Tramontina Santoku Knife Review

If you read me regularly, you know that I have a fondness for Tramontina Cookware.  And, if you're into cookware, chances are you're also into quality knives.

My introduction to Santokuknives was with my purchase of a knife set by Sabatier Loire.  This $100 set of full tang knives included one 8" Santoku Blade.  Although it took me some time to adapt to the Santoku from the more familiar 8" Chef's knife, it soon became of a favorite of mine.

My problem with this particular knife by Sabatier was that although I liked its feel and function, it was a cheaply made Chinese import of relatively low quality steel.  It was forever in the need of resharpening.

I was convinced that I was going to have to spend major bucks for a high quality European blade in order to replace it.

But, a luck would have it, several months ago during a trip to Sam's Club I spotted a pair of Tramontina Santokuknives for something less than $20!  Ordinarily, I probably wouldn't have given them a second look.  But, by my experience I've come to appreciate that anything with the Tramontina name is worthy of a second look.

Who is Tramontina?
The name immediately brings Italy to mind and in fact that is where this company had its start, but early in the 20th century they emigrated to Brazil where they have over 10 manufacturing plants.

Tramontina is one of the world's largest manufacturers of restaurant and chef's quality cookware and cutlery. Check any chef's kitchen and you're likely to find their heavy-duty skillets (huge skillets) among other items. Until recently, their manufacture of pots and pans was largely done in China. But, early in 2006 they acquired the former manufacturing facilities of Mirro Corp. in Manitowoc, WI, where they produced over 18 million pots and pans in 2007.

Tramontina is the manufacturer of Sam's Club Tri-Ply Clad Cookware. Branded Member's Mark, this cookware has been a Consumer's Report Best Buy.  Recently, their Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Cookware was rated by Cook's Illustrated Magazine as the next best thing to All-Clad at about 25% of the AC price.

Like I said, if it says Tramontina, pay attention.

Tramontina Santoku Knife

The 7" Tramontina SantokuKnife combines the quality of stain-free high carbon chrome molybdenum steel, hot drop forged with the durability of nylon handles.  The feel and balance of these knives belie their modest cost.  Above all, similar to the much costlier European brands they remain sharp.  Instead of constantly grinding soft blades with a sharpener, the Tramontina Santoku knives seem only to be occasionally in need of a couple of swipes on my knife steel.

My Viewpoint

As a long time lover of the Tramontina brand I guess I shouldn't be surprised.  But at this ridiculous price, a pair of Tramontina Santoku Knives is almost too good to be true.  If you can find them, buy them.  I highly recommend this knife.

Rudi