Five-inch or seven-inch santoku?

[eminorsoul]

We are registering for a set of knives for our wedding. We have test-driven a whole bunch and have settled on Shun Premier. The chef's knife is really wonderful, I think, in style, comfort, and performance. We need two chopping knives in case there are a couple cooks working. Does anyone know whether a five-inch or a seven-inch santoku is preferable, or whether we should just get a second chef's knife? Thank you!

[chuckl]

For versatility, the 7 inch can sub for a chefs knife. I still use the messermeister elite 5 inch quite a bit though, the blade is very wide and good for chopping and scooping veggies

[Chemicalkinetics]

"We need two chopping knives in case there are a couple cooks working."

It is also a good idea for people who send knives out for sharpening. You can have one at home, while the other one being worked on.

"Does anyone know whether a five-inch or a seven-inch santoku is preferable"

Hmm, that is a personal question. Just like some people like a 8 inch Chef's knife and some like a 10 inch Chef's knife. What I will say is that most home cooks find the 7 inch Santoku to be better.

[Eiron]

For a 2nd cook in the kitchen, I'd agree with Chem that the 7" will be the better option.

[jkling17]

If you are both more comfortable with the 7", then I'd go with two of those. Amy's hands are really small - so in my case, she would use the 4" mini santoku while I use a 7" nakiri or santoku. But what would be the best for your other half?

[eminorsoul]

Thank you all. Neither of us has particularly small hands, so the seven-inch will be better, I think. I think we will go with the seven-inch santoku, based on your responses. I hadn't thought about sending it out for sharpening. That makes a lot of sense.

[sparky403]

I have the smaller shun Santoku - I love it but my knuckles it the cutting board. I don't have very large hands for a man. If I had to do it again I would definitely go with the larger knife. Also be sure to keep the knife very clean.