The Santoku knife is best known for being a shorter, lighter, and thinner knife than its traditional Western Chef's knife counterpart. Featuring a more hardened blade, many chefs fine that a Santoku knife when used properly will hold its edge longer. Curious about those scalloped edges? The scalloped edges of a Santoku knife is designed to create air pockets between the knife blade and the ingredient your slicing, making it easier to remove material from the blade.