Robert Welch Professional Santoku Knife
The Robert Welch Professional Santoku Knife is a fully forged kitchen knife built for everyday use across a wide range of ingredients, from meat and fish to vegetables, herbs and more. The blade is manufactured from German DIN 1.4116 stainless steel and ice-hardened to Rockwell 57 - a hardness level suited to regular home and professional use, balancing edge retention with the ability to sharpen at home without specialist tools.
The santoku geometry, combined with a ground 15° edge angle, makes this an effective slicer, chopper and dicer. The scalloped blade reduces drag and helps prevent cut food from sticking to the side of the blade during use. Construction is fully forged with a full tang running through the handle - a build standard associated with durability and balance in the hand.
- Steel: German DIN 1.4116 stainless steel, ice-hardened to Rockwell 57
- Construction: Fully forged, full tang for strength and long-term durability
- Edge: 15° angle for sharp, precise cutting performance
- Blade feature: Scalloped edge reduces friction and prevents food sticking to the blade
- Handle: Ergonomic DuPont™ POM with a permanent RW steel insignia
- Weighting: Heavier and larger-handled than the Robert Welch Signature collection, designed for a more substantial feel in the hand
- Guarantee: Robert Welch lifetime guarantee included
- Available in: 12cm (4.5"), 14cm (5.5") and 17cm (7") blade lengths
The Professional range is intended for cooks who prefer a heavier, more substantial knife - whether working in a home or professional kitchen.
Please note: You must be aged 18 or over to purchase this product in the UK.
What Customers Ask About the Robert Welch Professional Santoku Knife
All three sizes share the same steel grade, construction and edge geometry - the difference is blade length and overall weight. The 12cm (133g) is more manoeuvrable and well suited to smaller prep tasks and ingredients. The 14cm (202g) is a mid-size option that works well as a daily workhorse for most kitchen tasks. The 17cm (221g) provides more blade length for larger ingredients and longer slicing strokes.
Rockwell hardness measures how resistant a steel is to deformation. Rockwell 57 sits in a range commonly used for professional kitchen knives - it holds an edge well for everyday use but remains soft enough to sharpen at home without specialist equipment. Harder steels (Rockwell 60 and above) hold an edge longer but can be more brittle and more difficult to maintain.
Both ranges use German DIN 1.4116 steel hardened to Rockwell 57. The Professional range features a larger, heavier handle and greater overall weight, designed for cooks who prefer a more substantial feel and balance in the hand. The Signature range is lighter and may suit those who prefer a more nimble knife.
POM (polyoxymethylene) is a dense, engineering-grade polymer produced by DuPont. It is hard-wearing and moisture-resistant, provides a firm, tactile grip, and does not absorb odours or harbour bacteria in the way some natural handle materials can. It is well suited to frequent washing and daily kitchen use.
A santoku has a flatter cutting edge and a sheepsfoot-style tip, making it well suited to a push-cut or tap-chop technique rather than the rocking motion typically associated with a European chef's knife. It is a capable all-rounder for slicing, chopping and dicing, and many cooks find it particularly effective for fine vegetable prep.
The scallops (sometimes called a granton or hollow-ground edge) create small air pockets between the blade and food as you cut. This reduces the suction that causes thin slices to stick to the blade, and is particularly useful when slicing soft foods such as tomatoes, cucumbers or cooked meats. It is a functional rather than purely decorative feature.
Specifications
Size Comparison
| Size | Blade Length | Overall Length | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12cm / 4.5" | 120mm | 232mm | 133g |
| 14cm / 5.5" | 140mm | 268mm | 202g |
| 17cm / 7" | 170mm | 298mm | 221g |
Why Buy From Art of Living?
Founded in Reigate in 1972, we've spent over five decades helping customers select quality cookware and kitchen equipment. We've been twice nominated for the Excellence in Housewares award for customer care.
Our Guarantees to You
- ✓ No Quibble Returns - Even Used Items
- ✓ Half-Price Accidental Damage Replacement (2 Years)
- ✓ Price Match Guarantee
Read our full guarantee policy →
Questions? Visit our contact page
Care & Use Instructions
Washing: This knife is dishwasher safe, but hand washing is recommended to prolong the life of the blade and handle. Dishwasher detergents and high-temperature cycles can accelerate wear on the edge and handle finish over time.
Sharpening: Robert Welch recommend using a good quality sharpener to maintain the blade edge. The 15° edge angle may require a sharpener compatible with that geometry - check your sharpening tool's instructions before use.
Storage: Store on a magnetic knife rack, in a knife block, or with a blade guard to protect the edge and prevent contact damage in a drawer.
Safety: Always cut away from the body on a stable cutting board. This product must not be sold to anyone under the age of 18 in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
Return it anyway. Our no quibble guarantee covers used items - if it doesn't do what you wanted, we'll refund you. This applies even after you've cooked with it.
Valid for 2 years from purchase date. If you accidentally damage this knife, we'll replace it at half price with proof of purchase and evidence of the damage. Photos of the damage are acceptable.
Yes. The Robert Welch Professional Santoku Knife comes with a Robert Welch lifetime guarantee. For full details of what is covered, refer to the documentation included with your knife or contact Robert Welch directly.
Standard delivery to mainland UK addresses can take up to 7 working days, but is usually 3-4, and is free for orders over £49. Next day delivery may be available for £9.95 on orders placed before 1pm Monday to Thursday, depending on your location and our stock levels. You can also collect from our shops in Cobham or Reigate, or our warehouse in Redhill.
If you're unsure which size the recipient would prefer, the 14cm (5.5") is the most versatile of the three and suits a wide range of everyday tasks. If you'd like personal advice, call us on 01737 222996 and we'll be happy to help.
No. It is a legal requirement in the UK that this product is only sold to customers aged 18 or over. Age verification may be required at checkout or on delivery.
Yes - we stock a selection of Robert Welch Professional knives. If you can't find what you're looking for on the site, contact us on 01737 222996 and we'll do our best to help.