Short answerBuy a gyuto if you cut a lot of meat or have a large cutting board, and a santoku if you mostly chop vegetables on a small board. The gyuto is longer (about 8 in); the santoku is shorter (about 7 in) and taller.
Global's G-2 gyuto has a 20 cm blade and weighs 170 g. Its G-46 santoku has an 18 cm blade and weighs 175 g, so the santoku is shorter but not lighter, because the blade is taller (5 cm vs 4.5 cm).
Tojiro's VG10 series follows the same pattern: the F-808 gyuto is 210 mm and the F-503 santoku is 170 mm.
| Model | Type | Blade length | Weight | Blade steel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Global G-2Check price on Amazon | Chef's knife (gyuto) | 7.9 in | 6 oz | Molybdenum-vanadium stainless |
| Global G-46Check price on Amazon | Santoku | 7.1 in | 6.2 oz | Molybdenum-vanadium stainless |
| Tojiro F-808Check price on Amazon | Chef's knife (gyuto) | 8.3 in | — | VG10 core, 13-chrome stainless cladding |
| Tojiro F-503Check price on Amazon | Santoku | 6.7 in | — | VG10 core, 13-chrome stainless cladding |
Scroll the table sideways. Figures are from official maker specs (check dates are on each product page).
Global's classic 20 cm (about 8 in) chef's knife with the dimpled stainless handle. At 170 g it is light for its length.
Good forYou want a light, low-maintenance all-steel knife. You are left-handed (the maker says the edge suits either hand).
Watch outYou prefer a heavier knife or a wooden handle.
Global's 18 cm santoku. Shorter and taller than the G-2, with the same all-stainless build.
Good forYour cutting board is small. You mostly chop vegetables.
Watch outYou want to slice large roasts (a longer gyuto is easier).
Tojiro's long-selling VG10 gyuto, 210 mm (about 8.3 in). Outside Japan it is usually sold as the Tojiro DP; in Japan the series is now called Tojiro Classic.
Good forYou want a VG10 edge at a moderate price. You want a Western-style handle.
Watch outYou never sharpen (you would not get the benefit of the harder core).
The santoku version of the same VG10 series, 170 mm.
Good forYou want a compact VG10 all-rounder.
Watch outYou need a long blade for large cuts.
How we researched this We compiled the specs from official maker pages and Japanese-language manuals and spec sheets (checked 2026-10-25). We have not bought or tested every product ourselves. Makers update their listings, so please confirm on the official page before you buy.