comfortable and secure grip, while the full bolster enhances balance and stability for a truly premium kitchen experience.
$169.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
2767
/ 5007
#2767 in Kitchen Knives
Price vs Category Average
+27%
Above average
Blade Length
7.1
/ inches
Who it's for
- Home cooks prepping starchy vegetables or moist proteins
- Culinary enthusiasts valuing long-lasting German steel performance
- Busy chefs needing comfort during long prep sessions
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious shoppers looking for entry-level kitchen tools
- Casual users lacking specialized sharpening skills or equipment
- Traditionalists who prefer a deep rocking motion for chopping
Performance breakdown
Edge Retention
High-grade chromium molybdenum steel maintains a razor-sharp edge through heavy use.
Ergonomic Comfort
Oiled walnut handle offers a natural, secure grip for extended prep.
Balance and Stability
Full bolster design provides professional-grade weight distribution for precise cutting control.
Build Craftsmanship
Meticulous forty-step forging process ensures exceptional structural integrity and longevity.
Maintenance Ease
Requires hand washing and careful oiling to preserve the premium wood.
Cutting Versatility
Hollow edge geometry excels at preventing food from sticking during slicing.
Key Specs
Blade Length
7.1 inches
Handle Material
Oiled walnut
Blade Material
Chromium molybdenum steel (Stainless Steel)
Manufacturing Location
Solingen, Germany
Process Steps
40 to 45
UPC
4005457068111
Not dishwasher safe
Grind Type
Hollow Grind
Features
- Hand-forged for superior quality
- Ergonomic oiled walnut handle
- Excellent edge retention
- Award-winning design
- Full bolster for balance
- Made from high-grade steel
What customers say
The Carl Mertens Foreman Santoku knife earns high praise for its exceptional cutting performance and superior build quality. Users consistently note the razor sharp edge, which maintains its keenness over time, reflecting the quality of the German stainless steel. The knife offers perfect balance and an ergonomic handle, ensuring comfort during extended use. A key feature is the effective hollow edge, which prevents food from sticking, streamlining slicing tasks. While the initial investment is significant, customers agree that the flawless execution, reliability, and professional results justify the premium price, viewing it as a durable, lifetime tool.
Know before you buy
The Santoku features a shorter, flatter blade with a hollow edge, which is specifically designed to prevent food from sticking while slicing. Its design excels at precise chopping, dicing, and mincing tasks.
Yes, because the handle is made of natural wood, it should be hand-washed and dried immediately. To keep the walnut in top condition, you should occasionally apply a food-safe wood oil to prevent it from drying out.
No, this knife is not dishwasher safe. The high heat and harsh detergents of a dishwasher can damage the wooden handle and dull the precision-forged blade.
The full bolster provides a seamless transition between the handle and the blade, which adds weight and balance to the knife. This helps reduce hand fatigue during extended prep sessions and provides a safer grip.
The chromium molybdenum steel is known for its excellent edge retention, meaning it will stay sharp longer than standard stainless steel. However, regular honing with a steel will help maintain its performance between professional sharpenings.
This knife is handcrafted in Solingen, Germany, a city world-renowned for its centuries-old tradition of high-quality blade forging.
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